Olé & Obrigado is the result of a long-standing partnership between wine industry veterans Patrick Mata and Alberto Orte, whose families have been crafting exceptional wines and spirits for over a century. Patrick’s family made their first shipment to the U.S. in 1934, and in 1999, he and Alberto joined forces to produce and represent high-quality wines and spirits for discerning customers who value authenticity and excellence.
Beyond its dedication to crafting exceptional products, Olé & Obrigado is deeply committed to supporting its community and protecting the environment. Carbon neutral since 2022, the company has donated over $1 million to vital causes, including hunger relief, healthcare, farming, and education.
OUR STORY
Spanish natives Patrick Mata and Alberto Orte co-founded Olé Imports in 1999 while in college; both come from winemaking families established in the 1800s, and the first wines Olé Imports brought to the U.S. were from Alberto’s family in Montilla, Andalucía. Patrick, a Wine Enthusiast Tastemaker, Food & Wine Magazine Tastemaker and Wine Advocate Personality of the Year, was described by Robert Parker as “one of the most driven, passionate and talented young men in the wine world.” As a rising star in the “New Spain” movement, Alberto makes extraordinary wines from unique sites across Spain, including iconic wines such as Atlántida, Escalada do Sil, Bodegas Poniente. He oversees the production of many other wines imported by Olé & Obrigado from Spain and Portugal. Alberto is intent on rescuing nearly extinct grape varieties such as Tintilla and Vijiriega Blanco in the DO region of Cádiz in southwestern Andalucía and elaborating wines of place.
Olé & Obrigado is committed to importing accessible yet compelling artisanal wines that deliver a sense of place with precision and offering industry-leading education and resources to consumers and trade. Olé & Obrigado was officially formed in 1999 and was named a Wine & Spirits “Importer of the Year” in 2020. Thank you for your support!