A Luna Family 'Championship' Father's Day to Commemorate!

As Father’s Day is right around the corner, we thought there’s no time like the present to share CaliFino’s origin story — a narrative that highlights the hard-working Luna Family patriarchy. Believe it or not, the first chapter did not start with endless pours of tequila, but the skill of shoemaking.

Papa Cheche

You see, several years ago, Jose Luna, aka “Papa Cheche” decided to build a family business centered around the buzzing shoemaking culture of León, Mexico. Every square foot proliferated with farms that produced high-quality leather to form into premium leather shoes. Every other local in León was part of this lucrative industry. Actually, if you’ve ever seen the heartwarming Disney movie “Coco,” you can probably envision what this lively environment looked like!

Eventually, Papa Cheche passed down this honed skill set to his young sons with the intent to shape them into ripe shoemakers. The brothers, known today as “Tio Jose” and Jose Perfecto (“Pops”) would throw down their backpacks and kick off their muddy shoes after school to head to the Luna family workshop. Through invaluable hands-on experience, they began to learn every single nuance of the business, including the intricacies of real leather. From a mile away, the talented Luna brothers could sniff out synthetic cuts and quickly decipher if it was “genuine leather” by igniting all of the senses. 

With the business running like a well-oiled machine and several workers keeping the production line alive, Papa Cheche rewarded his employees with a special drink “tequila”. There was only one major caveat — the tequila couldn’t come from the liquor store. So, as a side hustle, Papa Cheche would make the trek to visit family friends at the tequilera in Arandas, Jalisco — specifically known for its premium tequila. Papa Cheche would bring small batches back home for the workers to sip on as a sort of celebratory treat. To no surprise, Papa Cheche quickly became an expert at sniffing out good tequila through these tequila treks and family visits. 

Tio Jose, Pops & Miguel Luna

This tradition carried on for years and eventually, the passion for tequila was passed down to the boys, Tio Jose and Pops. As any good Mexican family tradition, this same love and passion for tequila would be passed down to Miguel Luna, CEO/Owner of CaliFino, also Pops son. Today, each CaliFino expression hearkens to the Luna family origin story — assembled with hand cut leather labels carefully pressed on each bottle. Without one ambitious father’s love for shoemaking and fine tequila, CaliFino would not be where it is today. 

So in honor of the hardworking Luna Family men, we’ve curated a special Father’s Day gift set for our victorious dads who are the real winners in our lives! Each item included is truly in a league of its own — specially hand-picked to make him feel like the ultimate champ.

Father’s Day Gift Set - Blenders Sunglasses, Callaway Golf Balls & CaliFino Tequila

Here’s what dad will get: 

• 1 pair of Blenders sunglasses: Whether dad prefers to lay out on the beach or play a round of golf with the guys, the Victory Lane Polarized Sunglasses by Blenders are completely built for victorious dads and 100% suitable for all outdoor activities. These bad boys are super light and compact, made with 100% UV protection. Also designed with a rubberized matte coating, Victory Lane glasses are easy to grip and durable. Many customers describe these as the ultimate daily sunglasses for men! 

• 1 sleeve of Callaway Warbird Golf Balls: Specifically engineered for long distance and maximum speed, these tournament-winning golf balls are extra special, imprinted with the CaliFino logo too! Along with the distance factor, these golf balls promote high launch, providing all golf players with supreme control and feel. 

• 750 ml CaliFino Añejo Tequila: Our premium Añejo is crafted with 100% Ultra-Premium Blue Weber Agave and aged 24-36 months in an American White Oak Barrel. This Double Gold Award-Winning tequila secured Añejo Tequila of the Year at the 2020 New York International Spirits Competition. Recommended to sip “neat” on its own or mixed in any tequila-forward cocktail, you’ll pick up notes of lightly toasted, sweet caramel. 

Father’s Day Gift Set - Blenders Sunglasses, Callaway Golf Balls & CaliFino Tequila

The CaliFino Father’s Day Championship gift set is only available on our site until June 19th! Plus, right now, you can get 20% off with code DAD20. It’s available for a limited time only and will sell out soon, so you won’t want to wait on this one! 

On behalf of CaliFino, we’re wishing all of you Fino Fathers out there a victorious Father’s Day. Salud! 

The Best Mother's Day Gift Idea of 2022!

It’s that time of the year when we get to honor the real superheroes/MVP’s of the world — our madres, aka: professional multi-tasking queens. In fact, since the early 1900s, we’ve showered moms with celebratory tokens of appreciation. To give you a little historical snapshot, Mother’s Day first commenced in the US with a woman named Anna Reeves Jarvis. After her own mother passed, Anna’s intrinsic female conviction kicked in and she set out on a bold mission to honor all moms as a collective. The movement started in West Virginia and slowly forged ahead throughout the US. Eventually, her pursuit caught the attention of President Woodrow Wilson and righteously declared it a national holiday in 1914. It was also established that Mother’s Day would be celebrated every second Sunday in May.

