Community leaders in Yakima and Walla Walla are raising glasses to celebrate the increased number of visitors coming to sample local wines.

A study commissioned by state tourism officials showed that visitors spent a record $307 million in Yakima in 2006, up 9 percent over the previous year. Meanwhile, in Walla Walla, the report found, visitors spent a record $75.8 million in 2006, up about 5.5 percent from the previous all-time high in 2005.

The region should do more, says Allen Shoup, the former Chateau Ste. Michelle CEO who now leads Long Shadows Vintners in Walla Walla. In a speech to Tri-Cities business leaders, he said developing infrastructure - such as bed and breakfasts, boutique shops and restaurants - is a crucial step toward weaving wine more into eastern Washington lifestyle. With steps like that, "we should be able to grow exponentially," Shoup said.

Icon Estates will move its flagship Columbia Winery from Woodinville to Sunnyside this year, but still plans to keep a Woodinville tasting room.