• Wednesday, April 9, 2025

• 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

• Women’s Plaza Next to Centennial Hall

• Open to everyone | FREE | Before the Show

Celebrate Agave at Alton Brown’s Last Bite Tour! Indulge in a special Sonoran mezcal-driven cocktail crafted exclusively for the evening. While you sip, explore the rich history and culture of agave—a plant that has shaped the culinary, ecological, and cultural traditions of the Sonoran Desert for generations.

• 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

• Women’s Plaza Next to Centennial Hall

• Open to everyone| FREE | Before the Show

Indulge in a special Sonoran mezcal-driven cocktail crafted exclusively for the evening. While you sip, explore the rich history and culture of agave—a plant that has shaped the culinary, ecological, and cultural traditions of the Sonoran Desert for generations.

8-11am | FREE | All Ages

EVENT SPONSORS

UA CENTER FOR LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES | BEACH FLEISCHMAN

Be part of history and the future! Join us at Mission Garden to plant agave in the traditional Hohokam style, inspired by ancient plantings on Tumamoc Hill. These agave plants will provide food for bat pollinators and may even become part of a future festival’s roasting pit.

No experience is needed, and families are encouraged to join! We’ll provide all tools and gloves—just bring your enthusiasm, long pants, and a hat for sun protection.

1:15-2PM | FREE | ALL AGES

Known as "The Tree of Wonders", the agave has been celebrated in native cultures for centuries throughout the American Southwest and Mexico. That tradition continues today in Tucson's Agave Heritage Festival, April 10th- 13th, 2025. Narrated by Arizona Master Naturalist & SAGU VIP Dan Collins, The Amazing Agave presentation is an intriguing overview of "all things agave".

EVENT SPONSORS

UA SOUTHWEST CENTER | W.K. KELLOGG FOUNDATION | ZINACANTAN MEZCAL | YWCA | CHICANOS POR LA CAUSA

The Howard Scott Gentry Award was established in 2017 by Dr. Gary Nabhan and the Agave Heritage Festival to recognize leaders in binational collaborative research on agave conservation and use.

In 2025, we recognize Diana Pinzón and Faby Torres Monfils for their leadership and uncompromising commitment to core values of the cultural and ecological connections and foundations that support mezcal production. 

Previous Gentry Awardees

2017: Ana Guadalupe Valenzuela Zapata

2018: Patricia Coluinga and Daniel Zizumbo Villareal

2019: Tony Burgess (Listen below!)

2022: Luis Egiarte and Valeria Souza

2023: Carlos Camarena

Gary Nabhan (Honorary Gentry Award)

2024: César Iván Ojeda Linares

2025: Diana Carolina Pinzón and Fabiola “Faby” Torres Monfils

5-11pm | $70 | 21+

EVENT SPONSORS

TOAST | RIO NUEVO | THE LOST EXPLORER

Under the spell of a beautiful Spring Tucson night, explore the best downtown has to offer. Begin your journey with an intimate mezcal toast, then pick your own adventure among the 11 participating bars and restaurants. Explore mezcal’s smoky mystique with expertly crafted cocktails, tantalizing bites, and the story of agave in every sip. Your ticket includes a veladora, lanyard, and access to a curated collection of mezcal tastings and pairings at each decadent stop.

*The night starts with check-in at The Playground with welcome toasts with Julie Figueras of The Lost Explorer at 6pm and 7pm

2025 Participating Bars

• Cruda with Lost Explorer

• Sonoran Moonshine with Los Cantiles 1905

• The Playground with Tequila Ocho

• The Monica with NETA / PM Spirits

• RBar with Mezcal Vago

• AC Marriott with Alma Del Jaguar

• The Century Room with Banhez

• La Chingada with Del Maguey

• Batch with La Gritona

• Highwire with Cambio Tequila

• Tabu with Union Mezcal

Check out this INTERACTIVE MAP created by TUCSON FOODIE to help you get from bar to bar on this epic night!

6-8pm | $50 | 21+

This event has SOLD OUT!

