Tucson, AZ--- The 2023 Agave Heritage Festival on April 27-30, features over 29 unique events with 18 tasting experiences including the signature MezCrawl and Agave Fiesta, 15 guided tastings, plus the new Spirit of Sonora Consumer Expo in addition to 5 expert led seminars, and 5 culinary events.
The community-driven event, founded and led by Todd Hanley is truly a labor of love. His passion over the years has been to grow the event into the world-class unique showcase for all things agave that it is today. “What started out as a festival celebrating the culture of the agave in the Sonoran region and borderlands has quickly evolved into a platform for so much more. In enjoying the diverse products of the agave (Mezcal, Tequila, Bacanora), we also hope to educate attendees on the critical role the century plant plays in conservation, and biodiversity within the environment. Creating a wide variety of experiences that can attract a broad audience to enjoy and learn and take something away from each event has been challenging and very rewarding. I look forward to welcoming everyone to our festival to drink, eat and learn”!
Five multi-course dinner events for this year’s festival will take on a significant role as showcases for not only agave spirits but also for the culinary heritage of the entire Sonoran region. Four exceptional culinary teams will each create unique menus featuring indigenous and local ingredients paired with a variety of creative cocktails and neat pours made with a range of agave spirits. All dinner guests will receive a traditional artisanal agave spirits drinking vessel. Space is limited at each event. Reservations can be made at https://www.agaveheritagefestival.com/dinners .
2023 AGAVE HERITAGE FESTIVAL CULINARY EVENTS
Nocheluna Agave Heritage Dinner at Maynard’s – Thursday, April 27, 6-9pm - 400 N Toole
The Maynard’s culinary team joins forces with Chef John Martinez of Tito and Pep to create a culinary experience highlighting the finest local ingredients with a contemporary classic menu. Featuring Copper Star Beef from Red Rock, AZ and an array of seasonal produce from local farms, the five-course menu will feature cocktails and neat pours from Nocheluna Sotoland and Montelobos Mezcal Artesenal.
Bahnez Agave Heritage Dinner at Seis Kitchen - Thursday, April 27, 5:30-8pm – 1765 E River Road
The six regions of Mexico will be featured in a six-course meal prepared by Chef/owner Jake Munoz and the culinary team at Seis Kitchen. As in the name Seis (six), they will feature courses that are distinctly regional, pulling flavors and dishes from Oaxaca, Western and Northern state of Baja, Yucatan and Mexico City. Guests will enjoy a welcome cocktail, paired cocktails with dinner, and mezcal tastings presented by Julie Anne Figueras of Banhez Mezcal Artisanal.
Tequila Ocho Agave Heritage Dinner at The Coronet – Friday, April 28, two seatings, 5-7:30pm and 8-10:30pm – 198 W Cushing Street
The Coronet culinary team presents two seatings of a five-course paired dinner inspired by and featuring Tequila Ocho. Guests will begin the evening in the main dining room with a welcome cocktail, paired appetizers, and live music. Presentations by Carlos Camarena from Tequila Ocho, Sally Kane, owner of The Coronet and Chef Tanner Flemming will take place throughout the evening at both events.
Esfuerzo Agave Heritage Dinner at BATA – Saturday, April 29, 6-9 pm - 35 East Toole Ave.
Chef Tyler Fenton and his culinary team present the Esfuerzo Agave Heritage Dinner at the award-winning BATA featuring a five-course dining experience with “The best ingredients from our region cooked over our live fire,” said Chef Fenton. The evening begins with an exclusive wine tasting with Compa Spirits, followed by select cocktail pairings by Esfuerzo Mezcal Artisanal, and presentation by owner David Martinez.
Spirit of Sonora Agave Heritage Dinner at The Carriage House – Sunday, April 30, 5-8pm - 125 S AZ Ave
Si Charro! Chef Gary Hickey and Guest Chef Jose Lino of Quiriego, Mex. will present a five-course dinner with Bacanora and Sotol pairings. “Chef Lino and I will take inspiration from the Sonoran Desert and the true spirit of Sonora – Bacanora! Our progressive menu collaboration will showcase our desert and foods of the region”, said Chef Hickey. The five-course dinner features paired agave spirits by Los Cantilles 1905 Bacanora and Santo Cuviso Bacanora.
SPONSORS OF THE 2023 FESTIVAL
Hensley Beverage, Rio Neuvo, Visit Tucson, Quiriego Restaurant, Strutuall Modular Buildings, Sysco, Parch Beverage, Nocheluna Sotol, Montelobos Mezcal, Milagro Tequila, Heavy Mell Premium Imports, Mezcalistas, Confluencenter for Creative Inquiry, Bahnez Mezcal Artesanal, La Luna Mezcal, Tequila Ocho & Mezcal Vago, Mezcal de Leyenda, Esfuerzo Mezcal Artesanal, Pulque Octi, Mexcal Union, Don Julio, Origin Rais Mexcal Artesanal, Borderlands Spirits, La Gritonia Tequila, LaMata Agave Distillates, Dragoon Brewing, Williams and Associates.
ABOUT THE AGAVE HERITAGE FESTIVAL
The mission of the Agave Heritage Festival, now in its 15th year, is to create an opportunity to all who are interested in continuing to explore and celebrate the cultural, sustainable, and commercial significance of the agave across borders. Founded in 2008, the festival has since become a city-wide, destination event that spotlights the southwest region through the lens of the agave plant. The Agave Heritage Festival celebrates the unique importance and sustainability of the agave plant and borderlands culture with seminars, tasting events and world-class culinary events. For the complete schedule of events and to purchase tickets, visit agaveheritagefestival.com. @agaveheritagefestival #agaveheritagefestival
###