Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Carrillo.
Veronica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I arrived at Chula Vista 12 years ago from Ensenada, Baja California with my husband and two sons. At the beginning we went through a period of adjustment. We were excited and at the same time we faced challenges of the different culture we were living in now. Language was the very first challenge my sons faced as they started school, and proudly 5 years later they no longer were English language learners. Now my oldest is in his first year of college and my youngest in Junior year of High School. We have tried our best to teach them about our Mexican traditions as we embrace the United States traditions as well. And how both make for a richer cultural heritage they can pass on to their respective families. As they are on their way to become responsible adults in charge of their own lives, I started to think, it’s time to go back and pursue my professional dreams. I had stopped working on my first travel company I started in 2004 in Ensenada with the sole purpose to create unforgettable experiences for small group of visitors, 2-30 people. It’s name was Jatay Tours and Travel. I closed it’s doors as I started working in the Tourism Industry in San Diego, with the idea in mind to start over again when possible. I had the opportunity to start working as a Tour Conductor for the Seal Tour, from their I worked as a Concierge at the Hotel Del Coronado and then worked as Private Events Sales Manager at the Chula Vista Golf Course. All of them gave me great lessons of Great Customer Service, Creative Ways of sharing historical facts and day-to-day news, and how to make a milestone event a memorable one for all community residents. I think that time has come now that my sons need less from me and I have the time to work on starting my second travel and wine company All About Wine Tasting.
The Tourism Industry has been my passion for over 25 years. I find great pleasure to plan, organize and coordinate a leisure trip, day tour, and a wine tasting event and see people enjoy, relax, learn and appreciate the fruits of Mother Nature.
The opportunity I have had to work in hotels, tour companies, and events, on both sides of the border, in Ensenada, Tijuana, and San Diego, has given me the knowledge to understand the bi-national cultural richness that exists in this part of San Diego.
I started in March of 2018 my own company of name All About Wine Tasting with the purpose to promote the Wine Culture of the Cali-Baja region, with Private Tours to Valle de Guadalupe, Private Tours to Ramona, Escondido, and Jamul in San Diego, Private In-home Baja Wine Tastings and Special Events in South Bay. I have noticed that the Wine Industry in San Diego is hardly known by the community, most of the time when wine tours are mentioned to them, Temecula is what comes to their mind. I have made it part of my mission to promote the San Diego East County Wine Industry and how it ties with Baja California, leveraging what is happening in Valle de Guadalupe. Likewise, to learn more about the Wine Industry in Baja California and savor the quality of their wines with the delicious farm to table food that is being served at the Valle, is an experience I invite all to enjoy.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
To be an entrepreneur is an exciting journey filled with hardwork. You need the courage to persist when things get difficult. It has not been easy, as the first year most of the work you do is to get yourself out there to talk about your business, to make connections and build relationships.
I have leveraged Networking in different groups B2B’s, Women Entrepreneurs, Mom’s in Business, Women’s United, etc. I have taken the time to build relationships that have become friendships, and as well have become my circle of support for advice and inspiration.
My advice is to surround yourself with people that see your potential, that support and believe in you and in your business, and allow yourself to be helped when needed. Together, we are stronger.
Please tell us about All About Wine Tasting.
I want to inspire you to take time off your busy schedules and travel to the beautiful Wine Country of San Diego and Baja California. We offer you All Inclusive Private Wine Tours to Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California and to the East County of San Diego to Ramona, Escondido, and Jamul, to bring you closer to nature and the wine culture in the Cali-Baja region.
As well, we do In-home Private Baja Wine Tastings and Special Events.
From the feedback I have gotten, I am known for my passion for what I do, and the warm welcome I offer to all I come in contact with.
I am most proud of the knowledge and experience I bring into each itinerary I craft for every client.
I believe what sets me apart is my interest in bringing to your attention the importance of taking time off, coming in contact with nature (the vineyard) and to feel the new energy that fills your body when you spend time with friends enjoying a delicious glass of wine.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
There is not a specific experience I remember. But what I do remember is that every time we went on a trip, I enjoyed the scenery (every little detail), the experience of learning something new and the joy I felt afterwards.
Pricing:
- Private Wine Tours to Valle de Guadalupe, all inclusive of round transportation from San Diego, a visit to 3 wineries and Wine Tasting at each one and a gourmet lunch, start at $150 per person
- Private In -Home Baja Wine Tasting, for 5-8 people starts at $220 total, including up to 5 wines
- Wine at Heart, montly wine tasting event, start at $30 per person, including welcome sparkling wine glass, 3 Wine tastings from a boutique winery from Valle de Guadalupe and a cheese platter, with bread and spreads.
- Private Wine Tour to East County San Diego, choice of Ramona, Escondido or Jamul, all inclusive of round transportation from San Diego, a visit to 3 wineries and Wine Tasting at each one and Lunch, starts at $125 per person
Contact Info:
- Website: http://all-about-wine-tasting.business.site/
- Phone: 6192894458
- Email: allaboutwinetasting@gmail.com
- Instagram: @allaboutwinetasting
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/allaboutwinetasting
- Twitter: @vcwinebajacali
- Other: linkedin.com/in/veronica-carrillo-78116944
Image Credit:
Photos by Veronica Carrillo
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