On Monday, July 18th, one week after his passing, a memorial service was held for Duane Wollmuth, the late Executive Director of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance. It was held in the ballroom of the Marcus Whitman Hotel and nearly 400 attended to pay their respects, myself included. At guests entered, they picked up short pours of local wine. When the service began, after a few remarks by officiants, a toast was lifted to Duane. 

The service was officiated by the Reverend Robert McCoy and friends and associates delivered their memories of Duane. A video tribute was presented, showing Duane the Family Man, the Outdoors Man and the Wine Man. Memorial letters from his two daughters were read. The service was a fitting tribute to an extraordinary man.

Ron Williams Hired as Walla Walla Tourism Director

This week, it was announced that Ron Williams is taking over as Executive Director of Visit Walla Walla, the Valley's tourism ages, funded by the city's lodging tax. Ron is also Executive Director of Shakespeare Walla Walla and will be wrapping up this job over the next few weeks. He replaces Ron Peck, who left to take a similar position with the Port of Seattle. Williams brings to Visit Walla Walla a strong background in arts, wine and tourism, having been retail manager of Waterbrook Winery, managing director of the Gesa Power House Theatre, and CounterPoint Design & Development.