Join us for a wine tasting with Uva Furem Winery
Jens Hansen, winemaker will be your host for the evening.
TASTINGS ARE $20 AND $5 OFF FOR ALL WINE CLUB MEMBERS.
Reservations are recommended.
ABOUT THE WINERY
A veteran legacy in every bottle
Uva Furem was founded in 2018 by Air Force veteran brothers Jens and T.J. Hansen. As Washington State’s 1000th bonded winery and the nation’s only 100% disabled veteran-owned winery, Uva Furem is a testament to resilience, passion, and the enduring pursuit of excellence.
A Journey Forged in Service
Jens’ story begins with his 24-year career in the U.S. Air Force, where he served in several critical roles. He started as a bomb loader, later becoming a tail gunner on the MH-53 Pave Low. After enduring a few helicopter crashes and hard landings, Jens retrained as an inflight refueler, or boom operator, on the KC-10 Extender. These experiences honed not only his resilience but also his ability to adapt and thrive under challenging conditions.
From Flightline to Vineyard
Jens’ love for wine was sparked during a 1995 deployment to Italy, flying peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Kosovo. He took every opportunity to visit local wineries with his fellow Italian aviators, fostering a deep appreciation for winemaking. Throughout his service, Jens continued to explore wines around the world, often under unlikely and occasionally dangerous circumstances.
Jens picking up some of his first barrels
A New Mission: Crafting Wine
During his final duty station at Travis Air Force Base near Napa Valley, Jens began helping out at an acquaintance’s winery. Inspired by the craft and knowing his military career was nearing its end, he started making his own wine in 2016. After being medically retired, he used his GI Bill benefits to earn a degree in winemaking, solidifying his transition from Air Force veteran to winemaker.
Where Passion Meets Legacy
In 2018, Jens and his brother purchased an old honeybee farm on the side of a mountain in Maple Valley, WA, transforming the barn into a production facility. Uva Furem was born, rooted in a passion for exceptional wine and a deep connection to their military legacy.
A Perfect Blend: Jens and Wednesday
The next chapter began when Jens, while smuggling grapes to meet the winery’s growing demand, met Wednesday. A winemaker from Eastern Washington with a degree in oenology and viticulture, Wednesday brought 20 barrels of her own Merlot and a wealth of experience to Uva Furem. A former military spouse, she shared a connection to Jens’ military background, and their partnership quickly became both personal and professional. Crazy in love, she joined Jens on the mountain for the 2023 vintage, solidifying Uva Furem as a husband-and-wife winemaking team.