CA Agave Council At American Distilling Institute Craft Spirits Conference and Expo in San Antonio
The California Agave Council exhibited at the American Distilling Institute Craft Spirits Conference to promote and advocate for our emerging industry. By building valuable connections and partnerships, we’re laying the groundwork to support future growth and prepare for the rise of mature agave in California.
Attending the American Distilling Institute Craft Spirits Conference and Expo in San Antonio this past August was both inspiring and insightful. The event, led by Bill and Erik Owen—a dedicated father-and-son team who have championed the craft spirits movement for more than two decades—showcased the strength and diversity of the industry. Their mission to elevate awareness of small-batch craft spirits was evident throughout the expo, where we connected with distillers, bottle makers, builders of distilling equipment, transportation specialists, scientists, and agave spirit makers such as Brett Breckett of Ameragave and Mike Cameron of Devils River, who is innovating in Texas by producing agave bourbon made with Tequilana Blue Weber agave, highlighting the creative possibilities within the craft spirits sector.
We were also delighted by a visit from Grover Sanschagrin of Tequila Matchmaker, who continues to be a great advocate of all things “agave” making a big difference in the understanding of the potential of this ever giving crop.
A particularly notable presence was Erick Sandona, director of the American Distilling Institute’s International Spirits Competition and founder of EZ Drinking. His leadership gave the competition a sense of global prestige and underscored ADI’s role in celebrating diverse traditions.
One of my proudest moments was watching Venezuelan cocuy agave spirit, an expression from agave variety endemic to Venezuela rather than Mexico, win recognition on the international stage. Aureliano Ugueto of Verdor Cocuy, earned Best of Class International Agave Spirit, showing that unique varieties of agave—grown in different regions of the world—are gaining the respect they deserve.
The San Antonio conference not only celebrated craftsmanship and innovation across the spirits industry but also reaffirmed ADI as a hub where tradition, experimentation, and global recognition converge to shape the future of craft distilling.
We look forward to seeing many of these devoted craftsmen and women at the 2026 California Agave Council Symposium, which will be held in Santa Barbara in March!
Cheers!
Ane Díaz , Board Member
Rancho del Sol
California Agave Symposium 2025: The Biggest and Best Yet
The California Agave Symposium 2025, held on April 10th at UC Davis, was our most ambitious and well-attended gathering to date. With growers, distillers, researchers, and industry leaders from across the state and beyond, this year’s event built on past successes and showcased just how quickly California’s agave movement is growing.
The California Agave Symposium 2025, held on April 10th at UC Davis, was our most ambitious and well-attended gathering to date. With growers, distillers, researchers, and industry leaders from across the state and beyond, this year’s event built on past successes and showcased just how quickly California’s agave movement is growing.
A Day of Learning and Connection
The Symposium kicked off with opening remarks from Stuart Woolf, Chairman of the California Agave Council, and Professor Jason Bond, Associate Dean for Agricultural Sciences at UC Davis. Throughout the day, Executive Director Alec Wasson served as the host, guiding attendees through the program and keeping the energy high.
Keynote & Research Insights
The keynote, “Agave’s Next Chapter,” was delivered by Grover and Scarlet Sanschagrin, co-founders of Tequila Matchmaker, who shared insights into industry trends and the global spirits market. This was followed by UC Davis’ own Professor Ron Runnebaum, presenting the latest findings from his team’s research on agave cultivation and processing.
Tackling Challenges and Exploring Opportunities
A highlight of the morning was a session on plant health and disease management, led by Dr. June Simpson with Steve Vierra, helping attendees better understand the unique challenges of growing agave in California.
After lunch, participants dove into “Going to Market,” a panel featuring Eli Kestenbaum, Julien Calella, and John Young, who shared strategies on distribution, branding, and scaling in the beverage alcohol industry.
Breakout Sessions: Diving Deeper
The afternoon breakout sessions gave attendees the chance to explore specialized topics, including:
Distillers Panel with leaders like Gian Pablo Nelson, Henry Tarmy, and Jason Senior, offering practical advice for aspiring and established distillers.
Agave Varieties, Challenges, and Diseases with Dr. June Simpson and Ane Díaz, a hands-on discussion about agronomic hurdles and solutions.
Exploring Agave’s Many Uses with Dr. Srabani Das, Ian Bryant, Nate Headrick, and Ane Díaz, highlighting agave’s potential in fiber, biofuels, feed, nectar, and more.
Growers Panel featuring Jack Woolf, Edgar Cervantes, and Laurie Goldberg, sharing lessons learned from cultivating agave at scale in California.
Regenerative Agave with Rodrigo Mestas, who presented groundbreaking work on regenerative practices in Mexico that produced the world’s first certified regenerative tequila.
California Agave Commission Discussions with Louie Brown, Taylor Triffo, and Stuart Woolf, where attendees weighed in on the future structure and funding of the industry.
UC Davis Agave Research Deep Dive with Ron Runnebaum, Paula Guzman-Delgado, and Brad Hanson, covering genomics, virus profiling, weed management, and sustainability.
