OUR MISSION
Literally translated, La Competencia means “The Competition".
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.
La Competencia’s First Meeting in Baja
taken at Viñas de la Erre, 2014.
Our Story
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.
About Tomás
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.
The Original La Competencia
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.