Talavera mugs from Carillo Pottery

If you haven’t marked your calendar yet, Mother’s Day lands on May 8, 2022, which happens to be right around the corner. We get it — your brain might already be spinning, trying to remember if you bought her a bouquet of pink roses last year, or perhaps a chic spa-like robe from T.J. Maxx. Regardless, when we think of Mother’s Day, ideally we’d like to give our mama’s a little break from the minutia of everyday life. Let’s face it, with everything mom’s juggle, a little, or a LOT of TLC is most definitely in order!

However, you might be completely burnt out on the conventional gift ideas like a bundle of roses, overly sweet perfume, floral candles, and spa day certificates. In fact, she might be already anticipating these items. But there’s no need to panic or run to Homegoods in dismay. This year at CaliFino, we’ve dedicated time to curate a memorable gift set in partnership with Carillo Pottery — a local artisanal shop situated in Oceanside that offers an eclectic selection of pottery from around the world, as well as home decor. These are pieces you can’t find anywhere else. 

Mother’s Day Gift Set

So what exactly comes in the exclusive CaliFino Mother’s Day gift set? Your mama will secure a 750 ml bottle of our Blanco Tequila, made with 100% Ultra-Premium Blue Weber Agave, purely unaged, admired for its earthy, anise and cardamom flavor notes. The CaliFino Blanco also makes the ideal cocktail mixer for the classic Paloma, Mexican Mule, Tequila Sunrise or Spicy Marg. Nothing screams “self-care” more than a bottle of premium tequila, right? Alongside this, she’ll get a set of four, handcrafted, Talavera tile coasters from Carillo Pottery. These ornate tiles originate from the Guadalajara region of Mexico. But wait, it gets better! A custom set of two hand blown, traditional, artisan shot glasses that perfectly complement the Blanco tequila are included, accompanied with a Mother’s Day card. These hand designed Mother’s Day gift sets won’t last long, so don’t waste another second. Give your special lady a gift she won’t expect this year! You can also get 20% until May 9th by clicking HERE! 

Valentine's Day Gift Set

Aside from adorning her with premium tequila and hand-picked art pieces she’ll treasure forever, we’ve assembled a shortlist of other ways you can celebrate Mother’s Day this year:

1. Make the day an outdoor adventure

   • We think the most memorable quality time involves the simplest things! Think about assembling a picnic for her at your local park, cruise to her favorite neighborhood gem on bikes, or go on a family hike! 

2. Breakfast (or brunch) in bed

   • Nothing impresses moms the most more than breakfast in bed. You don’t have to be a Michelin star chef to scramble eggs, fry up bacon, slice some fruit, and whip up a tropical Tequila Sunrise (with our Blanco tequila of course — hint, hint). If you’re still unsure of what to make, Feasting at Home created a whole list of recipe ideas to help you out! 

3. Play a board game or get crafty

   • If you’re not playing Scrabble or Monopoly with the family, put on your crafty hat and put together a memorable photo album or scrapbook she’ll cherish forever. This always turns out to be a fun activity that can involve the entire family! 

4. DIY Paint and Sip

   • No need to spend an exorbitant amount of money to engage in a Paint and Sip class! You can do it right in the comfort of your own home. Just head to your local craft store to pick up a small collection of brushes and paints. You’ll also need a canvas, palette, and an easel. Then find a few inspo pics she’ll love to use as your guide! When it comes to the “sip” component… well, you know we have you covered. ;) 

There’s a slew of ways you can make Mother’s Day memorable this year, and we hope that by gifting our limited edition CaliFino Mother’s Day gift set, she’ll feel on top of the world! Don’t forget to purchase yours before it sells out and get 20% HERE. 

Salud to the Fino Life!

How to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo (the Fino way)

If there’s one holiday during the year that pays “festive” homage to Mexican culture, it’s Cinco de Mayo, which translates exactly to "Fifth of May.” You might find yourself at your neighborhood bar downing carne asada street tacos, freshly-made guac, and every tequila drink under the sun, alongside vibrant mariachi music on this glorious day. But do you know exactly why this type of fiesta takes place? The history traces back to May 5, 1862, when Mexico seized “underdog” victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. The French were finally forced out of Mexico six years later, which ignited the monumental celebration. Although this holiday recognizes a widespread military victory in Mexico, it’s celebrated mainly amongst Mexican-Americans, kindling lively parades and festivals (alongside the incessant flow of tequila drinks). 

