Meet Derek Gordon | Wine Enthusiast & Distribution Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Derek Gordon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Derek, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had always dreamed of starting something from the ground up for myself. It seemed like one of the biggest challenges for oneself, but I was determined and motivated to achieve this goal. I initially wanted to find something that I was passionate about, but also something that would push me to bigger, long-term goals. Traveling was a huge influence and introduced me to many things- one of them being wine. I was fortunate to be able to spend many summers in southern France where I became friends with many locals. Over time, these same friendships opened new doors to introductions with vineyard owners in the local French countryside. Getting to know them was not just about trying their wine for me, but also the stories that went with their wine. These stories included their family, as well as past generations, who had started and built the family business. The passion and history behind these vineyards was captivating, and brought the idea of what would become Botella Distribution Company to my mind. I wanted to bring these remarkable wines to the US and the stories that went along with them. I set out to start Botella in the Atlanta, Georgia market area, and had a passion to deliver something to the market that few people have had the chance to experience. I wanted my wine selection to be from exceptional small, family operated estates that not only would be a welcome addition to anyone looking for astonishing wine but also share the remarkable stories behind them along the way.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Botella Distribution’s goal is to offer wine that is unique and of high quality. I aim to find wines that are from small, organic, bio dynamic, family ran estates. Finding the right fit was not an easy task. After trying many wines, and meeting one-on-one with many vineyards, I was able to select, what I believed to be, the best options for the consumers. Entering the alcohol industry is no easy task as alcohol laws are difficult and complex to navigate. Launching the business took longer than expected due to the complexity of the laws. After much time and research, I felt confident in having a full understanding of the legality behind the business. Botella Distribution was ready to launch in 2020, however everything was halted due to COVID-19. We officially launched in 2021 despite the unfortunate delay in 2020. Throughout life, and this journey, I have learned that there is no right or wrong way but rather a way that suits you in the time and circumstances you are in. More than anything, I have learned to always believe and trust in yourself and your process. No matter how difficult things may seem at any given moment, the reward at the end will be worth every emotion and feeling you had throughout the process. Creating, and opening, your own business is not for the faint of heart. Stick through the good and the bad times, and trust and believe in yourself!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I were to have a friend visiting and I wanted to show them the Atlanta experience briefly, I would start the day by visiting the shops at Buckhead Village. I would then spend the afternoon at Ponce City Market walking along the Beltline grabbing a drink at Inman Quarter. For the wine lover, I would recommend visiting VinoTeca for a great bottle of wine or Barcelona for wine and tapas. You can continue down the Beltline and visit Nina & Rafi for a great Italian dinner. I would, also, recommend Girl Diver for an Asian inspired seafood dinner. For a more low key afternoon followed by a night of celebration, I would recommend grabbing a glass of wine at Storico Vino followed with dinner at Le Colonial featuring Vietnamese French cuisine. After dinner, I would grab a drink at Gypsy Kitchen’s rooftop bar. For the steak lovers, KR SteakBar is my personal favorite steakhouse in the city. I would also recommend attending an Atlanta United soccer game for the sports lover. The stadium is always full and there is always enough excitement and thrill to hold your attention through the game.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would first like to recognize my family- they are a major driving force behind me. They have supported me through every step of this journey, and I would not be where I am today without them and their continual support. I, also, would like to give recognition to every vineyard owner who continues to pursue their family traditions creating impeccable wine with little recognition. Without vineyard owners, such as them, this dream would not have been possible. I am thankful for the friendships that I have gained through this business venture. Lastly, I would like to recognize my girlfriend as well as other friends who have stood behind me and believed in me and the possibly of this dream along the way.

Website: www.botelladist.com

Instagram: @botelladistributioncompany

Linkedin: Botella Distribution Company

Facebook: Botella Distribution Company