Founded by two Air Force veterans, Jens and T.J. Hansen, Uva Furem has the distinction of being Washington’s 1,000th bonded winery. The tasting room and wine production facility in Maple Valley sit on a mountainside property that used to be an organic honeybee farm. The first vintage was 2016 and debuted when the winery opened its doors in April of 2020—just after the coronavirus hit. “We joke that since we opened, we’ve gotten to be great at adapting; from ever-changing restrictions on occupancy, contact, distance and heated tents! We are grateful to be open and strive to keep guests safe and happy,” says Jens.
He and his brother T.J. worked early on to produce sanitizer with other wineries, distilleries and breweries. As word spread of Jens sanitizer project, the winery received an outpouring of support from the community. “It has been a whirlwind of a first year, during a pandemic with so many obstacles,” says winery manager Maggie Snyder, who brings years of experience overseeing the wine programs at Joule and Revel restaurants in Seattle. “I can only imagine what the future holds for Uva Furem and I am thrilled to be a part of the journey.”
Combat disabled after 23 years of service to his country, Jens was able to use the G.I. Bill to gain an education in enology, completing his certification at Northwest Wine Academy in 2017. He honed his skills under the tutelage of Linn Scott, noted winemaker for Sparkman Cellars, where Jens has been one of the assistant winemakers for the past three years.
“Uva Furem is Latin for Grape Smuggler which is a tribute to our military history. But that is a story best told over a glass of wine…” says Jens with playful military humor. There lies a story behind each of the wines that pay honor, in some form or another, to the individuals and families who have been part of the military community. The wines themselves are pure, rich, meticulously crafted, and definitely worth seeking out from this deadly-serious producer.
Visit the tasting room at the winery located at 20011 Renton-Maple Valley Road in Maple Valley. Phone (910) 447-2737 or visit the website for hours at www.uvafurem.com.
Below are three releases we recently reviewed:
Uva Furem Winery 2016 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
92 pts.
Very compact, in a hedonistic style, gushing with grippy tannins and powerful structure. Steeped blackberry and dark plum flavors are solidly layered with vanilla bean, crushed pebbles, dark cocoa, and tobacco. Light notes of violet, sage and spice cruise through the deep finish. $50
Uva Furem Winery 2019 Yakima Valley Carménère
91 pts.
Alluring, with pretty raspberry and cherry flavors flanked with roasted coffee, capsicum pepper, graphite and spice details. A hint of licorice graces the savory, earthy and fruity profile with smooth tannins that glide through the finish. $40
Uva Furem Winery 2020 Reserve Viognier
90 pts.
Silky, with aromas of pear tarte, citrus and honeysuckle that lead to buoyant flavors of white peach, blanched almond and lemon oil. Shows flashes of barrel spice on the finish, with lush texture that keeps it on target. $30