Now if you’re wondering exactly how to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year, our team here at CaliFino has you covered with our special 2022 edition, Cinco de Mayo Cocktail Kit in partnership with our good friends over at SaloonBox —  a state-of-the-art, DIY subscription cocktail kit delivered to your door, only including premium spirits with drinks curated by the world-class bartenders.

Cinco de Mayo Cocktail Kit

This all-in-one, exclusive kit includes everything you need to craft five to seven of our signature CaliFino Margarita and Paloma cocktails. No need to fight the crowds at grocery stores for 100% Ultra-Premium Agave tequila or a basket of limes — it’s ALL in one box. Here’s a complete list of every gourmet ingredient you’ll receive: 

• 750 ml CaliFino Reposado Bottle

  • Our Reposado is made with 100% Ultra-Premium Blue Weber Agave and aged for one year in American White Oak Barrels. The profile is approachably creamy and smooth, yielding a subtle hint of honey and spicy cinnamon — packed with layers of dynamic flavor. 

• Crystallized lime juice

• 8 Packets agave syrup

• Two cans of Grapefruit Soda

• One can of Grapefruit Juice

• 1 Scrappy's Firewater tincture for optional spice to the Paloma

• Salt rimming tin

• Dehydrated grapefruit garnishes

• 4 wooden SaloonBox stirrers

Cinco de Mayo Cocktail Kit

So if you’re looking for a hassle-free, yet experiential way to get festive this Cinco de Mayo, perhaps even with your partner, friends, or co-workers, don’t wait on picking up this kit! Snag 20% off HERE until el seis de Mayo. 

Check out these how-to videos on making simple but delicious cocktails!

CaliFino Margarita How To Video:

CaliFino Paloma How To Video:

If you live in San Diego, we’ve rounded up five more activities you can consider on May 5 to honor Mexican history and culture. If you live elsewhere, you should come visit!

1. Visit a cultural center 

   • You can do a quick Google search to find a plethora of institutions that celebrate Mexican culture, such as Centro Cultural de la Raza, located in San Diego! This arts center is dedicated to highlighting colorful murals, interactive theater, dance, music, and film that revolves around Chicano, Mexican, Indigenous, and Latino art. 

2. Purchase a book by a Mexican author

   • By choosing to support Mexican authors, you’re amplifying the voices and rich anecdotes that are weaved into the cultural tapestry. Furthermore, you’re paving the way for up-and-coming Mexican authors to publish their stories. Here’s a list of 18 books by Latino authors you'll want to read in 2022

3. Brush up on your Spanish

   • With so many apps and FREE online learning platforms, you can easily learn the Spanish language, which happens to shed so much light on the electrifying Mexican culture. We recommend taking a peek at Duolingo to fine-tune your skills. It only takes five minutes a day. 

4. Treat yourself to an authentic meal at your local Mexican restaurant

   • Instead of opting to dine at chain restaurants that might entice you with special menus or entertainment, try and support the mom and pop restaurants. You know — the ones that make a fresh batch of satiating, spicy Pozole daily. You can easily find those hidden gems by utilizing Yelp or taking a quick glimpse on Thrillist. Check out Best Mexican Restaurants You Need To Try in San Diego Right Now. 

5. Support artisanal shops in your neighborhood

   • If you need to buy any gifts or small items, don’t go to a mainstream mall like Westfield. Choose to support local artisanal retail shops that sell hand-crafted trinkets recognizing Mexican culture. For example, you can pay a visit to San Diego Old Town Market to find vendors that sell one-of-a-kind colorful textiles and hand-designed leather goods, to eclectic margarita glasses. 

We hope these activities will inspire you to respectfully commemorate the history behind Cinco de Mayo this year! Also, don’t forget to pick up our limited edition craft cocktail kit that includes everything you need to make the original CaliFino Margarita and Paloma. In case you’re wondering, you don’t have to be a professional bartender to concoct these celebratory cocktails, since the instructions are included inside. It’s also shipped directly to your doorstep. From now until (May 6th) you can get 20% off this limited edition kit that’s available until supplies last! 

On behalf of the CaliFino team, we’re wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Cinco de Mayo filled with incredible food and (of course) the best, premium tequila drinks! Salud to the Fino Life!

The Valentine's Day Gift To Give In 2022

As we embark upon the big day of love (a.k.a. Valentine’s Day) you might be inundated with thoughts around how to make this special day EXTRA romantic. You don’t want to default to the ordinary bouquet of fifty roses with a lifespan of two days that severely depletes the bank account. You’re also completely over the classic See’s Candies box of chocolates stuffed with sugar-filled nuggets that send your date on a mad sugar high. You might even attempt to book a last minute, boozy dinner reservation on OpenTable to indulge in some elaborate three course meal, but all of the time slots are taken. Let’s face it, when procrastination hits, we usually resort to these traditional tokens of “admiration” that are pretty predictable and sadly expected.

