Employee Spotlight: Jose Medrano

Columbia Distributing is the centerpiece of the Pacific Northwest bar and restaurant scene. As a distributor of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in Washington and Oregon, we have an established track record of meeting the needs of our clients. Dedicated warehouse leads like Jose Medrano have helped us earn our reputation. Columbia Distributing is thrilled to feature him and his contributions from the past few years of working with us. Learn more about Medrano, his routine as a warehouse lead, and his insights into our industry.

Jose Medrano at Columbia Distributing’s warehouse

Medrano’s Day as a Warehouse Lead

As a beverage distribution company, one of Columbia Distributing’s greatest assets is our warehouse team. Our team takes pride in setting the standard for accuracy and efficiency in product picking and truck loading. As our warehouse lead, Medrano ensures our warehouses run smoothly and efficiently without errors. He works hard to maintain our inventory and coordinate with his team to execute exceptional performance.

Medrano ensures everything operates swiftly by addressing any issues with Inventory Control. “I assess the workload in the recoup department and allocate labor teams where needed. I also work with other supervisors to evaluate workloads and to determine if labor can be shifted to other support areas,” states Medrano. In his day-to-day work in coordinating the warehouse team, he helps streamline operations to boost productivity.

Working at Columbia Distributing

Medrano chose to work at Columbia Distributing for its family-friendly atmosphere and friendly working culture. “The opportunity for growth and the supportive environment make the company stand out. From the beginning, I felt like the company invests in its people,” Medrano states.

The work culture of Columbia Distributing is described by Medrano as respectful and supportive. He started working during the evening shift and then found himself leading the warehouse teams. “Through hard work and dedication, I’ve learned every job in the warehouse. That experience helped me grow into my current role as a lead.”

Columbia Distributing invests in our employees through career advancement and mentorship opportunities. By working with the warehouse team over his three years with the company, Medrano found himself learning, growing, and becoming the leader he sought to become.

When asked about mentorship opportunities, Medrano states, “There’s a one-on-one training program. I started the night shift as a picker and was trained in every role, from picking to receiving.” His wide array of skills learned on the job makes Medrano an asset to our crew.

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“Columbia Distributing always encourages employees to learn new skills and take on new challenges,” Medrano says. He finds the work environment at the company pleasant, with the family-like culture, and the willingness to spend time getting to know our employees. More importantly, he states that working at our company ensures success, with lots of opportunities.

With over three years of experience in the company, Medrano finds the environment supportive and conducive for growth. Working within the warehouse team has allowed him to find great leadership opportunities and show off his communication and collaboration skills.

“Columbia Distributing is a great company to work for, with plenty of room to grow,” he says. To learn more about employment opportunities with Columbia Distributing, contact us today or view our employment opportunities.


Culture Pop: Soda with Soul – and Probiotics

Culture Pop Soda is turning heads with its vibrant branding, bold flavor combos, and gut-friendly fizz. These sodas are crafted with real fruit juice, organic spices, and live probiotics, making them a delicious and functional alternative to traditional soda. Let’s dive into Culture Pop Soda and the tasty flavors it comes in.

Culture pop sodas in bucket of ice

Introducing Culture Pop Soda: A Fresh Take on Fizzy Drinks

Culture Pop Soda was created with a mission to reinvent soda using real ingredients, bold flavors, and a focus on gut health. The brand was founded in 2020 by Tom First, the same owner who co-founded Nantucket Nectars.

Since then, the brand has grown quickly, gaining fans across the country with its bold flavors, probiotic benefits, and mission to make soda that doesn’t use artificial preservatives. The Culture Pop team believes soda should be made with real ingredients you can pronounce, and they’re all about creating drinks that support gut health without sacrificing flavor.

Explore the Flavorful Lineup

Culture Pop probiotic sodas are made with organic fruit juice, herbs, spices, and live probiotics. The soda is shelf-stable, low in calories, and free from refined sugar and artificial sweeteners. Unlike kombucha, it’s not fermented, so there’s no vinegary taste, just smooth, fruity fizz. Whether you’re stocking up for your bar, café, or restaurant, Culture Pop brings a splash of color and a whole lot of soul to your beverage lineup. The brand has a wide range of probiotic sodas, each with its own unique flavor profile:

