Visiting Pintxo by Valdemar in Woodinville’s Schoolhouse District
What happens when a Spanish based winery hires a chef from Australia to oversee the kitchen of their Woodinville based restaurant? The outcome is a delectable menu that artfully fuses local ingredients with traditional Spanish cuisine along with an occasional nod to the chef’s Aussie roots. Of course, there’s also wine from their Washington and Spanish estates, plus cocktails and craft beer. All this can be found at Pintxo by Valdemar.
The Back Story
Valdemar is a reference to Bodegas Valdemar, a family-owned Spanish winery dating back to 1889. Fast forward to 2019 and that family put down roots in Walla Walla, founding Valdemar Estates. The outcome is the first and oldest international winery in Washington state. They chose Woodinville’s Schoolhouse District as the location for a second tasting room.
When the site opened it was the first tasting room on the block. With the realization that tasting rooms vastly outnumbered dining options, the business transformed into a restaurant in 2023. In the kitchen Chef Lauren Jackson takes inspiration from the tapas bars of Spain. Then, she sources local ingredients to create a menu that is fresh, fun and changes seasonally.
The Food and Wine at Pintxo
The name, Pintxo, pays homage to the small plates called pintxos that are often shared in Spanish bars. To satisfy two people, ordering 2-6 dishes to share is recommended.
One of the traditional Spanish menu items is the Tortilla de Patata. Not to be confused with tortillas we know from Mexican cuisine, this Spanish tortilla is an egg-based dish similar to a thick omelet or frittata with potatoes and onions incorporated. To ensure its authenticity, Chef Jackson received a lesson in the kitchen from the wife of CEO, Jesús Martínez Bujanda, to learn how to make the humble yet comforting tortilla according to the family recipe.
Other tasty classics from the menu include the appealing Croquetas de Jamon (hedonistic crispy balls of Spanish ham and bechamel sauce) and Patatas Bravas (vivaciously spiced potatoes).
Don’t sleep on the fresh sheet, though. The fall menu offered up a luscious, flavorful Chilled Corn Gazpacho made with corn sourced locally from nearby Blue Glass Farm. In this case I say order your own bowl rather than share! It’s served with special bread made exclusively for the restaurant by local bakery, Tarte from Heritage.
Of course, the impeccable wines can’t be missed and guests may experience selections from Washington or Rioja by the glass, bottle, or – my preference – the Valdemar tasting flight that includes two Spanish wines and two Washington wines. Note that the rich and complex Bodegas Valdemar Reserva and Gran Reserva must abide by strict aging requirements, making them incredible values. Wine can sound like a splurge but for those who wish to save money, wine club membership includes discounts on wine purchases and events along with some free perks.
Chef’s fave food and wine pairings:
Chorizo Stuffed Dates (the lively piquillo gravy) + Bodegas Valdemar Reserva
Lamb Rib Chops (a nod to Chef’s Aussie heritage) + Valdemar Estates Blue Mountain Vineyard Syrah
Charred Octopus + Sparkling Gran Anada
Hungry for more? When new wines are released in fall and spring, Pintxo hosts wine dinners. Events such as paella classes are also offered from time to time.
The Setting
The vibe at Pintxo by Valdemar is relaxed and welcoming with an attentive team. Service is thoughtful and Chef often delivers dishes to the guests herself. Indoors, a number of nooks and tables enable guests to carry on private conversations. During our visit, families with kids made their way to the ample outdoor deck. Replete with heaters, the space offers a comfortable al fresco option. Dogs are welcome, and team members even know local pooches by name!
Pintxo by Valdemar is located in Woodinville’s Wine Walk Row along a pedestrian walkway in the District Flats apartment community:
17401 133rd Ave NE, Unit 115
Woodinville, WA 98072
Nancy Croisier, a Seattle native, is a graduate of the Northwest Wine Academy, a Certified Specialist of Wine, and founder of VinoSocial. She is on a mission to get every winery on social media and a bottle of wine on every dinner table. Read more of Nancy’s writing in the Slow Wine Guide USA, Washington Tasting Room Magazine and on the VinoSocial.wine site. For more wine and food discoveries, follow @VinoSocialNancy on Instagram.