California Agave Reception at Mulvaney’s B&L
Following the Symposium, guests gathered at Mulvaney’s B&L in Sacramento for the California Agave Reception. Attendees had the chance to sample California agave spirits from Venus Spirits, Ventura Spirits, Shelter Distilling, and Jano Spirits, while enjoying farm-to-fork dishes crafted by renowned chef Patrick Mulvaney.
The evening also featured special presentations honoring key champions of the industry. Ernesto Delgado, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, and Craig Reynolds were each recognized for their leadership and dedication in advancing and promoting the California agave movement.
Wrapping Up
The day concluded with renewed momentum and a strengthened sense of community. From UC Davis research to farmer and distiller insights, and from market strategies to a celebratory evening reception, the 2025 Symposium reinforced its place as the premier gathering for California agave.
👉 Why it matters: The 2025 Symposium wasn’t just the largest yet—it was also the most forward-looking, blending science, market insights, and community voices to chart a clear course for California’s agave industry.
Update on AB 2606 – California Agave Commission Bill
The California Agave Council is actively gathering feedback on AB 2606, the bill to establish a California Agave Commission, and will continue doing so through 2025. No petition for activation will be submitted in the bill’s current form. Updated legislation could be introduced in early 2026, with changes potentially taking effect in 2027. A Commission would provide a grower-led, transparent structure to fund research, marketing, education, and policy efforts, helping ensure a strong and sustainable future for California’s agave industry. Growers and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and share feedback through the Council’s newsletter and email.
The California Agave Council is actively gathering feedback on AB 2606, the legislation that lays the groundwork for establishing a California Agave Commission. This feedback phase will continue through the end of 2025, aiming to incorporate a broad range of perspectives from growers, processors, and industry partners. Based on this input, we anticipate collaborating with the legislature in early 2026 to introduce a bill reflecting the agreed-upon changes. The CA Agave Council will not be petitioning CDFA for activation of AB 2606 in its present form.
The legislative process typically spans approximately nine months. Therefore, any enacted changes would likely take effect on January 1, 2027. Consequently, the earliest a vote to initiate the Commission could occur would be in early 2027.
We will continue to share updates and opportunities for discussion through our newsletter and social media channels. To stay informed and participate in the conversation, sign up for our newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/californiaagave/survey.We welcome your feedback at any time via email at Info@CaliforniaAgave.org.
What is a Commission, and Why is it Important?
A Commission is a grower-led, state-recognized organization that invests in education, research, marketing, and policy efforts through a transparent structure. Commissions have helped many California crops thrive, providing a framework for collective action and industry development.
Key Features of the Proposed California Agave Commission:
Nominal Cost per Pound: A small, per-pound fee collected by processors at harvest, ensuring contributions align with actual production. This approach, refined from the original acreage-based proposal, offers a more equitable and sustainable funding model for the long term.
Grower Rights: One grower equals one vote, regardless of size, protecting the interests of small and large growers alike.
Industry Control: Funds managed by an elected board of growers and processors, ensuring decisions are made by those directly involved in the industry.
Built-in Accountability: The Commission must be renewed by a majority vote every five years, allowing for regular reassessment of its effectiveness.
Equitable Cost-Sharing: No single entity bears the financial burden alone; costs are shared fairly across the industry.
The California agave industry is at a pivotal point of growth. Careful planning and investment are essential to ensure a strong future. Establishing a Commission is a crucial step toward creating the organization, stability, and shared resources needed to move the industry forward. It will also provide growers, investors and companies with confidence that the industry has a cohesive plan and the support necessary for successful growth.
We appreciate all the feedback received thus far and encourage ongoing input as we work together to shape the future of California's agave industry.
CALIFORNIA AGAVE SYMPOSIUM
Don’t miss the biggest gathering for California Agave to learn from experts, ask your questions and network with other leaders in this exciting new movement.
Cultivating the Future: Practical Advice from Planting to Processing
This year’s Symposium is set to be our most engaging and informative event yet! Dive into the latest research, growing and distilling insights, and hands-on advice designed to propel the California agave industry forward.
Expect an exciting lineup of:
🌟 Expert-led discussions on the latest science and innovations.
🌱 Grower and distiller panels sharing real-world experiences and success stories.
💬 Interactive breakout sessions to explore the topics that matter most to you.
🤝 Ample opportunities to network, build community, and connect with industry leaders.
This year, we’re putting a special spotlight on practical tools and strategies for success. From planting and nurturing agave to harvesting and production, you’ll gain actionable takeaways to enhance your operation—whether you’re an established expert or taking your first steps into the agave world.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of an event that’s shaping the future of California’s agave industry.
We’re also thrilled to announce two of our featured speakers: Grover and Scarlet Sanschagrin of Tequila Matchmaker. They have some big updates to share, including their newly launched Agavos Awards, and will provide an overview of the agave industry, lessons learned in Mexico, and offer valuable insights and advice on the future of the international spirits market.
Tickets are only $100 + fees, for Full Members, and discounted also for Associate Level Members. Reach out to us if you’re a Full or Associate for your promo code. If you haven’t received your code yet, please contact us. Not a Full Member? Now’s the perfect time to join and save hundreds of dollars! Visit our Givebutter page to join!