  • Black cherry: Tart and refreshing, this flavor offers a bold profile that’s both juicy and satisfying. Rich in flavor notes, this flavor pairs great with your favorite snack. (50 calories per 8-ounce serving)
  • Ginger lemon: Bright and tart with zesty flavor notes, this flavor has a blend of ginger, lemon, and turmeric that delivers a refreshing kick with every sip. (45 calories per 8-ounce serving)
  • Grape: This flavor is a refreshing twist on a classic, elevated with elderberry for a smooth, floral finish. (50 calories per 8-ounce serving)
  • Lemon lime: Zesty with a twist of lemon and lime, this flavor combines citrus notes and clean, crisp bubbles for a refreshing taste. (45 calories per 8-ounce serving)
  • Orange mango: Tropical and juicy with a subtle kick of lime, this flavor brings sunshine to your taste buds by combining oranges and mangoes. (45 calories per 8-ounce serving)
  • Pink grapefruit: Bubbly and bold, this grapefruit soda has a savory twist from spicy ginger notes. (45 calories per 8-ounce serving)
  • Strawberry: Subtly sweet with the zing of rhubarb, this flavor combines fresh and fruity notes with the right amount of tart finish. (45 calories per 8-ounce serving)
  • Watermelon: Juicy watermelon meets a splash of lime for a flavor that reminds you of summer in a can. (45 calories per 8-ounce serving)
  • Wild berry: This blend of berries with a twist of lime is vibrant, juicy, and tasty, and offers delicious, crisp notes. (50 calories per 8-ounce serving)

The wide array of tasty flavors ensures everyone will find one they like. Lovers of regular soda may even discover that they like the taste and fun flavors of probiotic soda more than their traditional options. If you can’t decide on just one flavor or want to try several, consider one of the brand’s packs:

  • Sample pack: This sampler pack is a great way to try the brand’s most-loved flavors. These packs offer one can of each flavor to try and savor.
  • Variety pack: These curated variety packs feature fan favorites and seasonal hits that are perfect for sharing or stocking up. Variety packs are available in the themes of Most Loved, Fruity Faves, Jazzy and Juicy, and Zesty and Tasty.

Access Culture Pop Soda from Columbia Distributing

If you’re ready to add a flavorful, probiotic-packed soda to your beverage lineup, Culture Pop is the perfect pick. Columbia Distributing makes it easy for businesses across Washington and Oregon to stock up. Contact us today or place an order through your Fridge account.

Want to explore flavors or find Culture Pop near you? Visit the brand’s product finder to add Culture Pop soda to your portfolio.


Bogle: A Fine Family of Wines

Bogle wines stand out as a trusted favorite among casual wine sippers and seasoned connoisseurs alike. Rooted in family tradition, Bogle Vineyards has built a strong reputation for crafting wines that balance bold flavors with exceptional value. Bogle also owns other brands, including Twenty Acres, Juggernaut, Phantom, and ElementAL.

Bottle of Bogle wine on table with lit up trees in background

A Toast to Bogle’s Legacy

Whether you’re a lover of rich reds, crisp whites, or award-winning rosé, Bogle offers a taste of California’s finest grapes delivered with care, consistency, and character. It all started with six generations of farmers purchasing land during the California Gold Rush. In 1968, the Bogle family planted their first twenty acres of wine grapes, and by 1978, Bogle wine was born. What started as a small family venture has grown into a nationally loved label, with bottles enjoyed across the U.S. and beyond.

With the sixth generation driving the brand, the Bogle family is passionate about producing great wine and growing responsibly. Their wine is crafted with great care and family values, always putting quality first. From vine to bottle, every sip reflects the family’s respect for the land and their love of sharing great wine with great people.

Bogle Wines

Whether you’re stocking up for a tasting event or just looking for a reliable favorite, Bogle wines deliver quality and value across a wide range of varieties.

Reds

  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Deep and rich, offering notes of dark fruit and toasted oak, the Cabernet Sauvignon is lovely to pair with a cooked steak. (ABV: 14%, 192 calories per 8 oz serving)
  • Heritage Red: This bold blend has bursting notes of blackberry, cherry cobbler, and a touch of spice. (ABV: 14.5%, 192 calories per 8 oz serving)
  • Merlot: This smooth, fruit-forward blend with notes of black cherry, vanilla, and mocha is perfect for cozy evenings or pairing with grilled meats. (ABV: 14.5%, 192 calories per 8 oz serving)
  • Pinot Noir: Light and elegant with touches of cherry and raspberry, the Pinot Noir is an ideal pairing for rich cheeses. (ABV: 13.5%, 195 calories per 8 oz serving)
  • Zinfandel: Jam-packed with ripe berries and peppery notes, this blend offers a rich blend of spice and fruit. (ABV: 14.5%, 192 calories per 8 oz serving)

Whites

  • Chardonnay: Creamy and balanced, this blend features green apple and vanilla notes.
  • Pinot Grigio: Crisp and refreshing with citrus and pear notes, this Pinot Grigio pairs great with seafood.
  • Sauvignon Blanc: Bright and zesty with tropical fruit and grassy undertones, this blend goes great with fresh vegetables like grilled zucchini.

