Journey Through the Legacy of Casa Sauza: Interview with Victor Martínez

In the heart of Mexico, within the historic Casa Sauza, lies a 150-year-old tradition that has given life to the country's most emblematic drink: tequila. In this interview, we delve into the fascinating world of this distillery through the eyes and experiences of Víctor Martínez, who has been a key protagonist in the evolution of this legacy.

The Beginning of a Gastronomic and Tequila Adventure

In 2008, Víctor Martínez embarked on a journey to develop new forms of hospitality at Casa Sauza. He aimed to create unique culinary experiences that would leave an indelible mark on visitors' memories. This experiential approach led him to continue creating unforgettable experiences and a variety of delicious flavors and cultural connections.

Over the years, Víctor immersed himself in the evolution of the Casa Sauza Visitors Center, diversifying the business unit and transforming it into a sustainable model. He expanded its offerings to include immersive factory tours, sensory pairings, and delightful culinary getaways. The goal: to become a hub where experiences flowed and captivated visitors. Awaiting them is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. While guided tours of tequila producers had long been established, and Casa Sauza pioneered them, his idea helped elevate these tours to the next level.

In 2018, the distillery brought to life the restaurant La Cueva de Don Cenobio, where the essence of Casa Sauza's tequilas, infused with local and organic details, merges with a cuisine of high modernity that is also accessible. Víctor takes us on a sensory journey, making it clear why this place has become the number-one restaurant in the region.

The sensory experience is now further enriched with the creation of the Sala de Catados Santoscoy, a Tasting Room where the art of master and artist from Guadalajara, Juan Carlos Santoscoy, infuses his style combined with agaves and barrels. In this unique space, we conduct micro pairings and sensory tastings.

La Quinta Sauza, a Trip to the 1800s

The story of La Quinta del Retiro, a property with a magical aura, serves as the operational base for the activities of the Visitors Center adjacent to the Sauza factory. This rest house became the perfect place to immerse oneself in the heritage and legacy of tequila.

In 1815, construction began on the mansion. The place changed its name to La Quinta del Retiro, and the Sauza family decided to use it as a rest house with a swimming pool and extensive gardens, with some orchards opposite the factory.

Eventually, the Tequila House used this beautiful 1836 mansion for incentive trips, tourism, and brand education. It was then that they began to receive significant flows of people eager to learn about the heritage and legacy of the Sauza family.

Today, La Quinta Sauza is the operational base of the "hospitality" for the most iconic brands of La Perseverancia©: Tres Generaciones©, Hornitos©, 100 Años©, and the Sauza portfolio. Located at Luis Navarro #70, La Quinta Sauza offers a journey of quality and warmth for all visitors, transporting them to the agave fields (Botanical Garden), tours in the distillery La Perseverancia, since 1873, the experimental micro-distillery Mi Alegría, and the Skywalk packaging, ending once again in this mansion with an outstanding gastronomic experience and a new tasting room curated by the master and Jalisco artist Juan Carlos Santoscoy.

A Legacy of Awareness and Love for Tequila

Finally, Víctor shares that he wishes his most significant legacy to be that people leave with a smile and an improved and optimistic perspective of tequila, understanding it better as a cultural manifestation, an ambassador of Mexico, and a source of national pride.

Through Víctor Martínez's voice, we have explored the evolution and legacy of Casa Sauza. This distillery not only produces tequila but also weaves unforgettable experiences. Each sip, each bite, and every moment lived in this place are imbued with history, culture, and passion. So, let's raise our glasses and toast to the soul and flavor that endure in every corner of La Fabrica la Perseverancia and La Quinta.