A Pioneer in Washington Wines Expands to the UK

Valdemar Estates

Valdemar Estates

Premium Supplier 25th October 2024
Valdemar Estates

Valdemar Estates

Premium Supplier

A Pioneer in Washington Wines Expands to the UK

Valdemar Family has launched its first Washington Wines to the UK in a bold move to offer British wine lovers a taste of both Washington and Rioja's finest.

In 2019, Valdemar Family, a distinguished name in Spanish winemaking with over 130 years of heritage, made a bold and pioneering move: the establishment of Valdemar Estates in Walla Walla, Washington. This marks the first internationally-owned winery in the state, showcasing the family’s continuous commitment to innovation and quality.

Now, as Valdemar Estates celebrates its 5th anniversary, coinciding with the 135th anniversary of Valdemar Family, the award-winning brand is set to make its debut in the UK, with three new wines – a Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon – launched in partnership with exclusive distributor Berkmann Wine Cellars.

A Legacy of Innovation and Quality
Valdemar Family, renowned for its legacy of winemaking in Spain’s Rioja region, has always been at the forefront of innovation. Whether it was promoting the Maturana grape or producing the first barrel-fermented white in Rioja, the family’s five generations have consistently pushed boundaries. With Valdemar Estates, the family brings this spirit of exploration to the Pacific Northwest, a region that shares many similarities with Rioja, but offers its own unique terroir.
The decision to establish Valdemar Estates was spearheaded by Jesús Martínez Bujanda, the fifth generation of the family, who moved to Washington in 2018 to lead the project. The state-of-the-art winery, opened in 2019, has quickly become a notable player in Washington’s burgeoning wine scene, producing a range of premium wines that reflect the diverse terroir of the region, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay.

A Vision for the Future
Valdemar Estates is more than just a winery—it represents a new vision for the family. The move to Washington was not just about expanding production but also about embracing a new world of winemaking that blends tradition with innovation. The wines from Valdemar Estates are crafted to highlight the distinct characteristics of Washington’s vineyards while preserving the family’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
Valdemar Estates has already garnered significant acclaim, with its wines receiving high scores from major wine publications, including Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator. This recognition has further cemented the Valdemar family's reputation for excellence on a global scale.

A Fully Inclusive Wine Experience
Valdemar Estates is not only groundbreaking in its winemaking but also in its inclusivity. It is one of the few wineries in the U.S. that is fully accessible, ensuring that every guest, regardless of ability, can enjoy the winery's offerings. From Braille menus to wheelchair accessibility, Valdemar Estates sets a new standard for inclusivity in the wine industry.

Launching in the UK
The UK market is the next exciting chapter for Valdemar Estates. With a portfolio of wines that combine old-world winemaking techniques with new-world creativity, the winery is poised to captivate British wine enthusiasts. The exclusive partnership with Berkmann Wine Cellars, one of the UK's leading wine importers, further underscores the brand’s commitment to excellence and its ambition to become a household name in the UK.

As the family continues to build on its legacy, Valdemar Estates represents the perfect marriage of tradition and innovation—offering wines that are not only a tribute to Washington’s exceptional vineyards but also to the pioneering spirit of the Valdemar family.

Berkmann Wine Cellars will be exclusively distributing the following wines:

Valdemar Estates Columbia Valley Chardonnay
Valdemar Estates Entre Nosotros Cabernet Sauvignon
Valdemar Estates Walla Walla Syrah

In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall  – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 16 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 560,000 followers across Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.