Building a Legacy - How Kelvin Young & DJuan Ditto Are Changing the Game in Wine & Spirits

The wine and spirits industry has long been dominated by the same players, but Legacy Wine & Spirits Distribution is here to shake things up. Co-founders Kelvin Young and DJuan Ditto are on a mission to create opportunities for historically excluded brands, bringing diverse, high-quality wines and spirits to a wider audience. Their passion for representation, community, and exceptional products is at the heart of their work.

Interview with Kelvin Young & DJuan Ditto

Co-Founders of Legacy Wine & Spirits Distribution

We had the chance to sit down with them to discuss their journey, challenges, and the future of Legacy Wine & Spirits.

Can you share the story behind why you decided to start your company?

We started as brand ambassadors for a small liquor brand. We were trying to break new brands in the market but could not find a distributor to pick up the brands for retail placement. We decided to become the distributor so that we could determine which brands we could work with. In the process of licensing and becoming distributors, we recognized that we would be the first black owned in KY. Legacy Wine & Spirits has been a platform for minority owned and women owned brands since.

How do you think your background and identity have influenced the way you run your business in the alcohol industry?

Our background as brand ambassadors help us in being creative with our brands to bring more awareness to the products. We like to create experiences around our brands that provide an ideal backdrop for the bovine we are trying to create for whatever spirit we are featuring

What were your biggest challenges when you got started, and what is your biggest challenge right now?

Our biggest challenge starting out was definitely funding just to get started, and it is still a challenge now as we continue to grow. We deal with a lot of small, minority owned brands that usually do not have access to the capital needed to compete with their competitors. So, we have to always utilize our resources and think outside the box to be able to promote to our audience.

What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds who are interested in entering the alcohol production industry?

In an industry where there is not a lot of diversity YET... you have to keep going to get through the obstacles and hurdles in front of you. Don't be afraid to network and utilize resources to be in the rooms that you need to be in and get to where you want to be.

What inspires you to keep going when things get hard?

Knowing what it took for us to reach the point we are now. We've done too much work to not to continue forward and be successful. Also our company is named Legacy for a reason, our children are our biggest inspiration and us wanting to create and leave generational wealth for our family is definitely motivation.

Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you or your company?

We are the first black owned spirits distributor in KY. We are the official distributor for Earl Stevens(E40) brands in KY. We have over 30 products including black owned and women owned products.

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Legacy Wine & Spirits Distribution isn’t just about business—it’s about impact. By supporting brands that have traditionally been overlooked, Kelvin and DJuan are fostering a more inclusive and dynamic industry. Whether you’re a consumer, a retailer, or just someone passionate about great drinks with a story, there’s a place for you in this movement. Be sure to check out their website at Legacy Wine & Spirits and follow them on social media @legacy_wine_spirits to stay updated on their journey.

Cheers to breaking barriers and building legacies!

Because Diversity is the taste of life®!

Remember to enjoy responsibly.