WALLA WALLA: Longtime winery owner dies

Walla Walla The owner of one of Walla Walla’s oldest wineries, famous for its Cabernet Franc, has died.

Mike Paul, 58, was a pioneering vintner of Walla Walla and owner of Patrick M. Paul Winery.

He died Friday at home with his wife and partner Teresa by his side, said Elizabeth Martin-Calder, executive director of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance.

A memorial service is at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home in Walla Walla.

His boutique winery started with the first planting of Cabernet Franc in 1984, and went on to produce 350 cases of small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

He was the co-host of a monthly radio talk show, “On the Grapevine,” about the wine-making business. He also was the originating member of the Wine Alliance.

“Paul was an enthusiastic ambassador for wine — especially Walla Walla wine — and traveled the Pacific Northwest sharing his stories as a grower and winemaker,” said Martin-Calder.