What We Believe
There has never been a better time to be a wine lover. The overall improvement in winemaking combined with modern technology and innovation, and the optimization of freight and shipping has created a US marketplace unlike any other in the world. As a result, the options are abounding and seemingly endless.
Exploring the wines of the world, the people behind them, and the backroads of bucolic wine regions are our reasons for being. Fine wine appreciation is one of life's greatest pleasures and pursuits. Great wine accompanies peak moments; a romantic dinner on the Italian coast, a special birthday celebration, a wedding, an anniversary, or a hamburger at a tailgate. When we find wines that brighten our day and bring a smile to our faces, we're inspired to share them, because sharing is what wine is about for us.
Delivering joy to our clients is the most satisfying part of our job.
Like you, we love wine
Not just any old wine, the uncommonly good kind. The kind of wine that's only found by traveling to the famous wine regions (and a few up-and-coming ones) to meet the winemakers and watch the wines being made. We've developed a knack for seeking out the best new wines emerging from a crowded field. We have a nose for hidden gems. It's our mission to scour the earth to find great wines and deliver them to you.
Who We Are
BigHammerWines.com is an online wine retailer based in California that operates a unique direct import and distribution company. By eliminating the middleman, you pay less. One of our founders is a winemaker who is trained to identify wine flaws and greatness in a unique way. With over 20 years of experience in all facets of the wine business, we've done it all. Today, we're leveraging our expertise to bring the best wines to you.
Our Guarantee
We guarantee you'll be delighted with our selections. If you're displeased, contact us and we'll make it right.
We pride ourselves with a high level of customer service. We'll attentively respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.
Meet the Experts
Meet our well-seasoned experts that scour the earth to bring you wines from all over the world.
Greg Martellotto
BHW Founder, Italian Wine Ambassador
Greg Martellotto has been making wine since 2005. His peripatetic path has led him to winemaking experience in Mexico, Italy, Napa Valley, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara.
He holds a degree in Biological Sciences from Stanford University and a Masters degree from the University of Texas. His global wine experience has provided opportunities to travel to most of the major winemaking regions of the world as both a buyer and a consumer, which informs his style.
Equally important and unique among most winemakers, Greg's experience as an importer and wine buyer provides insiders access to the greatest wines and wineries in the world. In this capacity, he regularly tastes more than 400 wines per month and he knows great wine.
Lindsay Pomeroy, MW
As a Master of Wine (MW) and owner of Wine Smarties Lindsay Pomeroy runs wine education classes, certification courses, and wine events for all levels of wine enthusiasts. She teaches Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) and Wine Scholar Guild certification courses to help thirsty students understand how to approach the world of wines from a regional and tasting perspective. She has been teaching about wine since 2006 and through her own journey as a wine student shares her unique perspective and incredible palate with her students. Her goal is to take your tasting skills to the highest level.
Greg Bybee
Winemaker, Ex-Vivino Wine Curator
My quest for wine knowledge took me westward, where I was fortunate to land a role at Rochioli Vineyards, a name synonymous with excellence in California pinot noir. For five incredible years, I had the privilege of working alongside one of the pioneering families that helped put California pinot on the map. It was here that I honed my expertise in winemaking, viticulture, and the nuances of crafting exquisite pinot noir.
My journey continued to expand as I ventured into the realm of fine and rare wines at Vinfolio. At Vinfolio, I had the extraordinary opportunity to sample some of the world's most coveted and sought-after wines. As a concierge to top collectors, I learned the intricacies of wine collecting and developed a deep appreciation for the stories behind each bottle.
Ana Laura Carrillo
Ana started to fall in love with wine at a very young age when she went to study in France. Upon returning to her country, she began to enter the world of wine in a more professional way. From beginners courses, to national and international Sommelier certifications. She approved the WSET2 with distinction, and has successfully approved the WSET3 with merit.
Since the beginning of her working life, she has developed in different areas of the wine industry as a sommelier, sales, marketing, and even as a winemaker operator. It was during her stay in Chile that she truly understood the magic behind wine; being able to see and operate the transformation of a bunch of grapes into a bottle of wine was life-changing for her.
Ana herself promotes the consumption of wine and wants to convey her great passion and ensure that more people can see wine as an achievable product, without pretensions, a drink that is not only for special occasions but for every day.
How We Select and Offer Wines for Sale
We only trade in fine wine. This is our expertise and passion. We're highly selective. Of 4,500 wines we taste each year, only 4% will make the grade. Our specialty is selling $60 comparable value wines for under $30.
Take a Shorter Path to Happiness
We operate a volume direct to consumer model, which means our pricing is similar to wholesale pricing. So low, in fact, that our suppliers often ask us to keep our sales price hidden from Google and Wine-searcher
We make email and text offers to you based on your preferences (red, white, sweet, daily or weekly).
As an online business we have low overheads which means lower prices for you (compare our prices against other online retailers)
We don't pay for ratings or reviews from sommeliers
We don't buy private label, white label, or control branded wines and make up suggested retail prices (SRPs)
Bottles Sold & Counting
Years in the Wine Industry
Verified Customer Reviews
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Your Friend in the Wine Business
If you've been to a grocery store staring at a wall of wine and don't know what is good or what to buy, BHW is able to assist in choosing the right wine. Most of our wines are 90+ rated quality wines.
Once you order from us, you'll know why so many people trust our taste for great wines.We find outstanding wines that represent exceptional quality and value, at every price point.Although we try to focus on wines not widely available, if you're looking for something in particular, send us an email and we'll check to see what we can do for you.
Shopping Tip: Mix and match products for free shipping when the products show ***Free Shipping on 6 or more bottles of this wine to thecontinental US.*** in the product description.
We're an online-only store with many wines in our warehouse, many of which are not advertised on our site. If you are looking for a particular vintage or have specific interests, get in touch. If you need the right wine at the right time, we have outstanding logistics to deliver wine to your doorstep.
If you're interested in selling collectable wines, we also buy private collections with verifiable provenance. Simply email us a list of wines you want to sell and we'll reply with a free evaluation.
Any questions, feel free to call us directly at +1(707)-302-4664. Our mailing address is 13831 Danielson St. Poway, CA 92064.
Thank you for shopping with us.