Please email: marissa@thetapandbottle.com to be put on our waitlist. 

EVENT SPONSORS
LA GRITONA | BARA-CARA

Join us at Tap & Bottle North with La Gritona Tequila Reposado & Bara-Cara Tequila Blanco. La Gritona Reposado & Bara-Cara Blanco are distilled by Melly Barajas and her staff of women at her distillery in Valle De Guadalupe, Jalisco.

Light bites will be provided to enhance your sipping experience.

The tasting will include:
1 neat pour of Bara-Cara
1 cocktail made with Bara-Cara
1 neat pour of La Gritona
1 cocktail made with La Gritona

All ticket holders will get a complimentary 50ml bottle of La Gritona Reposado Tequila to take home with them.

All bottles will be available for purchase after the event.

7-9pm | $45 | 21+

EVENT SPONSORS

LOS CANTILES 1905

Immerse yourself in the world of agave excellence with an exclusive educational tasting experience featuring Los Cantiles 1905 Spirits at Bar Crisol.

Guided by renowned experts Omhar and Carlos Acuña, this refined tasting journey explores the intricate flavors, distinct terroir, and centuries-old techniques that define Northern Spirits. Each sip is a testament to heritage, sustainability, and the artistry of agave distillation along the borderlands.

Join us for an evening where tradition meets innovation and let the spirit of agave tell its story.

Four 3/4oz sample pours of Los Cantiles 1905 Lechugilla, Palmilla, Blanco, and Carne 

Traditional tasting accompaniments (orange slices) and Lite Bites provided.

9-11pm | Cash Bar | 21+

EVENT SPONSORS

MADRE MEZCALERIA

Two of the best mezcal bars unite for an unforgettable night in Tucson! LA's Madre takes over Bar Crisol, showcasing the bold flavors of Los Cantiles 1905, a renowned bacanora brand. Sip on expertly crafted agave cocktails, enjoy neat pours, and experience the rich tradition of bacanora in this one-night-only celebration of mezcal culture and borderland heritage.

EVENT SPONSORS

CASTLE HOT SPRINGS | W. K. KELLOGG FOUNDATION | UA SOUTHWEST CENTER

A Future Inspired By Agave
9am-6pm | Free | 21+

*Registration with approved invitation only

The 2025 Summit will be a day of action focused on bringing the vision of the City of Century plants to reality.

Tucson and Southern Arizona can be the Region of Century Plants: uniting communities across borders to foster agave sustainability, cultural heritage, and economic resilience for future generations.

However, we are not there yet. Actions across stakeholder groups are needed to elevate the roles and relationships between people and the agave plant in the modern era. Getting from here to there is the focus of the 2025 Agave Renaissance Summit.

The day-long Summit builds from the conversations and Agave Summits in Tucson in 2023 and Sonora 2024 of the past couple years and focuses on several critical topic areas of action.

Friday April 11, 2025

9 am to 6 pm, Hotel Congress

MORNING SESSIONS

Climate Smart Heritage Foods 

Market Expansion of Bacanora into the US

Arts and Storytelling

AFTERNOON SESSIONS

Business, Branding, Sense of Place with Agave as the Anchor 

Bat Friendly & Beyond, creating a label for agave sustainability in the borderlands

Open for topic established day of

2025 Agave Renaissance Summit Fellowship Application

We are considering fellowship applications for Agave Producers in Northern Mexico AND Student/Early Career/Indigenous fellows to support your attendance at the 2025 Summit and Festival. Fellowships will be for a set amount (TBD, no less than $250 USD per person) to cover any expenses needed and will be distributed in cash at the Summit.

12-2pm | FREE | All Ages

Join us for an exclusive book signing event with acclaimed author Ted Genoways as he presents his latest work, Tequila Wars: José Cuervo and the Bloody Struggle for the Spirit of Mexico. This gripping historical account uncovers the untold story of how tequila became a global icon, tracing the Cuervo family’s rise amid fierce rivalries, political upheaval, and battles for control over Mexico’s most celebrated spirit.

