In the Press
Media coverage of the California agave industry
Extensive news stories about the emerging California agave industry feature the roles of Craig Reynolds and Raul Chavez as early pioneers on their farm in Yolo County, California.
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For California Farmers, the Agave Plant Is a Source of Hope in Parched Times
An international feature on California agave and the origins of the Yolo plant line developed and grown in Yolo County. -
Just don’t call it ‘tequila’
California agave spirits, a recent addition to the liquor cabinet, aim for a bigger slice of the market.
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California’s Agave Revolution
A statewide agriculture feature exploring the rise of agave as a drought-resilient crop, including Craig’s plantings and field-level experience in Yolo County. -
Revolutionary Spirit
A national agricultural publication covering the rise of agave in California and Craig and Reppo’s role in pioneering commercial-scale production in the Sacramento Valley. -
Santa Barbara Sparks California’s Agave Explosion
A statewide industry feature pointing to the rapid growth of agave farming in California and spotlighting Craig as a pioneer of the movement and a key voice in shaping the nascent industry. -
California Agave Is Complicated
A comprehensive look at the emerging California agave category — including growing challenges, crop strategies, and the role growers like Craig play in navigating local market dynamics and regulatory definitions. -
Can agave help solve California’s agricultural dilemma? Some farmers are betting big
Some California farmers are banking on a “magical crop” in response to drought and climate change.
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Tough and Resilient: A Conversation About Agave with Craig Reynolds of the California Agave Council
A deep, first-hand conversation with Craig about agave’s environmental and economic merits — from climate resilience to uses beyond spirits — highlighting his long experience growing and advocating for agave in California. -
The Pioneering Distillers Crafting California’s Agave Spirits Category
An industry overview of California-grown agave spirits, referencing early Yolo County harvests and the foundational role of Sacramento Valley growers in establishing the category. -
California has a new take on mezcal and tequila. How Sacramento-area farmers are leading it.
Front page story with photos and videos featuring Reppo and Craig harvesting and pit cooking Yolo agaves.
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The Birth of a Movement
An industry-focused feature chronicling the early days of California agave and its growers, emphasizing the foundational work of pioneers like Craig and Ventura Spirits in establishing agave cultivation and supply for local craft distillers. -
Farmers turn to agave amid drought
As drought conditions affect crops, farmers in California are turning to growing agave. The plant, traditionally grown in Mexico and used for making tequila, is able to grow with nearly no water, although it does take time before it is ready to harvest.
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California Agave Spirit Producers Band Together
Coverage of the early efforts to organize California agave growers and distillers, with Craig contributing perspective on supply, standards, and long-term crop viability. -
Venus Spirits to Release El Ladrón Yolo Made with California Agave
Trade publication coverage of a collaborative release featuring Yolo County–grown agave, highlighting the connection between local cultivation and finished spirits production. -
Farmers See Promise in Drought-Tolerant Agave Farming
Coverage of UC Davis research highlighting agave’s potential as a low-water crop, with Craig and other California growers featured as examples of farmers exploring agave for sustainable agriculture. -
In the Age of Megadrought, Farmers in the West See Promise in Agave
A field report from Yolo County highlighting Craig’s commercial agave plantings and the growing interest among California farmers in drought-tolerant crops.
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Could Agave Spirits Be a Sustainable Gold Rush for California?
A business-focused look at California agave, featuring Craig’s early plantings and the market forces driving demand for locally grown agave.
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Once Upon a Time in Mezcalifornia
A profile of Craig’s early Woodland agave plantings and long-term vision for a California agave spirit industry, underscoring agave’s adaptability and Craig’s role in pioneering the crop north of the border. -
Agave Spirits Come to California
Early spirits-industry coverage documenting the emergence of California-grown agave and the groundwork laid by Northern California growers.