If you’re ready to truly impress your love interest (or gals this Galentine’s Day) and make it especially memorable, we have you covered with our limited edition, Valentine’s Day gift sets — carefully crafted and customized to wow the loved ones in your life! In these deluxe boxes, we’ve meticulously paired our small-batch family tequila with fair-trade, premium chocolates from Chuao Chocolatier, also based in San Diego. Chuao employs a fine European chocolate-making technique and uses proprietary blends of gourmet cacao to yield prolific flavor profiles you never even knew existed. Chuao prides itself on making small batches of chocolates that quickly ignite the senses with an unwavering commitment to incorporating fresh ingredients —  always free of chemicals, preservatives, flavorings, and colorings. 

Contrary to popular belief that rich red wine pairs best with chocolate, we’re here to introduce you to the satiating world of sipping fine tequila with chocolate. You might be wondering how exactly this duo “works,” and we’re certain it’s due to the magical synergy between the notes of Ultra Premium Agave in our tequila expressions and the intrinsic creaminess in Chuao confections. 

Here’s a breakdown of the tequila/chocolate pairings exclusively available in our Valentine’s Day gift boxes this year: 

1. Extra Añejo + Sweet & Salty:  Our award-winning Extra Añejo is the ultimate sipping tequila, with an aging process of seven years in an American Oak Barrel, and one additional year in a French Cognac barrel. You’ll pick up discernable layers of oak, caramel, and a subtle hint of chocolate that pairs exceptionally well with Sweet & Salty — a whisper of sea salt layered into luxurious milk chocolate. This is a true example of “opposites attract.” 

2. Añejo + Spicy Maya: Our Añejo is aged 24-36 months in an American White Oak Barrel. You’ll discover true, deep hints of baked agave in tandem with toasted almonds that complement Spicy Maya — exuding cinnamon, pasilla chile, and warming cayenne intertwined with chocolate. This is the ultimate spicy and seductive blend. 

3. Reposado + Cheeky Cheeky Churro: Reposado is aged for one year in an American Oak Barrel. Get ready to detect warm vanilla, honey, and butter spice notes that pair like a dream with Cheeky Cheeky Churro — a proprietary blend of crunchy, sweet cinnamon, and sugary churro swirled in with dark chocolate. This combo brings you a real Latin flair that’s super sassy.

4. Blanco + Totally Tangy: Blanco is our tequila that’s completely unaged — super clear, with a vibrant bright color. You’ll definitely pick up sweet hints of vanilla, herbal, and lime citrus that amplify Totally Tangy Mango — a tropical combination of naturally sweet mango, sea salt, and a pinch of chile enveloped in rich dark chocolate. This is an exemplary “south of the border” treat and definite crowd favorite. 

If you’re drooling by now, we’re certain that you and your Valentine’s Day date will enter full bliss mode with our exclusive Valentine’s Day gift sets that are sweetly interactive, sentimental, and absolutely delectable.

Here are two gift set options to choose from:

The Valentine’s Day Bundle (Most Popular!): This includes all of the pairings mentioned above. You’ll get eight CaliFino 100ml mini bottles and eight Chuao Chocolates so both you and your partner can taste test. Get 20% off the bundle while supplies last! 

Valentine’s Day Gift Bundle

The Valentine’s Day Gift Set: This gift set includes two full-size 750 ml bottles of the Añejo and Extra Añejo. One 100ml mini bottle of Reposado and one 100ml bottle of Blanco. All four bottles come with their respective Chuao Chocolate pairings. This Gift Set is also 20% off while supplies last.

Valentine's Day Gift Set

These limited edition boxes are only available once a year, so don’t wait! We hope you and your loved ones enjoy a special day full of romance and tasty treats this Valentine’s Day.

Cheers to the Fino Life!

Tequila 101 - Meet the CEO & Founder of CaliFino Tequila

Welcome back to part two of our Q&A with CaliFino CEO & Founder Miguel Luna. 

Today, Miguel shares a little “tequila 101,” including why using 100% Ultra Premium Agave is essential to the quality and foundation of every one of our expressions. You’ll also learn about Miguel’s personal favorite CaliFino tequila. Enjoy! 

Q: What does the CaliFino tequila-making process look like?

A: Traditionally all tequilas are made using the same tried and true process. But how you differentiate the quality is through agave. That’s sort of where everything starts. What type of agave is it? How long has it grown? With us, we’re locked into an agreement to ensure the highest quality juice goes into every bottle. That means we only use Ultra-Premium Agave grown in Mexico. The Ultra Premium category consists of 100% blue weber agave tequila. Tequila’s that don’t contain this are called a “Mixto” and you won’t see 100% agave on the label. 