Genoways, an award-winning journalist and historian, is known for his compelling narratives that explore the intersections of history, industry, and power. His latest book offers a riveting dive into the world of tequila, revealing the clandestine deals, wartime survival tactics, and international trade disputes that shaped the industry as we know it today.

Meet the author, get your copy signed, and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of tequila at this special event during the Agave Heritage Festival. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with one of the leading voices in historical and cultural storytelling!

6-8pm | $45 | 21+

Sonora Moonshine is proud to present a Guided Mezcal Tasting in partnership with The Lost Explorer Mezcal as part of the Agave Heritage Fest

EVENT SPONSORS

LOST EXPLORER

Delve into the world of artisanal mezcal with an expert-led guided tasting featuring The Lost Explorer Mezcal, presented by Sonora Moonshine as part of the Agave Heritage Festival. This intimate experience will take you beyond the glass, exploring mezcal’s deep cultural significance, traditional production techniques, and the nuances that make each expression unique.

Featured Expressions & Pairings:

Espadín – The most widely cultivated mezcal agave, known for its balance of smoke, fruit, and earth. Paired with citrus and sal de gusano to enhance its complexity.
Tobalá – A wild, high-altitude agave, prized for its floral and herbal notes with a rich, velvety texture. Paired with dark chocolate and sea salt to complement its depth.
Salmiana – A lesser-known agave with bold minerality and bright vegetal notes, offering a crisp, vibrant profile. Paired with manzanilla olives to highlight its briny, green character.

Guided by a mezcal expert, guests will explore the ancestral and artisanal production methods that give mezcal its signature character—from underground pit roasting and slow fermentation to small-batch copper still distillation. Learn how regional factors such as altitude, soil composition, and agave species influence each sip, creating a tasting experience that is both educational and sensory-driven.

Your Ticket Includes:

A guided tasting of three premium mezcal expressions
Curated pairings designed to accentuate mezcal’s diverse flavor profiles
In-depth insights into mezcal’s history, production, and regional variations

With only 40 spots available, this exclusive tasting offers a rare opportunity to explore mezcal through an informed, hands-on experience in an intimate setting.

Secure Your Spot Today! Immerse yourself in the craft, culture, and complexity of mezcal—one sip at a time.

EVENT SPONSORS

CAMBIO TEQUILA

6-8pm | $45 | 21+

Join us at Tabu for a guided tasting featuring Cambio Tequila, a standout in artisanal craftsmanship. Enjoy three one-ounce pours, each paired with thoughtfully crafted lite bites from the Tabu culinary team. Industry experts will walk you through the flavors, process, and heritage behind Cambio Tequila, all in the bold, modern atmosphere of one of Downtown Tucson’s most exciting dining destinations.

Savor, sip, and celebrate the spirit of tequila in a way that’s both refined and unforgettable. Limited seats available—reserve your place today!

EVENT SPONSORS

DEL MAGUEY

6-8pm | $45 | 21+

Join Nicolette Diodati for an immersive tasting experience celebrating Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, the pioneering brand that coined the phrase "liquid art." Hand-crafted by individual Zapotec and Mixtec farmer-families, Del Maguey introduced the world to artisanal mezcal in 1995, showcasing the deep cultural heritage and distinct terroirs of Oaxaca and Puebla. Each expression embodies a "taste of place," shaped by the traditions of ancestral villages and the dedication of the mezcaleros who preserve these time-honored methods.

This guided tasting will feature four 1-ounce pours, each representing a different village and production style, allowing guests to explore the nuanced flavors, rich history, and signature sweet, smoky character that define Del Maguey’s award-winning spirits.

To complement the mezcal, three thoughtfully paired small bites will be served, enhancing the depth and complexity of each pour:

• Citrus and Cucumber Medley: Orange, grapefruit, cucumber, apple, arugula, olive oil, and chili-lime salt

• Frico Bites: Ricotta, chili honey, Fresno chili, orange zest, and Maldon salt

• Grilled Flatbread: Pulled pork, cilantro, and pickled red onion

This experience is more than a tasting—it’s a deep dive into the artistry, heritage, and unparalleled craftsmanship that define Del Maguey. Whether you're a mezcal aficionado or new to the spirit, this event offers a rare opportunity to savor the stories, flavors, and traditions that make Del Maguey truly exceptional.

