ABOUT US

Olé & Obrigado is a US importer of artisanal wine and spirits from Spain and Portugal. A collaboration among native Spanish and Portuguese business partners Patrick Mata, Alberto Orte and Rui Abecassis, Olé & Obrigado has brought an authentic representation of the people, traditions, cuisine and geography of Spain and Portugal directly to the US for over 20 years.  

 

Our portfolio connects some of the best family winegrowers working across the Iberian Peninsula to US consumers, media, and trade. Our portfolio is sold in all 50 states by fine wine distribution partners, and by our distribution company, Olé & Obrigado Direct, in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. You will find our wines at fine wine shops, preferred retailers, wine bars, and restaurants across the country.  

 

Since Olé & Obrigado was founded, social responsibility has been at the center of our core values. We have raised over $750,000 for important causes that make the world a better place through the Liquid Geography rosé line, live and virtual events, and other special campaigns. This sense of responsibility has expanded to include taking care of the environment: in 2022, Olé & Obrigado became one of the first importers in the U.S. to be Certified Carbon Neutral. 

 

 

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. 

 
Rui Abecassis co-founded New York-based importing company Obrigado Vinhos in 2010, building a curated collection of wines honoring the places, grapes, and winegrowers of Portugal. A devoted ambassador of all things Portuguese with deep family roots in cultural diplomacy—and even a family wine shop some generations back—Rui spent 12 years living abroad before moving back to Lisbon, where he now spends his time actively working with our Portuguese producers, and welcoming trade and consumer visitors from all over the world. 
  

In 2013, Patrick and Alberto joined forces with Rui. Combining their passion, experience and expertise, this pan-Iberian team 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 2018 and was named a Wine & Spirits “Importer of the Year” in 2020. Thank you for your support!