My grandfather, Ramon Gomez, felt that “competition” was good for the community. Competition drove him to offer a better product and a better level of service, all while aiming to provide the best prices possible. It is with this same spirit that La Competencia Imports aspires to provide the most compelling portfolio of wine and craft beers from Baja California, Mexico.
If I can replicate the level of customer service and connection to the community that he was known for, I will consider it a job well done.
Originally from Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico, my grandfather, Ramon Gomez (pictured left in El Modena, CA) shares a story similar to countless other hard working and proud immigrants that have come to the U.S. seeking a better life. What he may have lacked in terms of resources or formal education he more than made up for with hard work, perseverance and a healthy dose of “ganas” (Spanish for guts or desire).
Early on my grandfather provided numerous examples and life lessons that would remain with me throughout my lifetime. Honesty and respect for his customers while not being afraid of a little “friendly competition,” served as the foundation for a business he could be proud of.
Reflecting back, it is truly amazing what he accomplished in his lifetime. Not only did he own the business and the building that housed it, but he also owned the little house my great grandmother lived in next door, as well as the large family house next to that! Even after the large groceries stores moved into town and threatened his very existence, he had the foresight to convert La Competencia from a tiendita into the areas first Mexican Restaurant (The White Tortilla).
I am proud to carry forward the La Competencia name while doing my best to embody the spirit, passion and work ethic that came to define my grandfather, Don Ramon Gomez.
“One visit to Valle de Guadalupe was all it took for me to fall in love with the region. It was apparent that the region was on the verge of something special. The wines were unique and interesting while the Baja-Med inspired cuisine was breathtakingly delicious. Yet, the region’s “secret ingredient” is its people and the vast array of cultures that have evolved into what is today’s mexican wine community. I was convinced that as these elements converged it would set the stage for the broad introduction of Mexican wines into the U.S. market.
As high-end Mexican cuisine continues to evolve, the opportunity for premium Baja wines will likewise expand. While Mexican wine would seem to be a no brainer for the likes of Caracol & Xochi in Houston, Frontera Grill & Leña Brava in Chicago, Chaak Kitchen & Border Grill in California and La Contenta & Empellon in New York, they have also found acceptance at The French Laundry, The Ritz Carlton, Del Frisco’s and the Waldorf Astoria Hotel – Las Vegas.
Proudly, in less than 8 years La Competencia Imports has orchestrated the broadest and deepest penetration of Baja wines into the U.S. market. Today, our portfolio of 20+ wineries is available via local distributors in nearly half of the United States. At our current growth rate we expect have distribution agreements in 40+ states before the end of 2023.
While the number of cases sold is a solid measure of performance, our ultimate goal is much larger. Our focus is to help position Mexico as a world-class wine region, contribute to the development of strong brands and establish a platform from which Mexican wine producers can succeed in the ultra-competitive U.S. market.
While these goals are certainly lofty, with the help and support of the Mexico community, they are most definitely attainable.”
-Tomás Bracamontes
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever envision that my time spent as a stockbroker and record company executive would serve as the catalyst for a career in the wine industry.
Little did I know that past careers as a stockbroker and a record company executive would serve as the foundation for a career in the wine industry. Combined they proved to be the perfect convergence of business, finance, marketing and an appreciation for the creative process.
At its core, my willingness to explore a variety of career paths underscores a fundamental belief that “Life is too short”, change should be embraced and wasting time is not an option. The loss of my sister Kim to breast cancer in 2012, was a painful reminder of how quickly things can change. While it may sound cliché, the best way for me to honor her memory & spirit is to ensure that my life has meaning and that I invest my time wisely with the goal of servicing and helping others.
The “journey” that has become La Competencia Imports has been one of the most fulfilling adventures of my life. Together, my friends in the Baja Wine Community and I are building something truly special. Together, we are not only creating new businesses and exploring new opportunities, but we are building legacies that will be passed on to future generations. Hopefully the risks that we take today will serve as an example and inspire others to pursue their dreams.
EDUCATION
WORK HISTORY