A Culinary Tribute to the Sonoran Desert
6-9pm | $196 inclusive | 21+

EVENT SPONSORS

SOUTHWEST FOLKLIFE ALLIANCE | BEACH FLEISHMAN | UA CENTER FOR REGIONAL FOOD STUDIES | INTEGRATED AXIS GROUP

Continuing the culinary excellence of the Agave Heritage Festival, this extraordinary five-course dining experience brings together the region’s finest flavors at Maynards Kitchen & Bottle Shop.

Led by Maynards’ new Executive Chef, Roderick LeDesma, this thoughtfully crafted menu highlights the rich bounty of the Sonoran Desert, blending traditional ingredients with modern, innovative techniques. Each course is expertly paired with La Gritona Reposado Tequila—a distinguished, female- and family-owned distillery led by Melly Barajas—featuring both neat pours and artful cocktails that enhance the flavors of each dish.

This exclusive dining event is presented in collaboration with the Center for Regional Food Studies and the Southwest Center, celebrating the deep-rooted cultural and culinary heritage of the borderlands.

Join us for an unforgettable evening where food, tequila, and tradition come together in an immersive celebration of agave and regional gastronomy.

6-8PM | $45 | 21+

EVENT SPONSORS

NETA AGAVE SPIRITS | PM SPIRITS

Join us for an intimate Guided Tasting at Bar Crisol, featuring the exceptional agave sprits of NETA & PM Spirits. This exclusive event invites guests to explore the rich traditions and terroir-driven expressions of agave spirits from the southern valleys of Oaxaca.

Four 3/4oz sample pours by NETA Mezcal and PM Spirits

Traditional tasting accompaniments (orange slices) and Lite Bites provided

EVENT SPONSORS

TEQUILA OCHO

1st Seating 6-7pm | $50 | 21+

Join us at Tap & Bottle Downtown for an interactive tequila tasting. You'll start at a table with a small group and sip on tequila while discussing unique topics guided by a Tequila Ocho Ambassador. After a set amount of time, you'll switch tables, dive into a new tequila expression, and engage in fresh discussions with a new group. Whether you're a tequila aficionado or just starting your agave journey, this experience offers a perfect mix of education, connection and great spirits.

Your ticket includes:
3 • 1 oz neat pours
1 • Cocktail

You will receive a spirits tasting glass to take home with you.

Light bites will be provided.

EVENT SPONSORS

TEQUILA OCHO

2nd Seating 7:30-8:30pm | $50 | 21+

Join us at Tap & Bottle Downtown for an interactive tequila tasting. You'll start at a table with a small group and sip on tequila while discussing unique topics guided by a Tequila Ocho Ambassador. After a set amount of time, you'll switch tables, dive into a new tequila expression, and engage in fresh discussions with a new group. Whether you're a tequila aficionado or just starting your agave journey, this experience offers a perfect mix of education, connection and great spirits.

Your ticket includes:
3 • 1 oz neat pours
1 • Cocktail

You will receive a spirits tasting glass to take home with you.

Light bites will be provided.

with Jesús Alfredo Pérez Blanco

8-10PM | Cash Bar | 21+

Experience an unforgettable evening in the Monsoon Room at Jo Jo's, where innovative flavors meet deep-rooted heritage. Nestled in the heart of the historic Presidio district, JoJo’s offers an intimate and welcoming setting for crafted cocktails that celebrate the region’s culture and flavors.

For this special event, Chef and Mixologist Jesús Alfredo Pérez Blanco from Hermosillo, Sonora, returns to the Agave Heritage Festival after his celebrated role in the 2023 bi-national culinary experience. Known for his expertise in agave spirits, Jesús will showcase La Gritona, NETA Artisanal Mezcal, and PM Spirits, curating an evening of neat pours and refined cocktails that highlight the depth and tradition of Sonoran mixology.

