Jorge Ordóñez: The Man Who Transformed America’s View of Spanish Wine

Jorge Ordóñez is a name nearly synonymous with Spanish wine. For nearly four decades, he’s been a champion of indigenous grapes, a relentless advocate for Spain’s diverse terroirs, and the driving force behind bringing some of the country’s most exciting wines to the global stage. His company, Jorge Ordóñez Selections, isn’t just an importer—it sparked a revolution, reshaping how Spanish wine is discovered, imported, and enjoyed in the U.S. Long before Spanish wine gained its current foothold, he was introducing American drinkers to bottles beyond the mass-market labels, paving the way for a deeper appreciation of Spain’s incredible winemaking traditions.

Here at Hamptons Wine Shoppe, we spent February celebrating all things Spanish wine, diving deep into the regions, grapes, and styles that make Spain so compelling. But even after weeks of tasting and exploration, nothing quite prepared me for the sheer spectacle of the recent Jorge Ordóñez Selections portfolio launch, hosted by our friends at Banville Wine Merchants.Walking into that room felt like stepping into a masterclass on Spanish wine—decades of dedication, centuries of tradition, and some of Spain’s most dynamic wines, all in one place. And at the center of it all? Not just Jorge himself, but the next generation, too. I had a chance to chat briefly with Victor Ordóñez, who shares his father’s enthusiasm for Spanish wine. That family-driven passion is clearly a major force behind the continued success of Jorge Ordóñez Selections.But Jorge’s influence extends beyond Spain’s borders. His collaborations speak to his vision and commitment to excellence—like his partnership with Alois Kracher Jr., the legendary Austrian winemaker, to create a project in Málaga. Together, they revitalized ancient hillside vineyards, crafting both dry and sweet Muscat wines that showcase the incredible potential of this often-overlooked region. These wines were easily some of my favorites in the room.As I tasted my way through the lineup, one thing became clear: this wasn’t just a collection of bottles—it was a journey through the soul of Spanish winemaking. Every sip reflected a unique terroir, a deep respect for tradition, and a refusal to let Spain’s native grapes be forgotten. From crisp, refreshing Albariños to complex, age-worthy Tempranillos, the diversity was staggering. And the focus on indigenous varietals, rescued from obscurity and celebrated for their unique character, was truly inspiring.The portfolio launch wasn’t just about the wines; it was about the people behind them. This event confirmed what I already knew: Jorge Ordóñez is a legend in the world of wine, and his selections represent the pinnacle of Spanish winemaking. More than a business, this is a labor of love—a dedication to tradition, innovation, and sharing the beauty of Spanish wine with the world. And after experiencing his selections firsthand, I can say this with confidence: if you’re not already exploring Spanish wine, you’re missing out on something truly special.