Update on Eastern WA winery that burned in massive fire
A Mattawa winery and tasting room at the heart of a massive fire Tuesday is a key player in Washington’s storied wine industry.
The fire broke out at Central Washington Wine Production Group and UpWest Wine Tasting Room, established by the late Richard “Dick” Shaw and his wife, Wendy, who played a starring role in developing the state’s $10 billion industry.
The extent and cause of the fire has not been disclosed. Employees evacuated safely with no injuries, said fire officials.
The facility reportedly had 4.5 million gallons of wine on hand when the blaze began.
“At this moment, we are still assessing the full extent of the damage and working closely with our insurance providers and emergency response teams to determine the impact on our operations and future production,” it said in a statement to the Tri-City Herald.
“While many details are still unfolding, our main focus right now is supporting our employees, ensuring everyone’s safety, and taking the necessary steps toward recovery.”
In a social media post, the wine group said it was grateful to employees who battled the fire until crews arrived, to emergency responders and expressed relief the facility was evacuated without injuries.
“Our hearts are heavy as we process what is happening,” it said, describing the fire as a “devastating situation.”
Storied history
The Shaws began in the industry in 1981, at the urging of Walter Clore, the father of Washington wine and namesake for Prosser’s Walter Clore Center. They spent the following decades establishing vineyards and winery facilities.
The couple were inducted into the Legends of Washington Wine Hall of Fame in 2018.
Dick Shaw passed away in 2023 at his Richland home at 84, after the fall harvest.
They began with 100 acres near Mattawa and grew to more than 3,000 acres at Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, Goose Gap, White Bluffs and Candy Mountain.
Their vineyards represented 5% of the state’s vines at the time, according to Herald archives.
On its website, Central Washington Wine Producers Group said it overhauled its bulk wine production approach in 2022.
It worked with sustainable vineyards, changed its winemaking techniques and took steps to improve the quality of irrigation water and compost at its vineyards.
Grant County Fire District No. 8 is leading the investigation into the fire. It could not be reached the day after the fire.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Grant County Fire District No. 3, Royal Slope Fire Rescue and Hanford Fire also responded to the fire.
This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 6:20 PM with the headline "Update on Eastern WA winery that burned in massive fire."