With an emphasis on heritage, simplicity, and craftsmanship, guests will sip and savor cocktails that honor the bold flavors of the region—all in the warm, lively atmosphere of the Monsoon Room at Jo Jo's.

Lecture: 10:00 - 11:30 AM | All Ages

Open Garden Hours: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM | All Ages

The Next Generation of Sonoran Desert Researchers (N-Gen) and the Agave Heritage Festival Lifetime Career Award honors those whose work is a cornerstone in understanding agave’s cultural and ecological significance, shaping the agave world we love today.

This year, we recognize Paul and Suzy Fish's pioneering research on ancient agave cultivation and its role in the Sonoran Desert’s rich history. Through decades of archaeological and ecological work, they have uncovered how traditional farming practices shaped the landscape and its thriving communities. In their talk, Paul and Suzy will reveal hidden landscapes and share how ancient farmers used to grow agave in the Tucson basin.

Before or after the lecture, take time to explore and support Mission Garden, Tucson’s living agricultural museum. Wander through vibrant heritage crop plots, including agave plantings that echo the traditions Paul and Suzy have studied. The garden will be open during event hours, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the landscape that has sustained desert communities for centuries.

EVENT SPONSORS

SOUTHWEST FOLKLIFE ALLIANCE | UA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES | UA FRANKE HONORS COLLEGE

Drop-in Panels and Mezcal Tastings: 11:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Panels - All Ages, Tasting - 21+| FREE

Explore the cultural, agricultural, and market potential of agave in this interactive, drop-in series. Featuring expert-led panels, mezcal tastings from our amazing partners like Raices Imports, and sponsor showcases, this session highlights sustainable agriculture, cross-border collaboration, and creative innovations shaping the future of agave.

Panel topics will include:

• Agave’s Cultural and Historical Legacy in Food and Fiber

• Art and Storytelling in Agave Culture

• Cross-Border Sustainable Agriculture and Agave Cultivation

• Collaboration to Expand US-Mexico Agave Markets

• and more!

Additional program and presenter details to come!

RSVP today! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts, taste regional agave spirits, and explore agave’s role in sustainability and cultural resilience!

This year’s panel event is presented in partnership with Mezcalistas

EVENT SPONSORS

ESFUERZO MEZCAL

1st Seating 12-1pm | $50 | 21+

Join us for an unforgettable Agave Heritage Festival guided tasting experience, featuring the exquisite craftsmanship of Esfuerzo Mezcal paired with Ember’s Chocolate.

Each ticket includes:

5 • .75 oz pours of Esfuerzo Mezcal

5 • expertly curated chocolate pairings from Ember’s Chocolate

1 • complimentary copita to take home

After the event, guests will have the opportunity to purchase Esfuerzo Mezcal to continue their tasting journey.

Secure your spot for this unique mezcal and chocolate pairing experience—space is limited!

EVENT SPONSORS

ESFUERZO MEZCAL

2nd Seating 2-3pm | $50 | 21+

Join us for an unforgettable Agave Heritage Festival guided tasting experience, featuring the exquisite craftsmanship of Esfuerzo Mezcal paired with Ember’s Chocolate.

Each ticket includes:

5 • .75 oz pours of Esfuerzo Mezcal

5 • expertly curated chocolate pairings from Ember’s Chocolate

1 • complimentary copita to take home

After the event, guests will have the opportunity to purchase Esfuerzo Mezcal to continue their tasting journey.

Secure your spot for this unique mezcal and chocolate pairing experience—space is limited!

EVENT SPONSORS

MEZCAL VAGO

5-6:30pm | $50 | 21+

Experience the bold, untamed spirit of Mezcal Vago at this exclusive Agave Heritage Festival guided tasting at Batch. With limited seating, this intimate event offers a rare opportunity to explore the diverse expressions of Mezcal Vago, including Elote, Espadín, and more. Known for their commitment to transparency and tradition, Mezcal Vago sources its small-batch, handcrafted mezcals directly from master mezcaleros in Oaxaca, preserving the rich heritage and terroir of each region.

