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