So basically, anything that doesn’t fall into the Ulta Premium Agave criteria, we won’t use. This type of classification is determined by sugar content. The association we belong to with our tequileria checks to see we’re using Ultra-Premium Agave by measuring the sugar content. If the agave is up to par with these standards, they set it aside for us to use and the CaliFino process begins. The Ultra Premium Agave is truly the base and foundation of our tequila so we have to uphold the highest standards. 

Q: What sets CaliFino apart from other tequila brands? 

A: Everything from inception to finish. We’re producing an Ultra-Premium tequila, and it starts with the Ultra-Premium Agave we choose to work with. From there, it goes into how the agave is cut, specifically the Piña, which is considered the heart of the agave. The heads and tails are cut in a specific way. So we end up using less tequila per Piña than other brands to preserve the highest integrity of our tequila.  

Another major differentiator is our aging process. Once we put our product into barrels, we’re aging everything to its max capacity. For example, if you age our Reposado another week or two, we would not be able to call it Reposado —  we would have to jump into the next category, which is the Añejo. We know that preserving this authentic aging process is a bit more expensive because we’re keeping our product in barrels longer than most brands. But we’re 100% comfortable with the quality of our tequila and our customers alway trust they’re getting the best of the best. 

Q: Where do you see the tequila industry heading? 

A: It’s a growing market right now. People now are very educated when it comes to tequila. You know, 10 to 15 years ago, tequila was associated with spring break, lime wedges, and salt. It was considered a party drink. Now across the world, tequila is viewed as a finer drink due to its dynamic taste. You can sip on a glass of tequila and really savor the experience.  Bartenders, mixologists, and experts in the industry are starting to play more with tequila and using it for higher end drinks as well. Our Blanco is used to mix — exceptional for craft cocktails. The Reposado is a bit more high end, but still a fantastic mixer. The Añejo is being used in a lot of places for the “New Fashioned.” Essentially, it’s a play on the Old Fashioned. When people try it, they never revert back to the old way. 

Q: What is your personal favorite CaliFino expression?

A: It really depends on what time of the day you ask me! I love the Reposado to mix, especially for a Paloma. If I’m going to sip on tequila, I default to the Añejo. The Extra Añejo is so good that I call it my dessert. Basically, it’s the cream of the crop. To me, it almost emulates a red wine because of the aging process. The taste and body are so full. So, if I had to stick to one bottle, it would be the Añejo — also named Best Añejo Tequila of the Year at the New York Spirits Competition in 2020. 

But truly, you really can’t go wrong with any of our tequilas! 

Meet the CEO & Founder of CaliFino Tequila

We’re sitting down with our CEO & Founder Miguel Luna for a special two part Q&A! Today, we’ll discuss how our brand initially started as a “big misunderstanding,” but evolved into an impassioned project with true give-back roots. You’ll also get an inside scoop on what’s to come in 2022. Stay tuned for part two coming soon! 

Q: What was your initial inspiration behind creating CaliFino?

A: CaliFino is and always will be a passion project for us. Everything from day one has been pure fun. We’re not guys who come from the conventional food and beverage industry. We are soccer players by trade, and now it’s transitioned to the CaliFino Project. 

When we initially started this, it was actually built on a big misunderstanding — there wasn’t a business plan or brand name in place. We didn’t have B2B accounts at all. It really all started at regular soccer practice at our home field, The San Diego Sports Arena. When we’d win games, I’d always take out our family batch tequila filled in a small water bottle for celebratory shots. It wasn’t branded or labeled either. This tequila was simply the private family batch my dad allowed me to share with the wider soccer team.

Eventually, my buddies on the soccer team kept asking to buy bottles for parties, etc. For so long, it was the same answer — “No, we don’t bottle.” But then the holiday season rolled around, and I had this idea to import a hundred bottles for the team, just for fun, and split the cost amongst all of us. I kept a running list of who wanted the tequila, how many bottles, etc. 

One evening after practice, I was carpooling home with my now business partner Phil and we stopped for a quick beer. Eventually during our conversation, I asked him if he wanted “in” on claiming a few of these imported bottles. He shockingly raised a brow and asked if this was THE family batch. Our dialogue went something like this:

“So your family is going to give you the family batch to import and bottle? Will they make it exclusive for you?” Phil asked. 

“Yes, of course! I’m part of the family and that’s how we roll! Now, how many bottles do you want?” I replied. 

“No, you’re not understanding what I’m saying — if you have your family’s blessing and they’re allowing you to bottle the recipe, I want in on this whole project. Let’s partner up!” Phil responded. 

I was astonished to hear that Phil wanted to take this beyond my hundred bottle idea. He wanted to do a big run and go for it. At that point, I was still unsure, but we kept the conversation going and the wheels spinning. We eventually figured we could start selling to local businesses and restaurants to see how it went, and if it flopped, we’d have plenty to drink for the rest of our lives!

