About Us
Llaurador Wines LLC was founded by José Pastor in 2014 but the "José Pastor Selections" back label has been synonymous with authentic Spanish wines for more than two decades. Our longevity has always been based on taking risks (the good kind). We entered the scene at a moment in wine history when regional and traditionally made Spanish wines were disappearing and being replaced by an international style stripped of terroir. It was a time when chemicals in the vineyard and manipulation in the winery were the most celebrated and profitable. Long before it was fashionable, we championed the work of traditionally minded growers who believed in a minimalist approach in the vines and in the cellar.
From old-school Rioja – a near extinct expression of Spanish winemaking – to the historic wines of Jerez and noble wines of Galicia, we’ve introduced wine lovers to little-known grapes such as Palomino and Mencía from the ancient, underappreciated terraces of Ribeira Sacra. We’ve helped Americans rediscover the rare and own-rooted vineyards of the Canary Islands. Seeking out these almost forgotten regional and delicious wines and bringing them to our customers, while helping the small growers thrive, is what continues to drive us.
In recent years the portfolio has expanded to include like-minded growers in neighboring Portugal, Japan and the Americas. We don't own private brands. We’re simply devoted to our winegrowers, the people who grow the grapes and make the wine. They’re the true unsung heroes.
From old-school Rioja – a near extinct expression of Spanish winemaking – to the historic wines of Jerez and noble wines of Galicia, we’ve introduced wine lovers to little-known grapes such as Palomino and Mencía from the ancient, underappreciated terraces of Ribeira Sacra. We’ve helped Americans rediscover the rare and own-rooted vineyards of the Canary Islands. Seeking out these almost forgotten regional and delicious wines and bringing them to our customers, while helping the small growers thrive, is what continues to drive us.
In recent years the portfolio has expanded to include like-minded growers in neighboring Portugal, Japan and the Americas. We don't own private brands. We’re simply devoted to our winegrowers, the people who grow the grapes and make the wine. They’re the true unsung heroes.
Our Team
About José
José Pastor was born in Valencia, Spain, and grew up around his family's restaurants and nightclub business before moving to the United States. In 2003 co-founded Vinos & Gourmet Inc., an importer of Spanish wines and gourmet foods based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He founded Llaurador Wines LLC in 2014 to focus exclusively on his passion: naturally made wines from small grower-producers.
