BIOGRAPHY

Alex Guarachi, President/Founder

It was 1978.  The in-crowd was decked in platform heels and Lycra disco suits.  The Bee Gees ruled the radio, Jimmy Carter ruled the country and a young Alex Guarachi boarded a plane from Chile to California with the goal of becoming the next Pele. 

Armed with a soccer scholarship, an intense drive and about $400, he set out to make his dream a reality.  Alex enjoyed a successful soccer career throughout college, but was sidelined by an injury.  A professional career was no longer an option.  Never one to give in to defeat, Alex graduated with a bachelor’s degree and set his sights elsewhere.

Alex hails from Santiago, Chile.  One of eight children, wine, some of the best from his homeland, was a staple on the dinner table.  When Alex made the pilgrimage from Chile to the U.S., those wines were nowhere to be found.  The entrepreneur vowed to change that and TGIC, Thank God It’s Chilean, was born.

America had not been formally introduced to Chilean wines and Alex seized the opportunity of this virtually untapped market. In 1984, through resources of his own, he managed to purchase his first container of Chilean wine. TGIC Importers, Inc. was officially open for business.  What began as a one-man show operating out of his dimly lit garage has grown into a multi-million dollar company boasting a portfolio of some of the finest wines from not only Chile, but also Argentina, Australia, France, Italy, California and New Zealand. 

TGIC has enjoyed success both importing and wholesaling premium wines, beginning with Chile's best-known producers. Chilean wine has grown in popularity as Americans have discovered the quality and diversity of its vintages.  Today, TGIC proudly represents South America’s finest wineries, such as Montes, Santa Ema, Achaval Ferrer, Bodega Norton, Pascual Toso and Kaiken.

As his business continues to grow, so does his passion for wine.  In 2007, Alex realized another dream, to produce a wine under his own label.  Crescendo is an Italian musical term, meaning an increase or growth.  With internationally renowned winemaker Paul Hobbs at the helm, Crescendo is living proof that dreams do come true.  

Alex’s ongoing quest to expose the U.S. to the best wines of the world continues.  His is a true international success story.  Known as an authority on the wines of South America, Alex is also a wine collector and has judged both national and international wine competitions.  He has served as the Chilean editor and contributing writer for “American Wine,” featured on the web.  Alex is a recognized authority on the Malbec varietal and serves on the board of the Chilean Wine Council.  Alex lives in Los Angeles with his two children.