March 20, 2024

RICHLAND, Wash. – Port of Benton is seeking a third-party operator for its Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser to maintain the day-to-day business of the facility above and beyond the port’s landlord role.

The request for proposals packet is available on the port’s website at portofbenton.com/business-with-us and is open until 11 a.m. Pacific on April 12, 2024. 

The port is primarily focused on maintaining the facility’s long-term viability and its programs by honoring the spirit and intent of private investment partners, the U.S. Economic Development Administration deed requirements and special conditions of the grant dollars specifically placed on the main Clore Center facility.

Those special conditions are in place through 2033 and ensure the facility and its programs are designed to serve as a catalyst to increase international and domestic demand for regional wine and food products through marketing support and industry education programs.

In addition to professional and community events that align with the use conditions, Washington State University (WSU) Tri-Cities will continue to utilize the facility as part of a facility use agreement with the port signed in August 2021. WSU offers its students vintner and hospitality program courses at the Clore Center, including a Wine Tasting Room Server in-person training certificate program.
Washington State Wine Commission will also be retaining its lease agreement with the port.

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About the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center
The Clore Center is a crop-to-cuisine educational destination driving industry innovation worldwide and celebrating the Columbia Valley’s storied wine and agriculture legacy. Through our work, we discover and train tomorrow’s industry leaders to honor the past, shape the present and inspire the future of agriculture in the Pacific Northwest.

About the Port of Benton
Port of Benton was established in 1958 and is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2024. The port is committed to developing locally grown businesses, recruiting industrial and commercial companies, maintaining multi-modal transportation networks, and collaborating with partners to create regional economic prosperit