What tequila is made in California?

Answered by Vince Keith

In California, there is a unique and exquisite that is crafted with love and passion – CaliFino. This tequila is the result of the Luna family's dedication to continuing their traditions and sharing their special tequila with the world.

The story of CaliFino begins back in 2003 when the next generation of the Luna family took on the responsibility of carrying forward the family's tequila-making traditions in San Diego. They recognized the growing demand for high-quality tequila and saw an opportunity to share their craft with a wider audience.

With a close family friend, Phil Salvagio, by their side, the Luna family embarked on a journey to create a truly exceptional tequila. They wanted to ensure that every bottle of CaliFino was a testament to their commitment to craftsmanship, luxury, and authenticity.

To achieve this, the Luna family and Phil Salvagio made several trips to Mexico, the birthplace of tequila, to immerse themselves in the art and science of tequila-making. They visited distilleries, met with master distillers, and tasted countless tequilas to gain a deep understanding of the process and the characteristics that make a tequila truly exceptional.

During these trips, the Luna family and Phil Salvagio had the opportunity to experience firsthand the rich cultural heritage and traditions that surround tequila production. They witnessed the meticulous care and attention to detail that goes into every step of the process, from the cultivation of the agave plants to the distillation and aging of the tequila.

Inspired by these experiences, the Luna family and Phil Salvagio set out to create a tequila that would be a true reflection of their passion for the craft. They carefully selected the finest blue Weber agave, known for its high sugar content and rich flavors, to be the foundation of their tequila.

The agave is harvested by hand, ensuring that only the best and ripest plants are used. The hearts of the agave, known as piñas, are then slow-roasted in traditional brick ovens to release their sweet, caramelized flavors.

After roasting, the piñas are crushed and the juices are extracted. The extracted , known as aguamiel, is then fermented using a proprietary strain that enhances the complexity and depth of flavors in the tequila.

Once the fermentation process is complete, the aguamiel is distilled twice in traditional copper stills. This careful distillation process allows the Luna family and Phil Salvagio to capture the essence of the agave and create a tequila that is smooth, flavorful, and balanced.

After distillation, the tequila is aged in American oak , which impart rich flavors and aromas. The Luna family and Phil Salvagio carefully monitor the aging process to ensure that the tequila achieves the perfect balance of flavors and develops the desired complexity.

The result of their dedication and craftsmanship is CaliFino, a tequila that embodies the spirit of California and the Luna family's commitment to quality. Each bottle of CaliFino is a testament to the Luna family's heritage and their desire to share their passion for tequila with others.

CaliFino tequila is a true luxury tequila, crafted with love, tradition, and a deep respect for the art of tequila-making. Its smoothness, complexity, and rich flavors make it a standout among tequilas, and a true representation of the best that California has to offer.

So, if you're looking for a tequila that is made in California and encapsulates the spirit of the Luna family's traditions and craftsmanship, look no further than CaliFino. It is a tequila that will transport you to the sun-soaked agave fields of Mexico and leave you with a truly memorable tasting experience.