Casa Del Sol, a new luxury sipping tequila co-founded by actress, producer, activist, and philanthropist Eva Longoria Bastón, is inspired by the magic of golden hour and the Aztec goddess of agave, Mayahuel. Tequila is a romantic, ritual spirit steeped in tradition and mysticism, and Casa Del Sol, created in the Altos de Jalisco region of Mexico, aims to celebrate those traditions and the women behind them.
Longoria celebrated Memorial Day weekend in the Hamptons with Casa Del Sol, where they hosted a series of events — Paris Jackson performed at the Stephen Talkhouse, and parties were held at Moby’s, The Surf Lodge, Montauk Beach House, Bounce Beach, Pierre’s, and Il Buco al Mare.
And while the tequila speaks for itself in terms of taste and quality, it’s the story behind the brand and the team of women that bring the product to life.
Longoria is well known for her role as Gabrielle Solis on the ABC series “Desperate Housewives,” where she received a Golden Globe nomination and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2012 she founded the Eva Longoria Foundation, with a mission to “help Latinas build better futures for themselves and their families through education and entrepreneurship.” She has also been an executive producer of social issue documentaries, including “Food Chains” and “The Harvest.” And she was co-chair of Barack Obama’s reelection campaign.
Mariana Padilla, the Artesana Tequilera, is a Mexican-based artisan and entrepreneur. She’s also the daughter of Paco Padilla, the cultural ambassador of Jalisco. Her family has deep roots in the tequila industry, and she grew up surrounded by some of the greatest Maestros Tequileros.
Alejandra Pelayo is also based in Jalisco, and oversees the production and quality control of our distilling process, bottling, and sustainability. She is a protégé and goddaughter of the late Francisco Alcaraz, master distiller of one of the most successful tequilas in the world. Her work continues with Casa Del Sol where she honors his legacy, while making her own mark on the industry.
As President of Casa Del Sol, Colbi Corbett brings years of expertise, having built businesses and conceptual and innovative partnerships with brands like Google, Williams-Sonoma, and Warner Brothers. Her industry experience began at Casamigos where she served as the director of strategic partnerships prior to its sale to Diageo.
Where most tequila brands source whiskey barrels from the United States, Casa Del Sol partnered with Laurent Martell, the ninth generation of the Martell family in France, and sourced Cognac barrels handcrafted using French Limousin Oak. These unique barrels are widely regarded as some of the most desirable in the world because of their loose grain. This open grain imparts certain characteristics of the oak that soften and enhance the spirit.
It’s this unique barrel aging process that results in a distinct flavor and aromatic profile where New World Mexican artistry meets Old World French craftsmanship. The final product is a sophisticated duality of two designated regions.
We caught up with the team to learn more.
Can you talk about how Casa Del Sol is uplifting the voices of women as well as celebrating your Mexican heritage?
MP: Heritage is so important to me — I describe it as the connection that the universe brings me, full of blessings through time and generations. Celebrating my Mexican heritage through Casa Del Sol is how I show my appreciation for my culture, also allowing me to share Mexican history with all of the women involved in this beautiful brand. Women have always been so strong, intelligent, and creative, while leading their lives with love to be the best they can be. We pride ourselves on the fact that Casa Del Sol inspires so many women to reach all of their dreams that once seemed so far away — we hope to change that far away feeling.
EL: It is always my mission to uplift the voices of women and my Mexican heritage, so that others may be inspired by the limitless genius and artistry that is rich in our communities.
Mariana, can you share with us your family’s history in the tequila industry?
MP: I grew up in a family full of Mexican traditions. As a ceramic artisan and singer-songwriter, my father, Paco Padilla, is a cultural ambassador to the community of Jalisco. With everything he does, his work gives power and a voice to our culture. My father is also a chemical engineer, which introduced him to the tequila industry. He is close friends with, and works hand-in-hand with all of the best master distillers in Jalisco. Through his work, he is always trying to showcase our traditions, and the importance of our Mexican heritage. Following my father’s footsteps, it is important for me to keep this rich culture and heritage alive, utilizing my powerful role at Casa Del Sol to do this.
Tell us about how the tequila is inspired by the magic of golden hour and the legend of the Aztec goddess of agave, Mayahuel.
CC: Tequila is a romantic, ritual spirit steeped in tradition and mysticism. We like to say our tequilas are best sipped at sunset, when the hour is most magical and the skies turn golden. Our tequilas exude a subtle warmth that is so smooth and sweet you want to hold it on your tongue and savor it like the last drop of day. It’s that moment that you can feel but can’t describe — you feel charged like warm energy.
MP: The Aztec Goddess of Agave, Mayahuel, is extremely important to Mexican culture and the history of tequila. She’s often overlooked in stories, yet you see her painted in murals all over Mexico. It was important that we honor the Goddess of Tequila, and the legend of how tequila was actually unearthed. Mayahuel is a part of Casa Del Sol as she seems to rise when the sun goes down, filling us all with her beautiful energy, while dignifying the work of women in the tequila industry.
Why is legacy and authenticity such an important part of this brand?
MP: Casa Del Sol is the product of generations of knowledge and decades of tradition. Influenced by one of the world’s oldest and greatest Cognac families, and one of the most celebrated and artistic expressions of Mexican culture. We are very lucky to have grown up under and around some of the most prolific master distillers. We want to honor the craft of the generations that came before us while also focusing on the legacy we want to leave behind.
Tell us a little about the Altos de Jalisco region of Mexico.
AP: Los Altos is one of the biggest areas of tequila production in Jalisco. The soil there is very unique, the color is like reddish clay, and it is rich in minerals. The weather is tempered and you can see the majestic agave field, which is one of my favorite views. Los Altos is also a bit more shaded from tourism than other regions of Mexico. Arandas, where our agave and distillery are located, is a very special area since it is not as touristy as other parts of mexico.
Can you explain why you use Cognac barrels from France and how it enhances the tequila flavor?
AP: It is all about the flavor profile. Cognac barrels handcrafted using Oak from the French region of Limousin are more porous, and offer a more pronounced flavor profile that is quite heavy on vanilla. Unlike bourbon or whiskey barrels, which are commonly used to make tequila, Cognac barrels are not heavily charred. This light roasting allows the natural vanilla and spicy flavors of the Limousin oak to be expressed or absorbed into our tequilas (without the need of artificial flavors or sweeteners). Our barrels were once home to some of the most expensive XO Cognacs. The craftsmanship, level of detail, and time that goes into making Cognac (sometimes decades) is unlike any type of barrel you’ll find in the world.
Being part of a female-run business, do you have advice you would give to female entrepreneurs starting out?
AP: Surround yourself with people that support and respect you not only as a woman, but as a professional. Any chance you get to support other women, always take it — even the smallest gesture means a lot.
Can you tell us about some of the programs you’re offering to level the playing field for women?
AP: We are so excited to have these programs based on the community’s needs. To make the most impact, we are focusing on female empowerment, education, and health. We are currently offering financial literacy programs, along with dental services to the women who are involved in our production.
Tell us about your plans this summer in the Hamptons. How were the Memorial Day Weekend celebrations? Have you enjoyed the East End’s golden hour?
MP: We will have a summer full of fun events, parties, and activities in our House of The Sun. During Memorial Day Weekend, we enjoyed golden hour by sharing our tequila Blanco, Reposado, Anejo, and the latest 11:11 Anejo Reserve with our guests. The Hamptons is the perfect environment, full of scenery and magical energy, to share our passion and joy for tequila with our guests. More to come here very soon.
