A Journey of Passion and Self-Discovery
The story of Baja Wines began with Héctor Zúñiga, a passionate entrepreneur who, together with his partners, was a food retailer. One day, almost by chance, a friend offered him a glass and an opportunity: he offered him some of his wines and said, “If you already visit these customers, why don’t you offer them wine as well?”.
Despite lacking a foundation in wine culture or prior experience in the field, Héctor Zúñiga chose to explore uncharted territory. He began with a modest selection of bottles and quickly recognized the potential for growth in this area.
Over time, he refined his vision, and the business evolved from a startup to a leading company in the Los Cabos gastronomy industry. With 25 years of history, Baja Wines is the leading wine supplier in Baja California Sur, with over 700 labels from wineries worldwide in its portfolio.
With its reputation firmly established in the hotel and restaurant industry, its history is a testament to how a well-served glass can transform the future.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
“We have always maintained a strong conviction in the importance of both business and destiny. At the time, it was a small but growing place. However, the development did not proceed as we had anticipated. When the economy was thriving, the US housing crisis in 2008 impacted tourism and led to a decline in sales. This was followed by the H1N1 influenza outbreak 2009, which compounded the challenges we faced that year.
In 2014, they encountered the devastating impact of Hurricane Odile. The storm destroyed much of the infrastructure, severely affecting the region. Once again, they had to rebuild almost from scratch, facing numerous challenges as they adapted to a transformed environment.
Then, in February 2020, stock markets suddenly crashed due to the growing instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in 2021, we began to recover. The year 2022 was very successful, and we continue to grow and invest. We have faith in business, believe in Los Cabos, and are betting on the future”.
This business is exceptional because it enables the creation of friendships with clients. During a sales meeting, you open a bottle of wine, enjoy it, and the conversation naturally flows. Wine relaxes the soul and opens the heart, allowing discussions to become personal without anyone even realizing it. In this business, you’re not just selling wine but sharing stories.”
What factors contribute to Baja Wines’ distinct positioning in the market?
Human resources are our differentiator; we have never stopped investing in our employees, especially sales professionals. The human factor, which encompasses our warehouse, delivery, and distribution teams, is fundamental to our success. I’m proud to say that we employ 60 families, an achievement we are proud of.
What criteria do you use to select the wineries you work with?
Our sales team manages the selection process, and it has earned the trust of numerous importers and producers. Our growth has led to a more complex operation, and we are now the sole supplier to some hotels. We are grateful for the significant demand for our products and services.
What aspect of the job do you find most rewarding?
It is encouraging to see progress being made. Despite the challenges, I value the reliability of my collaborators, friends, and colleagues. The opportunity to contribute to the financial well being of 60 families is deeply fulfilling. Tasting the wines and maintaining public relations also contribute to my satisfaction.
What advice would you offer to wine enthusiasts?
For those new to wine, a great starting point is the book “Wine for Dummies,” which is perfect for beginners. Additionally, seeking guidance from the restaurant staff and learning through experience can be very helpful. It’s essential to remember that not all inexpensive wines are of poor quality, nor are all expensive wines necessarily the best. There are affordable wines that truly stand out as excellent choices.
A HOBBY: “I’ve always liked motorcycles; I bought one last year, and I’m excited about it, like a kid.”
A PLAN: “We are considering building our facilities.”
A DISTRACTION WITH YOUR KIDS: “Going out for lunch or dinner, they love it.”
A FAVORITE FOOD: “I’m tacolic.”
A WINE: “Every wine is for different times, temperatures and food.”
A DREAM: “Now that I am in the autumn of my life, my priority is to consolidate to ensure a retirement in which I can enjoy my activities, travel and live in happiness and health.”
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