Q: At what point did you know CaliFino was turning into a legitimate business?

A:  Honestly, it took me over a year to realize, wow, we have a REAL brand. It organically evolved into something wonderful without planning it at all. Once I started seeing CaliFino in local stores, bars, liquor stores, and friends were texting me about drinking our tequila, it started to set in big time. 

We’ve also never wanted to partner with a larger company to take the keys and drive our car. CaliFino is still our baby and we will always grow it our own way. Sure, some of our decision-making is considered “unorthodox” in the business world, but it’s our way and we’re passionate about it. For example, in the early stages, we met with a larger distributor in Tennessee — still trying to figure out if that was the right play.  I recall sitting down in the conference room with Phil and a larger group. As we started talking, we whipped out our tequila and poured shots around the table, as we usually do. But the group looked puzzled, as if they’ve never seen any other company pitch like this before. The head guy who runs the company was sitting there and I could tell he really enjoyed our tequila and even asked to taste more. He later turned to us and mentioned he was so relieved by our conversation and “easy going” approach. It wasn’t the same cookie cutter presentation he’s seen a hundred times, which was new and refreshing. 

Q: Can you hint to any special projects or surprises we can expect in 2022? 

A: We have a few exciting projects in the works. We already announced that we’re building the CaliFino Arena in Oceanside, definitely taking us back to our soccer roots. That’ll be home to the San Diego Sockers. We’re talking about bringing in other sports and concerts too. It’ll be a huge, 8,000 ft. indoor and outdoor venue. 

We also just announced our partnership with The Big Josh Foundation, which is a terrific non-profit organization. They help ease the financial burden for  those who are terminally ill — this includes paying bills, buying food, supporting family, etc. So we’ve partnered up with this foundation and launched a new brand for them called Finito — CaliFino’s baby cousin. For every bottle we sell, we’re giving proceeds back to the foundation. 

Lastly, we’re also working on a secret project in Mexico, so stay tuned for more info!

Q: Any last words you’d like to add? 

A: Our team here at CaliFino is extremely passionate about our brand. It’s built around one thing only, and that’s family. Everyone who comes in contact with us is treated like family. That’s something that was passed down to me from my grandparents. Mi casa, su casa. Cheers to The Fino Life! 

The Big Josh Foundation

“No one plans for it. A terminal diagnosis catches even the most prepared person off guard. If you work in the service industry, freelance, or work as a contractor, and become terminally ill, chances are you’ll be too weak to continue earning paychecks and your insurance benefits won’t be enough. That’s where Big Josh Foundation steps in.”

On the evening of December 14th, 2021, CaliFino had the pleasure of supporting the gala event organized by the Big Josh Foundation. This foundation was started in the loving memory of Joshua Gehlbach, a San Diego bartender who received a terminal diagnosis of cancer in 2016. Josh was known as the “gentle giant,” standing at six feet eight inches, and was remembered most by the way he made each person feel like family as he served them.

The Big Josh Foundation was started by Josh and his friends Patrick Giblin and David Robins and it helps to give individuals and families within the service industry a fighting chance against the financial burdens that come alongside a terminal diagnosis. With 70% of Americans working in the service industry, and being a company that serves more than just tequila, CaliFino identified what The Big Josh Foundation was doing for the community and wanted to be a part of it. During the evening's festivities as dinner was being served, guests heard from speakers directly involved with the foundation, from the wife of Joshua Gehlbach, and tribute was paid to all of the individuals who volunteer their time to keep the foundation thriving. Guests also heard from CaliFino co-founder Miguel Luna who announced that CaliFino had made the decision to launch a new product in support of The Big Josh Foundation called Finito, in which a percentage of the proceeds will be donated directly back to the foundation.

The motto behind The Big Josh Foundation is that “it has to be done,” and they have shown that it can be done with the four families they have been able to support since Josh’s passing. Josh reminds us all of the fragility of life, and how much it means to take care of those around you and your community. CaliFino is now a part of the Big Josh family and will continue to help keep Josh’s legacy alive.

If you would like to get involved with the foundation or to make a donation please go here.

5 Tequila Gift Ideas for Dad

During this time of the year, you might find yourself hastily scrolling through endless “Gift Guides for Dad” but feeling slightly uninspired. You’ve already gifted the custom dog socks, bold patterned ties, memory foam slippers, and latest electronic gadgets. Oh, how the monotony ensues. Let’s face it, buying dad a thoughtful gift might be the most complicated task we face, but it doesn’t need to be taxing at all — especially if he’s keen on drinking quality booze (specifically tequila).

