When people think about tequila, they often picture sun-drenched agave fields, skilled jimadores harvesting plants by hand, and centuries-old distillation traditions in Mexico. What many people don’t realize is that women have played an important role in shaping tequila and the broader agave spirits industry, often quietly and behind the scenes.

Today, women are not only preserving these traditions but also leading innovation, sustainability efforts, and global recognition for agave spirits.

Women have been part of tequila’s story since its earliest days. One of the most influential figures was Doña Cenobia Sauza, who helped manage and expand the family tequila business during the late 1800s. As part of the family behind Sauza, she supported production, business operations, and export growth at a time when women rarely held leadership roles in spirits. Her work helped lay the foundation for tequila’s growth into one of Mexico’s most recognized exports.

Today, women are increasingly visible in leadership roles throughout the tequila world- from production to brand ownership.

One inspiring voice is Ana María Romero Mena, a pioneering Maestra Tequilera, sensory analyst, and educator who has helped professionalize tequila tasting. Her work has trained countless industry professionals and helped create the frameworks used to evaluate tequila today. You can find her influence and passion in a glass of Mijente, which I prefer neat. Meanwhile, a new generation is continuing family traditions. Fany Camarena, from the family behind El Tesoro and Tapatio, represents the next wave of leaders blending heritage with innovation.

Women’s influence isn’t limited to tequila alone. Across the broader world of agave spirits- including mezcal- women are preserving traditions, conducting scientific research, and leading sustainable farming initiatives. For example, Graciela Ángeles of Real Minero is known for combining traditional mezcal production with scientific research on agave biodiversity and sustainability.

Across Mexico, women are working as:

• Distillers and maestras tequileras
• Mezcal producers
• Agave farmers and field managers
• Sensory experts and educators
• Brand founders and entrepreneurs

Their work is helping preserve cultural traditions while pushing the industry forward.

The growing presence of women in tequila and agave spirits reflects a broader shift toward inclusion and innovation within the industry. These leaders are not only producing exceptional spirits, they are also advocating for sustainability, protecting agave biodiversity, and elevating the global appreciation of agave-based drinks.

By telling their stories, we honor the generations of women who helped shape the spirit of tequila and inspire the next generation of leaders in the world of agave.

Raise a Glass

The next time you enjoy a tequila cocktail or sip a finely crafted añejo, remember that behind the agave fields and copper stills are the stories of women who helped cultivate the spirit, literally and figuratively. Their influence continues to grow, proving that tequila’s future is as dynamic and vibrant as its past.

Notable Female-Owned Tequila Brands

One With Life Tequila

Founder: Lisa Elovich (Upstate NY native)

• Founded in 2015 to promote mindfulness, sustainability, and organic production
• Certified organic, additive-free tequila made with sustainable farming practices

Inspiro Tequila

Founder: Mara Smith

• Woman-owned and B-Corp certified
• The company was founded to bring an additive-free, smoother tequila to market and to elevate women’s voices in the spirits industry, and uses wine barrels for aging their reposado.

21Seeds Tequila

Founders: Kat Hantas, Nicole Emanuel, and Sarika Singh

• Fruit-infused tequila designed for easy cocktails
• Launched in 2019 and quickly became one of the fastest-growing tequila brands

Casa Del Sol Tequila

Co-founder: Eva Longoria

• Female-led tequila brand launched in 2021
• Uses Cognac barrels for aging instead of traditional whiskey barrels

TCapri Tequila

Founder: Tiffany Capri Hainesworth

• First Black woman to solely own a tequila brand
• Small-batch tequila produced in San Julián, Jalisco

Leyenda de México

Founder: Melly Barajas

• Produced at one of the only fully female-operated tequila distilleries
• Barajas is sometimes called the “Queen of Tequila” for her role as owner and master distiller

Shequila Tequila

Founder: Senorita Shelley (Mexican-American entrepreneur)

• Female-owned tequila brand focused on celebrating Mexican culture and heritage
• Created by partners in the wine, spirits, and hospitality industries

Casa Dragones

Founder: Bertha González Nieves

• One of the most influential women in tequila
• González Nieves became the first female Maestra Tequilera