Acclaimed Spanish Wine Family Opens New Tapas, Wine & Cocktail Bar in Woodville
(September 12, 2023, Woodinville, WA) – Today Jesús Martínez Bujanda, CEO of Valdemar Family, Bodegas Valdemar in Rioja, Spain, and Valdemar Estates in Walla Walla, Washington, announced the opening of Pintxo by Valdemar, a tapas, cocktail and wine bar. Located in the former Valdemar Estates tasting room (17409 133rd Ave NE, #1203) in the Schoolhouse District of Woodinville, the restaurant will open to the public on Thursday, September 14, 2023, and will also retail imported Spanish products.
Deriving its name from Northern Spain, ‘Pintxo’ (pronounced peen-cho) traditionally refers to a small snack akin to tapas, often enjoyed with friends, family, and a glass of wine or a cocktail.
“Growing up in the heart of Rioja, on Friday evenings, my sister Ana and I delighted in visiting the iconic Calle Laurel in our hometown of Logroño, moving from one spot to the next to savor our region’s renowned pintxos and wines,” explains Martínez Bujanda. “Pintxo by Valdemar is our homage to this beloved cultural tradition, and we are excited to introduce visitors to experience the art of tapas and great conversation, lingering over delicious small plates paired with either our family’s wines from Washington and Spain, or with one of our new cocktails.”
Reed Woogerd, Director of Operations for Valdemar Estates, assembled the talented team behind Pintxo by Valdemar. Chef Lauren Jackson worked closely with chefs Brian Massie and Ren Caceres of BTM Hospitality to develop the menu and will serve as Executive Sous Chef. Pintxo by Valdemar features traditional Spanish tapas made from imported Spanish and local Washington ingredients. Guests can choose from a selection of tapas (‘with bread,’ ‘cold,’ ‘hot,’ and ‘charred,’), sandwiches and desserts. Signature dishes include Charred Octopus with Chorizo Aioli & Herbed Bread Crumbs; Whipped Labneh with Salmon Roe, Lemon Zest & House-Made Chips; Butter Lettuce with Charred Avocado, Citrus Powder & Sherry Vinegar; “Patatas Bravas” with Smoked Yogurt, Pimentón & Chives; Charred Chicken Thigh with Olives, Capers, & Caramelized Orange; and Basque Cheesecake made from a family recipe.
The restaurant’s wine list features selections from the family’s two estates—Bodegas Valdemar in Spain and Valdemar Estates in Washington. Patrons may choose from wines offered by the glass, or by the bottle. Iconic wines from Rioja include the Conde Valdemar Blanco, a refreshing white made from Viura, Malvasia and Tempranillo Blanco, “La Gargantilla,” a single estate Garnacha, and a library vintage of the family’s Conde Valdemar Gran Reserva, a traditional blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Garnacha. From Walla Walla, highlights encompass some of the family’s favorite Washington varieties such as the Valdemar Estates Columbia Valley Roussanne, Blue Mountain Vineyard Syrah, and the Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. For those interested in sampling a variety of wines, a Spanish Wine Flight and Washington Wine Flight will also be available.
Pintxo by Valdemar also offers an innovative cocktail program created by Mixologist Paul Ramon. Designed to pair harmoniously with the menu, featured cocktails include Gazpacho, clarified tomato water, vodka, lemon, olive oil, celery, and red chili flake; the Apple Aperol Spritz, pomme vert liqueur, soda, Cava, and apple skin vodka; and the Clarified Cuba Libre, milk-washed house rum with soda, sugar, and sassafras. Beer enthusiasts can also enjoy an array of local brews.
States Woogerd, “We’re especially excited to welcome Valdemar Club members to Pintxo by Valdemar, who can expect an elevated experience during their visit. We plan to spoil members with small, exclusive touches that will enhance their time with us.” Club members can also take advantage of complimentary wine tastings, retail wine discounts, special on-premise bottle pricing, limited release wines, and exclusive events.
Pintxo by Valdemar is a 2,750-square foot space that seats 70 – 80 guests across the main dining room, bar, and 1,500-square foot covered patio. Additionally, a private dining room accommodates up to 10 people. The interior reflects the family’s rich vinicultural legacy with stunning vineyard photographs by Ana Martínez Bujanda. The imported Spanish furniture, traditional porrons, and wooden wine boxes seamlessly blend contemporary and classic influences. The patio is adorned with greenery and evokes the spirit of the family’s vineyards, an inviting spot for those who wish to dine al fresco. The retail space offers imported Spanish products (many of which are incorporated in the menu) and wine from Valdemar Family’s two estates, Bodegas Valdemar and Valdemar Estates, for sale
Like the family’s wineries, Pintxo by Valdemar is committed to accessibility and inclusivity. The restaurant is handicap accessible, offers wheelchairs on site, shatterproof glassware, hands-free glass holders, and all-gender restrooms. For those with vision impairments, the restaurant can present guests with materials in a hyper-legible font or the option of using an iPad to read the menu aloud. Patrons with hearing impairments can use wine tasting cards with easy-to-read icons that provide descriptors for Valdemar Family Wines or scan QR codes that link to the website with ASL (American Sign Language) signed tasting notes. Additionally, some staff members have undergone ASL training and have obtained an ADA certification and taken inclusivity classes.
With a vinicultural legacy rooted in Spain since 1889, fifth-generation siblings Ana and Jesús Martínez Bujanda expanded their horizons to America in 2019 by establishing Valdemar Estates in Walla Walla, WA. Since opening, the winery has been producing highly acclaimed, world-class wines in the region and also operates a full-fledged tapas restaurant celebrating the family’s Spanish heritage.
Pintxo by Valdemar is located at 17409 133rd Ave NE, #1203, Woodinville, WA 98072 and is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm PT, and on weekends from 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm PT. Reservations can be made via TOCK at exploretock.com. For further details, please visit www.pintxobyvaldemar.com.