Here at CaliFino, we make gifting for dad so easy, you won’t have to waste another second fretting over this topic. Here are five tequila gift ideas we guarantee dad will adore this holiday season:

1. CaliFino Extra Añejo w/ Custom Engraving & Gift Box

Custom Engraving w/ Gift Box

It’s a given that ALL dads love our Extra Añejo tequila made with 100% Ultra-Premium Blue Weber Agave and aged for a minimum of seven years in an American White Oak Barrel. It’s as smooth as it gets with layers of oak, caramel and a light hint of chocolate. For a limited time only, our on-staff seasoned calligrapher will custom engrave each box with a personalized message!

“This premium barrel-aged tequila is a great change up from the overplayed whiskey scene,” said CaliFino gift recipient and father, Sebastian Rovira. “The first thing I noticed was the personalized inscription on the box. It's definitely what I look forward to drinking every Friday at 4:30pm to wind down the week and kickstart the weekend!”

For a limited time only, you can snag this Custom Gift Box for 15% off with code Cali15 at checkout. This code works for all CaliFino expressions and includes FREE Shipping on all orders over $75!

2. CaliFino Sipping Gift Set -- One Añejo & One Extra Añejo w/ Two Shot Glasses

Sipping Gift Set

This gift set is literally every tequila lover’s dream. Dad will get to indulge in two of our best-selling expressions: Extra Añejo AND Añejo (plus two shot glasses). The Añejo is aged up to 36 months in American Oak Barrels, emanating a silky, slightly toasted barrel scent with hints of baked agave and toasted almond. Our Añejo won ‘The Best Tequila’ in 2020 by the New York International Spirits Competition.

“These are probably the best looking (and tasting) bottles of fine tequila I have on my shelf,” said CaliFino gift recipient and dad, Carlos Vasquez. “I’m always sipping on Añejo when it’s time to smooth out the edges from a busy week — as a father always on the go, this is honestly the best gift I could ask for.”

Rest assured, Añejo, in tandem with Extra Añejo, will add the perfect amount of variety to dad’s tequila stash this holiday season. While it’s in stock, grab this incredible duo for 15% off with code Cali15.

3. Snifter Glass

Snifter Glass

If you’re really looking to jazz up any of the CaliFino tequila gift sets, we’re positive any dad will appreciate a fancy snifter glass to accompany a smooth Fino pour. Also just in general, using proper glassware for tequila tastings is critical to unleash its truest origin notes. A snifter is always a safe bet too — essentially it’s a short-stemmed glass with a wider bottom and more narrow top (typically easy to hold and great for swirling purposes). If you’re buying dad Añejo, and/or Extra Añejo, we recommend buying a larger snifter for the most aromatic, sensorial experience.

4. Round Ice Cube Tray

Round Ice Cube Tray

Rule of thumb: ALWAYS use fresh ice when drinking tequila and yes, contrary to common belief, the size of the ice cube matters. Smaller ice cubes will melt faster and rapidly dilute your tequila. Larger ice cubes always do the trick. Just remember, more surface space yields a slower melt every time. So with that said, make sure dad doesn’t spoil his tequila with improper ice and ensure he has a tray readily available in the freezer.

Fun fact: Never use cold water when filling an ice tray. Distilled and boiled water is best — the ice will freeze more slowly, leaving you with impeccably clear ice cubes!

5. Tequila Shooter Set

Tequila Shooter Set

It’s always ideal to have a tequila shooter set handy, especially for dad’s poker nights or any sort of impromptu entertainment. If you want a set that will last, look for glasses with a heavier base to prevent tipping and dishwasher safe for ease of use! Lead-free glass is most optimal too. If you’re looking for a custom set, we suggest scouring Etsy so you’ll have an array of options to choose from!

If you’re on the hunt for tequila gifts your dad will most definitely treasure, we hope our Tequila Gift Guide will come to the rescue! Don’t forget — for a limited time only, get 15% off any of our gift sets and all CaliFino expressions NOW with code Cali15 — this includes Free Shipping on all orders over $75!

Salud to the Fino Life!

The Best Corporate Gift

Every year corporate gifting fatigue usually becomes more and more heightened. The gift giver defaults to the generic gift basket, filled with overly sweet, melted chocolate popcorn, dried out fruit and questionable candies. To make matters worse, it typically costs an extra $20 to send a personalized note -- which is downright highway robbery, amplifying an already stressful case scenario. The gift recipient is grateful for the kind gesture, but doesn’t have desk space for yet another lackluster Christmas gift that certainly doesn’t support ‘healthy’ New Year’s resolution goals. 

Are we illustrating the typical corporate holiday gift giving conundrum? 

According to American Express, your holiday gift should be hand-selected and personalized with a note to bolster rapport with your clients and employees. Branded presents advertising your company’s logo is an automatic turn-off too. It’s important not to come off too flashy, impersonal, or inexpensive. 

