Discover Valdemar Estates: A Taste of Washington and Spain in Walla Walla
Valdemar Estates welcomes wine aficionados to embark on a sensory journey, indulging in a curated selection of wines from both Washington State and the esteemed Rioja region of Spain. Savor meticulously crafted wine flights paired with authentic tapas in their contemporary tasting room, all while basking in the breathtaking panoramic vistas of Walla Walla’s majestic Blue Mountains.
Among the many exceptional wineries gracing the Walla Walla Valley, Valdemar Estates stands out as a true gem. This impressive, sleek, and spacious estate, nestled in the Southside of Walla Walla, is proudly owned by the same family that meticulously manages Bodega Valdemar in Rioja, Spain, ensuring a legacy of winemaking excellence.
At the helm of Valdemar Estates is Owner & CEO Jesús Martínez Bujanda, a distinguished fifth-generation member of this esteemed family of wine growers and producers from Rioja. His sister, Anna, serves as the COO, further solidifying the family’s commitment to quality and tradition.
🍇 The Ambiance of Valdemar Estates
As you approach Valdemar Estates, you’ll be greeted by an imposing, grand front door, setting the stage for the exceptional experience that awaits. Stepping inside, you’ll pass by a beautifully preserved antique wine press, a cherished family heirloom brought all the way from Spain, symbolizing the rich history and tradition that infuses every aspect of the winery.
Ascend the stairs or take the convenient elevator to the main tasting room, where you’ll be enveloped in an atmosphere of modern elegance and sophisticated charm.
The tasting room itself is expansive and airy, featuring a long, inviting wine bar at the entrance. Guests can choose from a variety of comfortable seating options, including plush leather couches, high-top bar stool tables, and standard tables, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience regardless of your preference.
For those seeking an al fresco experience, the Valdemar Estates patio is an absolute must. This generous patio wraps around the length of the tasting room, offering a selection of seating arrangements, from cozy couches with low tables to traditional tables. Whether you’re seeking intimate conversation or a lively gathering, the patio provides the perfect setting.
Regardless of where you choose to sit on the outdoor terrace, you’ll be treated to a stunning panorama of the Walla Walla Blue Mountains, creating a truly unforgettable backdrop for your wine tasting experience. The combination of exceptional wines, delicious tapas, and unparalleled views makes Valdemar Estates a destination that appeals to all the senses.
🥂 The Valdemar Estates Wine Tasting Experience
Valdemar Estates offers a distinctive opportunity to compare and contrast the terroir of Washington State with the traditions of Spanish winemaking. This unique approach allows visitors to explore a diverse range of flavors and styles, broadening their appreciation for the art of winemaking.
During our visit, we opted for a wine flight from each region, enabling us to fully appreciate the breadth and depth of Valdemar Estates’ offerings. This comprehensive approach is highly recommended for those seeking a complete understanding of the winery’s portfolio.
The Washington wine flight we sampled included a carefully curated selection of wines, each showcasing the unique characteristics of the Columbia Valley:
- 2021 Columbia Valley Roussanne: A crisp and aromatic white wine with notes of honey and apricot.
- 2019 Blue Mountain Syrah: A bold and complex red wine with hints of dark fruit and spice.
- 2018 Klipsun Cabernet Sauvignon: A rich and elegant red wine with flavors of black currant and cedar.
The Spanish wine flight offered a glimpse into the heart of Rioja, featuring traditional varietals and time-honored winemaking techniques:
- 2017 Conde Valdemar Crianza: A classic Rioja red wine with notes of red fruit and vanilla.
- 2011 Conde Valdemar Gran Reserva: A mature and sophisticated red wine with flavors of dried fruit and spice.
- 2017 La Gargantilla Garnacha: A vibrant and fruity red wine with hints of raspberry and licorice.
🍽 Complementing the Wine: Delicious Tapas at Valdemar Estates
If you appreciate the art of tapas – and who doesn’t? – you’ll find yourself delighted by the culinary offerings at Valdemar Estates. Their tapas menu is thoughtfully designed to complement their wines, creating a harmonious and satisfying experience. To help you plan your visit, here are some suggested quantities based on your party size:
Recommended Tapas Quantities:
- 2 people: order 3 tapas
- 4 people: order 4-5 tapas
- 6 people: order 6-7 tapas
During our visit, my husband and I sampled a delightful selection of tapas, each bursting with flavor and showcasing the best of Spanish cuisine:
Our selection included the Rabas (fried calamari), Chorizo-Stuffed Mushrooms, and Croquetas de Jamón, each offering a unique and satisfying culinary experience.