Rosé

  • Rosé: Light, fruity, and refreshing with hints of strawberry and watermelon, this rosé has a crisp, refreshing taste all year round.

Sparkling

  • Blanc de Blancs: Elegant and dry, with citrus and floral aromas, this option is perfect to pair with sushi.
  • Sparkling Rosé: Full of effervescent bubbles and lively notes, this drink has the aroma of bright berries.

Twenty Acres

Rooted in the original twenty acres of vines planted by the Bogle family in 1968, Twenty Acres is a tribute to tradition with a modern twist. This premium line focuses on sustainable farming and expressive, food-friendly wines that bring out the best of California’s Clarksburg region.

Reds

  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Ripe red cherries and plums meet hints of chocolate and black pepper in this bold red blend.

Whites

  • Chardonnay: Expect juicy apple, citrus zest, and a whisper of oak in this blend, wrapped up in a crisp, refreshing finish.
  • Sauvignon Blanc: Zesty and vibrant, this white bursts with guava, green pear, and grapefruit notes.

Juggernaut Wines

Juggernaut Wines are crafted for those who crave adventure in every glass. Part of the Bogle Family Wine Collection, Juggernaut sources grapes from extreme growing conditions like steep hillsides and coastal vineyards, resulting in wines with intense character and unforgettable taste.

Reds

  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Dark and intense, this hillside-grown blend is packed with blackberry, cherries, and smooth oak notes.
  • Russian River Pinot Noir: Elegant yet daring, this Pinot brings notes of cherry, vanilla, and a hint of spice.

Whites

  • Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc: This wine is zesty and vibrant with grapefruit, lime, and fresh notes, straight from New Zealand’s vineyards.
  • Sonoma Coast Chardonnay: Creamy and complex with layers of citrus, tropical fruit, and a touch of oak, this white is both indulgent and refreshing.

Phantom

Inspired by the “phantom” winemakers of generations past, this line features rich, full-bodied blends aged to perfection in American oak barrels.

  • Chardonnay: Creamy and layered with tropical fruit flavors, vanilla, and toasted oak, this wine offers a fine finish and bold notes.
  • Red blend: This is a daring mix of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Expect juicy plum, blackberry, caramel, clove, and black pepper wrapped in velvety flavors.

ElementAL Wines

Designed for eco-conscious wine lovers, ElementAL combines sustainability with style, offering delicious California-grown varieties in a format that’s as modern as it is mindful. All wines are packaged in 750mL aluminum bottles:

  • Chardonnay: This is made with bright citrus notes and a hint of oak.
  • Pinot Grigio: Light, zesty, and full of pear and lemon goodness, this blend is a classic.
  • Pinot noir: Smooth cherry and spice, this blend is easy to sip and hard to forget.
  • Rosé: Strawberry and watermelon vibes in a refreshing package that’s perfect for patio days. This blend is great for sipping.

Access Bogle Wines with Columbia Distributing

If you’re looking to add Bogle Wines to your business’ offerings, Columbia Distributing can help. Businesses in Washington or Oregon looking to add Bogle wines to their portfolio can contact us today or purchase them through their Fridge accounts.

To find Bogle wines near you, visit the brand’s product finder to learn more.


Brown-Forman: Taste the Excellence

Brown-Forman was founded in 1870 and has evolved into one of the largest spirits and wine exports in the business, producing lines of whiskey, gin, tequila, and more. Learn more about the Brown-Forman brand and its products that we have available.