“Inexpensive gifts reflect poorly on the company sending the gift," says Gabe Larsen, VP of InsideSales Labs. 

Needless to say, there are a plethora of do’s and dont’s to follow when it comes to the universe of corporate gifting. Plus, after the tumultuous year we’ve all endured, now is the time to make an impact and really ‘wow’ your clients and employees with a gift that won’t be aimlessly tossed in the garbage. If you’re ready to uplevel your gift-giving game and say goodbye to the lousy, stereotypical corporate gifts -- we’ve got you covered. 

Here at CaliFino, we’ve spent countless hours conceptualizing and assembling the perfect, most personalized corporate gift to impress this holiday season! 

The Ultimate Corporate Gift - CaliFino Extra Añejo Custom Engraving & Gift Box

Awarded "The Best Tequila" in 2020.

This year, we’ve customized a limited edition gift box enclosed with CaliFino’s award-winning, most popular Extra Añejo tequila. This premium wood display box is not only elegant and designed by local carpenters, but it’s personalized too. Our seasoned calligrapher on staff will hand script your gift recipient’s name and/or a personalized message, complementing the premium leather label on our tequila bottles, unlike any other tequila you might find in typical grocery stores.  

CaliFino Extra Añejo Tequila is crafted with 100% Ultra-Premium Blue Weber Agave, aged for a minimum of seven years in an American Oak barrel and an additional year in a French Cognac barrel. The color can be described as deep rich, dark wood with a toasted barrel, sweet caramel nose. You’ll pick up layers of oak, caramel and a faint hint of chocolate. Named the Gold winner of the 2020 New York International Spirits Competition, Extra Añejo is notably full body and will undoubtedly warm you up during those colder winter months. 

“Received [Extra Anejo] as a gift a couple of days ago. Opened the bottle and gave it a sniff test. My nose told me that it smelled like 25-year-old single malt scotch. My first sip told me that it was a very, very good sipping tequila. Cannot identify any of the individual flavors, but it still had an identifiable agave hit that had not been covered up with a syrupy taste,” gift recipient Rick Kelley exclaimed. 

“CaliFino is one of the best families of Tequilas from CaliFino Blanco to Extra Añejo. We've tried them all and they’re all our favorites. These are great sipping Tequilas,” customer Dee Hall Padilla shared on Trustpilot. 

Trust us when we say, Extra Añejo is hands down, one of the best tequila’s in the world and the ultimate corporate Christmas gift to give this year -- especially if you’re in real estate, digital marketing, software or finance industries. 

"I've been in the real estate industry for over 15 years and when it comes to the holidays, gifting my clients something truly meaningful makes a lasting impression. The CaliFino tequila custom box is not only very thoughtful and reasonably priced, but it's the epitome of next level gifting. Sending this box really helps me build unbreakable rapport with future prospects and also strengthens relationships with current and new customers. Thanks to CaliFino, I really don't have to think twice about client gifting during the holiday season - they make it so easy," Cushman & Wakefield Real Estate Managing Director Kevin Meissner said.

An Incredible Gift - CaliFino Extra Añejo With Engraving & Custom Box

The CaliFino Story

The inception of CaliFino derived from the decadent Luna family recipe, crafted in 1975. After Don Jose Luna acquired a taste for fine tequilas upon visiting family-owned distilleries in Arandas, Jalisco, he created his own proprietary recipe. 

In 2003, Don Jose’s son, “Pops” would fill Manzanita apple soda jugs with the family tequila and bring them to San Diego from the Mexican border. Pop’s son, Miguel, began to bring the family recipe to community soccer games and it quickly became a go-to celebratory drink after big wins. 

When Miguel finally moved forward to import a few bottles of the family batch up to San Diego for the team in 2014, Phil Salvagio, his head soccer coach and longtime friend, aspired to take this passion project up a notch. The two worked together to bring CaliFino to life with the Luna family recipe. 

At CaliFino, our core mission is to share our passion for home-grown tequilas world wide, and ultimately change the idea of tequila into an inclusive, educational luxury experience. 

Special Holiday Offer, Expiring Soon

If you’re looking to give one of the most custom and luxurious tequila gift boxes this Christmas for your corporate clients and employees, look no further.  

Looking to place a bulk order? Please email customerservice@califino.com to get started. We’ll request a list of your recipient’s names, mailing address and customized message (ideally less than 60 characters). Rest assured, CaliFino will fulfill, pack and ship every bottle to every gift recipient. 

Please note - this is a special holiday gift item with limited supply, so you don’t want to wait until the last minute.

We can’t wait for you, your clients and employees to indulge in our premium, family-owned tequila this holiday season! 

Salud to the Fino Life!