General
Manager / Enologist
Patrick
Rabion
Patrick Rabion was born to a family of grape growers on the outskirts
of Bordeaux, France, so it was no surprise he decided to study
Enology from an early age. He graduated as an Enologist from The
University of Bordeaux in the mid 80’s and obtained postgraduate
degree in viticulture. He began his career as a viticulture specialist
with the Bordeaux based Cordier.
He was later hired as enologist by Martell/Seagrams, and transferred
to Venezuela to work in a startup winery there. Mr. Rabion served
as Technical Director for Bodegas Pomar, Venezuela’s flagship
winery, throughout the 90’s , creating the first line of
premium, award winning wines in that country. In 2001 Mr. Rabion
returned to Bordeaux to obtain a doctorate degree in management
of winemaking enterprises. In 2003 the Rodriguez Albendea family
recruited him as General Manager and chief Winemaker for their
nascent winemaking project in Jumilla Spain, Finca Omblancas.
He was charged with developing their premium winemaking operation,
and since then has headed the company. In a very short time he
has managed to create several lines of award winning wines that
are among the most highly regarded in the region.
Winemaker
Valerie
Durand
Ms. Durand obtained dual degrees in agricultural engineering and
enology from the University of Bordeaux in 2001. After college,
she came to work at Finca Omblancas in 2003, making use of her
familiarity with the Monastrell grape, which is widely produced
in her native region of Languedoc Roussillon, France. Ms. Durand
brings her knowledge of modern winemaking techniques, as well
as a feminine sensibility to Finca Omblancas’ wines.
Vineyard Manager
Blas
Simon
Mr. Simon, a native of Jumilla, has tended Finca Omblancas’
vineyards since 1976. His tireless work ethic and vast grape growing
experience result in the outstanding quality of our grapes. In
recent years, Mr. Simon’s son Juan, an agricultural technician
from the Escuela de Orihuela in Alicante, has joined our team,
to assists in all aspects of grape production. This father and
son duo guarantees the continuous improvement in the quality of
our grapes.
