5 Great Tequila Brands Owned by Women
Women-owned tequila brands
Tequila’s origins lie with Mexico’s Indigenous peoples, who created a drink from the agave plant. When the Spanish arrived, this tradition merged with European distillation technology. Perhaps the most famous name in tequila, Jose Cuervo, received a land grant to grow agave in 1758.
For nearly the entire 200-year history of tequila as a spirit, it’s been a male-dominated field, as most distilleries, from the jimadors to the distillers, pass knowledge down through fathers and sons. But that’s starting to change as more women enter the industry and spirits production diversifies worldwide. For many consumers, it’s a welcome change.
Bertha Gonzalez Nieves, founder of Casa Dragones
Founded in 2009 by Bertha González Nieves in San Miguel de Allende, Casa Dragones is a small-batch tequila company that has quickly gained a large following. It all started with the joven, a style not as widely known, made to be sipped, like a cognac or fine whiskey.
“From the start, our goal was clear: to craft a tequila that would redefine what many thought of tequila and reimagine tequila not as a spirit to chase, but one to savor,” says Gonzalez. “We made a promise to each other that if we couldn’t create something truly exceptional tasting, we would abandon the project.”
Now, the lineup also includes traditional varieties like añejo, reposado, blanco, and a specialty 200 Copas release with singer Karol G, which is aged in American oak. Nieves is also the first woman to be certified as ‘Maestra Tequilera’ by the Academia Mexicana de Catadores de Tequila.
Mara Smith, founder of Inspiro Tequila
Inspiro Tequila is the creation of former Chicago-based attorney Mara Smith, who always enjoyed the spirit but was looking for something free of additives.
“That perfect tequila did not exist, so I decided to create one,” says Smith. “The goal was not just to craft impeccable tequilas, but it was also to bring more female perspectives to the spirits industry by having women involved in every aspect of our company.”
She created the certified B Corporation, which makes reposado, blanco, and reserve añejo versions. “Our Luna Blanco is rested in bourbon barrels for a short time to create sweeter tasting notes without using additives. Less than 10 brands put their blancos in barrels,” she adds. “Our Rosa Reposado is the first tequila aged in French rosé wine barrels, imparting a natural rose-gold hue and a flavor profile that is more berry and floral.”
Mijenta, Maestra Selection No.1
You've likely seen the award-winning Mijenta on shelves at your local liquor store with its signature rabbit logo. Maestra Tequilera Ana María Romero is behind the selection of usual styles, along with a Cristalino, and the Maestra series, chosen from five unique estates.
“Tequila is still quite male-dominated, but women love tequila too, and I’m really pleased to see more women not only embracing tequila as consumers but also helping shape the future of the category as founders, producers, leaders, and storytellers,” says co-founder and Director of Sustainability Elise Som. “Ana has such a creative mind, and she brings a wealth of new ideas and concepts to experiment with that explore the boundaries of tequila.”
Skorpios 1618 tequilas
Earning several top honors for its ultra-premium distillate, Skorpios 1618 comes in striking ceramic bottles shaped like snakes. Founder Mina Trujillo started the company in 2015 after learning about her family’s history in agave farming, the most essential ingredient in making tequila, in the state of Jalisco.
“I do not make tequila, but I am a master blender. I leave the tequila making to master distillers, but I found my love of tequila due to my family roots,” she says. “Curiosity led me to my current brands and the exploration of my heritage.”
TCapri tequilas
Following founder Tiffany Capri Hainesworth’s traumatic brain injury, she was looking for something different to devote her life to. It led her to Jalisco, Mexico, where she committed to creating ultra-premium tequila in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The result was her brand, TCapri, made from estate-grown agave, free from additives.
“[It] was born from a deeply personal journey. Today, TCapri stands as a testament to resilience and the belief that luxury should be inclusive,” she says.