Join us as we delve into the flavors, techniques, and stories behind these exceptional spirits, gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that define Mezcal Vago.

5-7pm | $45 | 21+

EVENT SPONSORS

Join us for an intimate Guided Tasting at Bar Crisol, highlighting the distinctive spirits of Northern Mexico. This exclusive event offers guests a rare opportunity to explore the bold flavors and deep-rooted traditions of sotol, bacanora, and other regional agave and desert spirits. Led by industry experts, the tasting will delve into the unique production methods and terroir that shape these extraordinary expressions from the rugged landscapes of Sonora, Chihuahua, and beyond.

Four 3/4oz sample pours of Northern Mexico Spirits
Traditional tasting accompaniments (orange slices) and Lite Bites provided

EVENT SPONSORS

VISIT TUCSON | UA FRANKE HONORS COLLEGE

7-10pm | $65 early bird, $75 after 2/22 | 21+

Step into the epicenter of Tucson’s agave culture at Agave Fiesta, the event that first ignited the Agave Heritage Festival in 2008 and continues to be a cornerstone of the celebration. This immersive experience brings together over 50 artisanal and ancestral agave spirits, crafted by master distillers who honor time-honored traditions while shaping the future of agave production.

Taste the legacy. From mezcal and tequila to bacanora and sotol, each sip tells a story of heritage, sustainability, and craftsmanship—woven together by the hands of those who have preserved this ancient spirit for generations. Engage with industry experts as they share insights on agave culture, terroir, distillation techniques, and the historical significance of these revered spirits.

Beyond the spirits, Agave Fiesta is a vibrant sensory experience. Enjoy expertly crafted agave cocktails, soak in the energy of live music, and indulge in a thoughtfully curated light bites from Borderlands Brewing, where regional flavors meet agave-inspired pairings.

What’s Included with Your Ticket:

• Festival shot glass

• 4 agave spirit samples

• 2 agave cocktails

• 1 sample of a heritage beer

• Inspired light bites

Join us for an unforgettable evening where tradition, artistry, and celebration come together in every sip. Raise your glass to the past, present, and future of agave.

Explore the slopes of Tumamoc Hill on a guided hike to learn about the natural and cultural history of Tucson and the Sonoran Desert. This tour offers insights into the ecology, cultural history, and desert adaptations that have shaped this unique landscape and agave farming and resilience. Enjoy stunning views while discovering how agave has played a vital role in the region’s past and present.

Limited Spots – Sign Up Today!

Guided Tour: 10:00 - 11:30 AM

Plant Sale: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Explore the innovative conservation efforts of Borderlands Restoration Network and Bat Conservation International against the stunning backdrop of Patagonia, Arizona. This event features a guided tour of restoration sites, nectar-feeding bat conservation projects, and a native plant sale to support regional agave conservation efforts, showcasing species that enhance regional sustainability, support wildlife, and foster biodiversity.

RSVP for the tour ASAP to secure your spot!

Support the vital efforts of these organizations by visiting the donation pages for Borderlands Restoration Network and Bat Conservation International. Your contribution helps advance their impactful work in conservation and biodiversity.

This is a special family style dining option available at Bata exclusively on Sunday 4/13 in celebration of the Agave Heritage Festival. Make reservations and enjoy a dining experience like none other!

The Culinary Team of BATA and their award-winning restaurant partner with the internationally renowned Tequila Ocho and Mezcal Vago for a culinary experience worthy of the last Agave Heritage Festival event of 2025.   This experience is offered the entire evening as a family-style tasting menu that includes a choice of a mezcal or tequila paired cocktail and two other spirit neat pour pairings.  Plan to meet Chris Simmons, Tyler Fenton, Andres Cruz, and a host of other experts helping to guide you along this culinary journey.   The first 72 guests receive a commemorative Tequila Ocho tasting flute to help you continue your Ocho journey while at home!"