Our Story

Authenticity is Cultivated Over Time

A tradition that keeps moving forward

Tequila Hacienda Vieja is rooted in Arandas, Jalisco, where the Bañuelos family’s tequila-making story began in 1969 with the vision and determination of Don Félix Bañuelos.

Today, that legacy continues across generations. Hacienda Vieja is still made in the original distillery where Don Félix began his journey as a tequilero, under the guidance of the Bañuelos family.

This is how we Keep Tradition Alive.

Shaped by the land. Defined by tradition

Nestled in the highlands of Jalisco, Arandas is known for its red soil, blue agave fields, and naturally mineral-rich water. These elements form the environment in which the Bañuelos family has made tequila for generations.

Two things help preserve the distinctive character of Tequila Hacienda Vieja: the red earth that supports the growth of blue agave, and the region’s mineral-rich water, which becomes part of the production process.

Explore our tequilas

How Tequila Hacienda Vieja Came to Life:

For the Bañuelos family, preserving Mexican tradition has never stopped at tequila. That connection can also be seen in charrería, a discipline deeply tied to the family and to Arandas.

The heart of the agave

From the very beginning, we select only ripe pineapples of Agave Tequilana Weber Blue variety, each one carefully checked to ensure its optimal sugar level.

Slow cooking that transforms

The agave hearts are steamed in autoclaves for over 20 hours at controlled pressure. This converts the starches into fermentable sugars, essential for revealing the authentic flavor of the agave.

Purposeful grinding

A shredder reduces the pineapples to fiber, and then, using mills with pressurized water injection, we extract all the juice. The residual pulp, the bagasse, is disposed of respectfully.

Natural fermentation

The juice ferments for approximately 120 hours in calibrated tanks. Here, the yeast converts the sugars into alcohol precisely and without interruption.

Double distillation. A character

The fermented spirit undergoes a first distillation to obtain the “ordinary” tequila. It is then rectified to a tequila with approximately 55% alcohol by volume, ready for aging.

Time in barrel and balance

Depending on the desired style (blanco, reposado, or añejo), the tequila is aged in selected barrels. Each aging time and type of wood imparts unique nuances to the spirit.

Impeccable grading and packaging

After maturation is complete, we dilute with purified water to reach 38% alcohol by volume. Then, we filter, bottle, and label with precision.

Tradition is something you live

Tequila Hacienda Vieja & Charrería

For the Bañuelos family, preserving Mexican tradition has never stopped at tequila. That connection can also be seen in charrería, a discipline deeply tied to the family and to Arandas.

The Bañuelos family and the charrería team

Hacienda Vieja tequila at a charrería event

Rancho Santa María was founded there in 1995 with the goal of promoting charrería with professionalism, passion, and respect for Mexico’s national sport.

Charrería is another expression of the same values behind Tequila Hacienda Vieja: discipline, pride in where you come from, respect for those who came before, and the responsibility to pass something meaningful on.

A tradition worth recognizing

For generations, our commitment has remained the same: make tequila with care, consistency, and respect for the craft. These awards and certifications are a reflection of that ongoing dedication.

2011 International Review of Spirits

Gold Medal
Reposado Tequila
Tequila Hacienda Vieja Reposado

2009 Wine & Spirits Tasting Competition

Best White Spirit
Tequila Hacienda Vieja Blanco

2026 SIP Awards Gold

100% Agave Tequila Reposado
Don Félix Reposado

Keep the conversation going

Have a question, want to learn more about Tequila Hacienda Vieja, or explore an opportunity to work with us? We’d be glad to hear from you.

Welcome to Tequila Hacienda Vieja.