valdemar estates

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
LOCATION : Woodin Creek District
HOURS (as of Jan 2023): F/Sat 12pm-8pm, M/Th/Sun 12pm-6pm, closed Tues/W (Closed Jan 1-12)
TASTING FEE (as of Jan 2023): $20 (mixed flight)

I don’t know of a comparable story in Woodinville wine country to the tale of Valdemar Estates. From five generations of Spanish winemakers comes the European brand Bodegas Valdemar; enter son Jesús Martínez Bujanda who, after studying at the University of Washingon, moved to our beloved state and established an American arm of the family business: thus was born Valdemar Estates.

I won’t focus too much on Bodegas Valdemar, but there are a few facts about it so noteworthy that they bear repeating; the Spanish winery was one of the first to revive the historic Graciano varietal and the first to produce White Tempranillo (a mutated variety of the classic Rioja staple). Both the Spanish and Walla Walla tasting rooms are focused on accessibility and have accolades to prove it - worth a visit if you are ever in either area.

At the Woodin Creek tasting room, the $20 tasting includes four generous pours; two from Bodegas and two from Estates. At the time of my most recent visit, the first two (Spanish) wines were presented together; their Conde Valdemar Blanco white blend (strong gooseberry made this my personal favorite of the lineup) and the Las Seis Alhajas red of Graciano. In a delightful twist otherwise unseen in Woodinville, my server provided me with a delightful sorbet of passionfruit as a palate cleanser between the two pairs (I honestly don’t know if this is part of their usual offering or a special treat, but I’ll speak more on their food offerings below). The second pair of wines, both from the Estate, were a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Syrah both sourced from the prestigious Klipsun vineyard.

Somewhat confoundingly, Valdemar Estates is not strictly an “estate” winery - meaning they do not own their own vineyards stateside (though their Bodegas Valdemar wines are estate grown in Spain). As the first internationally owned winery in Washington, their arrival on the scene has made waves - in a good way.

Bottles range in price from $25-$80 (with one wine-club-exclusive bottle clocking in at $90) and the tasting room offers an impressive range of tapas to enjoy with the wine. From classic small bites like Marcona almonds and Spanish olives to heartier fare like lamb meatballs and wild red shrimp, Valdemar could be a dinner destination for the right crowd. One of their signature desserts and an espresso doble could put a cap on any enjoyable evening spent out in Woodin Creek.

Reservations are required for groups larger than 10, and the tasting room offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Minors are allowed inside, and dogs are allowed outside; due to their onsite kitchen, outside food and alcohol are prohibited (as is the case with most tasting rooms). The opportunity to taste international wines is rare in Woodinville—if you’re interested in visiting Valdemar as part of your tour, let us know in your pre-tour survey and we will make arrangements with the tasting room staff.

Salut, and enjoy Woodinville!