The Creation of La Buena Vida
Inspired by his new experiences and driven by the potential of Spanish wines, Wim decided to launch his own wine import business, La Buena Vida, in August 1994. Despite having little experience in the wine trade, he sensed the opportunity to create something unique. With the support of his parents, friends, and Gregorio's contacts, Wim took his first steps into the Belgian wine market.
However, the path to success wasn't without challenges. The Belgian restaurant scene was skeptical of Spanish wines, and building a clientele proved difficult, especially given the high prices of the wines. Wim remained persistent, visiting restaurants after his day job and forging connections, including with Eric Boschman from Le pain et le vin, and his sommelier Philippe Emmanuelli. Through these contacts, Wim secured his first significant orders.
The Growth of La Buena Vida
The real breakthrough came in 1997, with the arrival of Johan Sterckx, who had been named Belgium's Best Sommelier. His expertise and connections opened doors to many of Belgium's top gastronomic restaurants. Thanks to a rigorous selection of quality wines, all sourced from family-owned estates, La Buena Vida's portfolio grew to 300 references. The company became so successful that it eventually accounted for 1/20th of Spain's wine exports to Belgium. This success was built on a focus on the high-end market and a strict selection of top-quality wines.