The Heat Wave

So far, this summer is turning out to be the hottest on record in the Walla Walla Valley. Here's a comparison of the years 2015, the previous warmest year, and 2011. The average temperatures from April 1 to July 28 was 66.21 degrees in 2015 and 66.23 degrees in 2021. The Growing Day Degree numbers are 1961 for 2015 and 2021 for 2021. Veraison has already begun in some vineyards and the harvest is expected to be earlier than in 2015. Highs in July have usually been over 100, but moderated by cool nights. Highs are expected to ease into the 'eighties from August 5 on, which should facilitate the steady maturation of the grapes.

Tim Donahue Departs from the Community College

At the end of June, Tim Donahue departed from his position as Director of Winemaking at Institute for Enology and Viticulture at the Walla Walla Community College. where he has been since 2010. He has started his own winemaking consulting business, Horse Thief Wine Solutions. Besides his experience at the Community College, Donahue has a degree in Oenology from the University of Adelaide in South Australia and a degree in business management from the University of North Colorado. His stated aim is to be "Just a guy helping other folks' wine dreams come true."

Sabrina Leuck Named Interim Director at WWCC Wine Program

With the departure of Tim Donahue, Sabrina Leuck takes over as Interim Director of the Institute for Enology and Viticulture. She has taught there since 2011. She is from Victoria, B.C. and has a BS degree in Enology and Viticulture from Cornell University.