Prosser, Washington — Laboratory Behind Washington Wine

Washington wine owes part of its success to agricultural research in Prosser.

Irrigation had already transformed dry Yakima River country into orchards and fields when horticulturist Walter Clore joined Washington State College's experiment station there in 1937.

He and other researchers tested grape varieties across Washington conditions.

By the 1970s, hundreds of varieties had been evaluated.

The work helped demonstrate that premium European wine grapes could succeed commercially in parts of the state.

Growers responded.

Vineyards expanded, wineries followed and Prosser became one of Washington wine's important technical as well as tourist centers.

The city is also the Benton County seat and remains surrounded by broader agriculture.

Modern tasting rooms are the visible part.

A lot of the wine story started as paperwork, irrigation and experimental rows.