Meet Alejandro and Mario Aguilar of Alphapac Fine Wines and Spirits

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandro and Mario Aguilar.

Alejandro and Mario, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Well actually, my story starts with my father, Mario. He has had a few different ventures throughout his career, most of them dealing with food and wine, but his passion has always been wine. Ever since I can remember, wine was a big part of our family life. I was taught what to look for in a good wine, how to properly taste it, smell it, and most of all how to respect it (and alcohol in general).

The business itself was started by him about 16 years ago. At the time, he was operating a successful gourmet food distribution selling high end wine, and everything from caviar to foie gras, local delicacies and seafood, such as lobster and stone crabs.

It was during this time that my father realized what he really wanted to do for the rest of his life— he wanted to create something out of his passion and love for wine. It began as something small, a hobby, a minor part of his food distribution, and grew into what is known today as Alphapac Fine Wines.

About 10 years ago, during my last 2 years in college, I started working for Alphapac doing anything from sales, to deliveries, and even secretarial work. The goal was to make money and I never thought it would turn into much. I left to work for other companies for a year or two and eventually came back to my father and told him I wanted to bring the experience I learned from the corporate world to Alphapac.

One of the best experiences of my life was the year I spent visiting our wineries in Spain during harvest and learning all the ins and outs of winemaking. I knew the next step was to go back to Miami and apply my education, work experience, and what I learned from our wineries, to our company.

I spent most of 2010 building our client base and analyzing the market to find the best strategy for the company to become efficient and profitable. Then in 2011 we really took off, we were spreading our wings and becoming recognized in South Florida.

Today, we are committed to the same values as when we started— importing and distributing high-quality wines from Spain, Argentina, and France, while providing the best service possible.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not one bit and I’m sure any entrepreneur would agree. In business just like in life there are no handouts and you must work hard and earn everything you get.

My two favorite lines my father always tells me is:

“Work hard and never screw anyone” and “The harder you work, the luckier you will get.”

I do my best to stick to those two mottos, I feel comfortable staying true to that and to who I am.

Alphapac Fine Wines and Spirits – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Specializing in quality wines from Spain, France and Argentina, Alphapac has been leading the South Florida wine industry for over 15 years. The wineries we represent are some of the oldest, with long-standing reputations of producing high-quality wines at great price points.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My definition of success is having a job that I enjoy, and one that supports myself and my team financially. We strive to ensure that our company is having a positive impact on people and that every decision made is helping myself and others lead a better, happier, healthier life.

Contact Info:

• Address: 7065 SW 46 st
  Miami, FL 33155
• Website: www.alphapacfinewines.com
• Email: aaa@alphapacfinewines.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alphapacfinewines/

Image Credit:
Alejandro Aguilar
Mario Aguilar

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