The Rabas, crispy fried calamari served with a distinctive squid ink aioli-ish sauce, were a true standout. The dish also included lightly fried peppers, adding a touch of heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick. The batter used for the calamari was exceptionally crisp and flavorful, enhancing the overall experience.
I particularly enjoyed pairing the calamari with the Roussanne from the Washington wine flight, a combination that highlighted the wine’s bright acidity and the calamari’s delicate flavors. This dish would also be a delightful pairing with their Rosé.
The Chorizo-stuffed mushrooms were undoubtedly our favorite dish of the tasting. The use of a mild chorizo ensured that the dish wasn’t overly spicy, allowing the flavors of the mushrooms and chorizo to meld together harmoniously. This dish paired exceptionally well with the red wines in our flight, creating a rich and satisfying experience.
For those seeking hearty and satisfying tapas, the Croquetas de Jamón are an excellent choice. These ham and cheese-stuffed fried bites, coated in housemade breadcrumbs, are incredibly rich and flavorful. It’s essential to order at least one item that features jamón ibérico, a true delicacy! Surprisingly, these croquetas paired beautifully with the Syrah, the saltiness of the ham complementing the wine’s bold fruit flavors.
🍷 Our Favorite Wines from Valdemar Estates
In addition to the wine flights, we also had the opportunity to sample the 2019 Seven Hills Malbec. While we thoroughly enjoyed both the white and red wines we tasted, a few stood out as particularly exceptional. These are the wines that we chose to bring home, eager to share them with friends and family.
2017 Conde Valdemar Crianza ($25) – This wine represents incredible value, especially considering the price point of red wines in Walla Walla. It was not only affordable but also one of the most delicious reds we tasted during our trip. This proves that price isn’t always an indicator of quality! Its balanced flavors and smooth finish made it a true standout.
2019 Blue Mountain Syrah ($75) – This Syrah is a powerhouse of flavor, boasting grippy tannins and intense aromas and flavors of black fruit. It’s the perfect wine to savor by the fire with a fatty steak, its bold character complementing rich and savory dishes. I absolutely love it!
2019 Seven Hills Malbec ($60) – Adding a taste of this Malbec was a brilliant decision. With just one sip, both my husband and I were captivated by its complex flavors and smooth texture. We immediately knew that we had to purchase a few bottles to take home and enjoy. Its rich dark fruit and subtle spice notes make it incredibly versatile and enjoyable.
Winery FAQs: Planning Your Visit to Valdemar Estates
What is the dress code for this winery?
Like most wineries in Walla Walla, wine tasting attire tends to be casual to business casual. There are quite a few steps leading up to the main tasting room, although there is an elevator for full accessibility. Otherwise, the tasting room indoor and outdoor space is flat and accommodating for heels. However, if you are wine tasting at other wineries for the day, I suggest sticking to wedges, flats, or sneakers.
Is this winery kid-friendly?
Children are welcome. There is plenty of space inside, and on the outdoor terrace. The larger food menu also makes this more kid-friendly.
Are reservations required?
Yes. They do allow walk-ins when space allows – usually on Mondays and Sundays when things are less busy.
Is this winery dog-friendly?
Dogs are not allowed at this winery. However, the winery’s Woodinville, WA tasting room does have a dog-friendly patio.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes! There is a lot of outdoor seating with gorgeous views of Walla Walla valley and the Blue Mountains.
Valdemar Estates: Location and Hours
3808 Rolling Hills Lane
Walla Walla, WA 99362
HOURS:
- 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday/Saturday
- 11 a.m. – 7p.m. Sun/Mon/Thu
- Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
For more information or to make your wine tasting reservation, please visit the Valdemar Estates website.
Planning a wine tasting trip to Walla Walla? Be sure to view our comprehensive Walla Walla Wineries Guide for more recommendations and tips.
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