Jack Daniels bottle on table

Discover the Brown-Forman Range

Brown-Forman, founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown and John Forman, has a rich history rooted in the production of high-quality spirits. The company began by marketing its brand, Old Forester bourbon, which was the first bourbon sold exclusively in sealed glass bottles to promote high-quality products. Over 150 years in business, Brown-Forman has navigated many eras, including Prohibition, and grown into a global leader in the beverage industry. The brand’s commitment to quality is evident in its meticulous production and processes. Brown-Forman products include:

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Miller Marks 50 Years of Beers

Miller Brewing Company is celebrating 50 years of making Miller Lite beer, which was created in 1975. The brand has origins in the 1960s with Gablinger’s Diet Beer and Meister Brau Lite, but it established Lite Beer, catering to calorie-conscious consumers. Columbia Distributing is helping to celebrate 50 years of Miller Lite beer. We’re honored to offer its products to local establishments, restaurants, and bars in Washington and Oregon. Here, we discuss the Miller Lite products that we offer.

coller of miller lite cans

A Brief History of Miller Beer

Frederick Miller founded Miller Brewing Company in 1855, laying the groundwork for what would become one of America’s most iconic beer brands. The company started as a small, family-run business with a dedication to quality and innovation, setting it apart from other competitors. Miller’s commitment to using the best ingredients and traditional brewing methods helped establish a loyal clientele.

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It’s Time to Prepare for National Tequila Day

National Tequila Day is observed on July 24th, celebrating the liquor’s historic origins in Mexico. Many types of tequila come with a rich history and surrounding versatility, so the holiday is a way to celebrate the distilled liquor and drink it in a margarita or Paloma

Mijenta Tequila Reposado bottle

Types of Tequila: Understanding Your Options

Tequila is a widely enjoyed spirit in Mexico, the U.S., and around the world. National Tequila Day invites tequila lovers to enjoy a drink in celebration. Recognized as the spirit of Mexico, tequila is made from the blue agave plant, and the day is a tribute to the rich cultural heritage behind this drink.

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Employee Spotlight: Routing Specialist Mallory Lambarena

Columbia Distributing is a huge part of the Pacific Northwest bar and restaurant scene. As a distributor of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in Washington and Oregon, we have a longstanding history of meeting the needs of our clients in the hospitality industry. Hardworking individuals like Mallory Lambarena have helped us earn our reputation, and Columbia Distributing is honored to feature her impact over 12 years of working here. Learn more about Lambarena, her routine as a routing specialist, and her insights into her career with us.

Routing Specialist Mallory Lambarena with her three children

Mallory Lambarena’s Day as a Routing Specialist

One of the top priorities at Columbia Distributing is supplying deliveries of our brands on time. This has been made a reality through outstanding employees like Mallory Lambarena. As our routing specialist, Lambarena ensures all our beverage deliveries arrive on time and that routes are efficient and accurate. She also helps maintain positive relationships with our delivery drivers.

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San Juan Seltzer: Capturing the Spirit of the Salish Sea

San Juan Seltzer is known for its many flavors of spiked seltzer water, canned margaritas, and hard lemonades. The brand uses fruity flavors and high-quality ingredients to create its beverages. Columbia Distributing provides San Juan Seltzer for local businesses, bars, and restaurants in Washington and Oregon. Learn more about San Juan Selzer and its delicious products.

Cheersing with San Juan Seltzers

Refreshing San Juan Selzer Products

San Juan Seltzer has low-calorie and zero-sugar options for hard seltzer, lemonade, and cocktail margaritas. San Juan Selzer products include:

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Archer Roose Wines: Great Taste Without Opening a Whole Bottle

Archer Roose is recognized for its vast collection of delicious canned wines, from rosé to pinot noir. With vivacious flavors and easy accessibility in a can, it’s ideal for any wine drinker to enjoy at home, on the beach, or wherever else life takes them.

Archer Roose Canned wine and wine glasses

Columbia Distributing is proud to carry Archer Roose in Oregon and Washington.

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Blue Moon Beers: Craftsmanship in Every Pour

Blue Moon Brewing Company was created in 1995 in Denver, CO, by Keith Villa while he was working for Coors Brewing Company. The brand is co-owned by Jim Sabia, who brought his vast marketing expertise to the operation. Born from the nation’s love of craft beer, Blue Moon has been flourishing since its creation, widely enjoyed for its citrus notes and orange slice garnish.

Cans of Blue Moon Belgian White

Blue Moon started with a dry Belgian-style beer, with a citrus flavor and tang of sweetness that made it wildly popular in bars and establishments across the country.

Currently Available Blue Moon Beer Products

Blue Moon offers many different options for non-alcoholic drinkers and beer enthusiasts alike. Known for its light, citrusy notes and deliciously crisp aftertaste, Blue Moon’s famous beer line offers a wide range of brews, including:

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