Welcome to the world of Tomé Wines, where every sip tells a story of dedication, tradition, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. Founded by Robert Tomé, Tomé Wines is a fusion of passion for winemaking and respect for time-honored traditions. From its humble beginnings rooted in family heritage to its emergence as a rising star in the wine industry, Tomé Wines embodies a commitment to quality that echoes through every bottle and every pour.

Robert, could you walk us through the early years of Tomé Wines and how your background and experiences influenced its inception?

Robert: Before introducing the inaugural vintages of Tomé Wines in 2022, I owned a wine-importing business for almost 15 years. During this time, I had the privilege of representing prestigious global producers such as GAJA, Siro Pacenti, and Merry Edwards, among others. This experience exposed me to the pinnacle of standards in winemaking, emphasizing the philosophy of crafting wines in the vineyard with a "less is more" approach, allowing the fruit to shine.

This way of thinking influenced me and I knew I would apply these learnings when making my wines someday. So, in 2017, after selling my importing business, I called my friend and winemaker, Victor Palencia, from my favorite place in the U.S., Washington State, to discuss how we could work together and that's how Tomé Wines was conceived.

Image: Robert Tomé, CEO Tomé Brands (Head of all things Wine)

From an importing agency to launching Tomé Group of Brands, what were the pivotal moments in the journey of Tomé Wines, and how did the company evolve over the years?

Robert: Well, starting this project was both exhilarating and challenging. Exhilarating because I was going to create a new wine utilizing my philosophy and palate. The complexity arises from numerous facets that I have never done before such as dealing with grape growers to securing long-term contracts, sourcing raw materials such as corks, glass, and capsules, designing labels, grape selection, orchestrating blends, planning a barrel program, and navigating various other unexpected elements. Surprisingly, these tasks were just the tip of the iceberg and, to be honest, the easy part of the journey.

I would say the most pivotal moment thus far would be the total re-design of my labels and the overall brand.

Having found the region that I wanted to make my wine from, it was now time to create a package. My gut instinct led me to a package that exuded elegance and simplicity, but I challenged myself to embrace a new direction, one that felt uncomfortable yet promising. However, the feedback I received while pounding the pavement throughout the US revealed a vital truth.

Although the quality of my wine surpassed expectations, the label failed to attract the right audience, so I went back to the drawing board and developed new packaging, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. 

After re-working the package, the largest challenge has been to find US distributors. Considering I do not produce large volumes, getting anyone’s attention is fairly demanding. In some cases, the large distributors expect the winery to have their own sales team on the ground to ‘move’ the ‘boxes’, and or expect an allocation of a large host of incentives for the sales team, the house, the retailers, etc. 

As a small boutique producer, it’s never easy competing against bigger players for attention.

I understand these demands for larger established brands where the budgets and production volumes are there. However, when you are a small boutique producer, the margins are compressed. However, I can guarantee that I will visit those markets and be their best salesperson. For this reason, I’ve been trying to focus on smaller distributors that have a passionate sales force to grow my brand within their states. 

As someone who owned an importing business, I understand distributors receive lots of generic emails from wineries daily (I still get them). Most get deleted unless you can somehow stand out from the crowd with passion, perseverance, and a top-quality product.

I believe that it’s just as important for the distributor to want you as it is for you to want them. I look for long-term partners that will be an extension of my passion for what I produce not just deal makers that consider you a SKU number.

After these three years, I’m still sending emails, phoning distributors, and trying my best to have them try my wines and I will continue to do so. Currently, I work with Le Stories Wines in VA, DC, and MD, Landmark Selections in BC, Canada, and Partridge Wines in Alberta, Canada.

Could you highlight some of Tomé Wines' flagship products and the unique characteristics that distinguish them in the market?

Robert: Currently, I produce four wines, the Red Stake Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia Valley AVA,  the Lip Out Riesling from Ancient Lakes AVA, the Short Grass Sauvignon Blanc from the Royal Slope AVA, and finally my newest addition, Arzábal Albariño, from the Yakima Valley AVA.

All my wines are multi-dimensional, not just fruit bombs or oak monsters. I make wines that exude elegance and finesse to reflect my European heritage. Let’s just say that all my wines have a respectful nod to the Old World. 

I would love for you to try them, and you will find out.

Looking back, what do you consider as Tomé Wines' most significant achievement thus far, and what milestones do you aim to achieve in the future?

Robert: Honestly, my most significant achievement is bringing this dream to fruition. It’s a marathon and not a sprint.

I can think of many milestones, from harvesting my first vintage to being named in the Top Ten Terrific Wines from the Wine Spectator to seeing my wines on a retail shelf and a wine list.

That said, I would like to continue to grow with my distributors and expose my wines to as many palates as possible so they can understand the philosophy and profile of Tomé Wines. Beyond that, I’m committed to continuous learning from vintage to vintage, always striving to improve my wines and myself as an individual.

How does participating in competitions like the Sommelier Choice Awards contribute to Tomé Wines' reputation and success in the industry?

Robert: Participating in competitions like the Sommelier Choice Awards enhances Tomé Winés' reputation and success by providing external validation from industry experts and, more importantly, my peers. Awards and recognition from such competitions serve as a testament to the quality and appeal of our wines, building credibility and attracting the attention of both consumers and professionals in the wine industry.

Victor, as the winemaker behind Tomé Wines, how do you integrate tradition with innovation in crafting each wine, and what sets your approach apart in the industry?

Victor: It is our goal to flagship the origin of each of our wines and its unique flavors and characteristics. In today's world, we have an array of sustainable practices and products that help me as the winemaker guide the wine through the winemaking process. Our approach is nonintrusive letting the vineyard and terroir express itself with patience and attention to detail.

Image: Victor Palencia, Winemaker.

How does Tomé Wines ensure sustainable practices in its production methods while maintaining the highest standards of quality?

Victor: Our greatest strength is sustainability in the vineyards we source from. In addition, with our state-of-the-art winemaking facility and equipment, we are better equipped to minimize losses and wastewater generation. 

Are there any new techniques or experiments Tomé Wines is undertaking to push the boundaries of winemaking and enhance the consumer experience?

Victor: We are putting the consumer preference in taste at the front of the process, as a progressive and fresh brand we are at the cutting edge of consumer trends and are open to exploring new ideas as we move forward.

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Conclusion:

Tomé Wines is an ode to a legacy of tradition and an enduring affection for winemaking. Each step in Tomé's journey is marked by steadfast dedication and a pursuit of distinction. When you uncork a bottle of Tomé Wine, you're not merely savoring; you're embarking on a narrative—a tale of passion, and the tireless quest for quality. Here's to Tomé Wines, where every sip invites you to appreciate the essence of artisanal craftsmanship and the boundless horizons of the future. 

In conversation with Malvika Patel, Editor and VP, Beverage Trade Network