It Became a Passion
The discovery that Bolivia makes wines that rival both European and Californian wines, was the inspiration for starting Llama Wines.
Ed has always had a shared love for California wines - especially those of Napa and Sonoma - and he immediately recognized the quality and potential of Bolivian Wines for the US market.
Currently in the process of getting his Masters Certificate in Wine from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), Jim has always had a love for the wines of Europe and South America. He is especially fond of many of the lesser known wine regions and grapes, like the Tannat used in the Madiran region of France and in the Tarija Valley of Bolivia.
It all started with Bolivia
Ed is a native Californian but has strong Bolivian roots. Both parents emigrated from Bolivia to California and instilled in Ed the importance of family and maintaining family ties. Over the last few years through visits to his family, Ed has been increasingly inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit in Bolivia and the quality of the products - especially the wines.
Knowing that his lifelong friend, Jim, had experience working with startups and building companies from the ground up - and, equally important - that Jim also has a passion for wine, Ed asked if he'd be interested in starting a wine import business with Bolivia as its focus. Jim said yes, without hesitation. Thus Llama Wines was born.
Craftsmanship
We have chosen our winemakers with care and scrupulously test and taste their wines on a regular basis. We make sure to compare them with rival wines across the South American profile as well as the European profiles. We stand behind the wines that we sell and the value they represent. We certainly hope that you agree. There is a saying that Bolivia starts making wine where the rest of the world stops. The Bolivian Vinos de Altura or Wines of Altitude are exceptional especially when taking into consideration that the wines are some of the few that are grown within tropical latitudes.
A Love for Bolivian Culture, Food and Wine
Salteñas, a spicy Tannat from Tarija and a hearty Guiso de Carne or Bolivian Beef Stew all make for a satisfying meal throughout the country. As we continue our journey working with Bolivian artisans and winemakers, we will strive to bring a small part of Bolivia to our customers. You will be able to read about some of our discoveries on our regular blog posts in the future.
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