Course Overview

Webinar: April 17
Field Days: April 25 & May 16
Harvest Field Day: TBD

An informative webinar led by industry experts is followed by three hands-on field days where we will learn about all stages of cultivation from planting to harvest. Designed for anyone interested in agave farming, distilling, or exploring opportunities in California’s growing agave industry, register today and reserve your spot!

When:
Webinar: April 17, 5:30-8:30pm PST
Field Days: April 25 & May 16
Harvest Field Day: TBD

Where: Center for Land-Based Learning, 40140 Best Ranch Rd, Woodland, CA

Price: $495
Farmer cost: $125! Farmers and anyone in need of financial assistance, click the button below to complete our scholarship for and receive 75% savings.

FREE for Military Veterans! Email Jon Kupkowski at [email protected] for your enrollment code.
Scholarship Form!

Session 1: Webinar

Exploring the California Agave Industry

Date: April 17, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30PM PST
Format: Virtual, recorded for later access
Duration: 3 hours, with a break included

Our class begins with an engaging and informative webinar on the burgeoning agave industry in California. Hosted by Craig Reynolds (Founder of California Agave Ventures) and Paula Guzman-Delgado, PhD (Lead Researcher at UC Davis Agave Research Center), along with distiller Sean Venus (Owner of Venus Distilling), this event will provide an in-depth look into the agave spirit and farming landscape.

Agenda:

Agave 101:
  • Overview of the agave spirits industry, including the history of tequila, mezcal, and other agave-based spirits.
  • The global agave market and its current trends.

    California Agave:
  • The history and basics of agave cultivation in California.
  • Market insights, including the California Agave Council and UC Davis Agave Research initiatives.
  • Exploration of California's agave-growing potential as a climate-resilient crop.

    Throughout the session, there will be a Q&A segment, allowing participants to interact directly with the experts and dive deeper into their areas of interest.

    • Sessions 2-4: Field Days

    Session Two: Starting from Scratch Field Day Date: April 25, 2025
    Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    Duration: 6 hours. Lunch is provided.

    Join us for a field day at CLBL’s HQ at The Maples Farm, where we’ll cover soil requirements, site prep, irrigation, and planting techniques specific to agave. This field day will provide hands-on experience to better understand how to get started and successful cultivation.

    Session Three: Field Day Exploring Agave Crops at Various Stages of Maturity
    Date: May 16, 2025

    Raul "Reppo" Chavez    , widely recognized in California's agave community as the most successful and knowledgeable grower in the state, will lead us on tours of agave farms around Woodland. Born and raised in Tonaya, Jalisco, in the heart of Mexico's agave region, Reppo brings with him experience growing agave and offers consultation to new growers throughout California. We’ll visit mature agave fields to see first-hand how an established agave farm operates, including harvesting several pups. We’ll cover agave field maintenance, including essential practices such as weed control, fertility management, and water usage to keep your agave plants healthy and thriving.

    Session Four: Hands-on Harvest Field Day
    Date: To be determined

    On our final field day, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on agave harvesting. The exact date is subject to the harvest timing but will provide real-world experience in the critical stages of agave harvesting. We’ll celebrate the harvest with a party and agave spirits tasting.

    Meet the Speakers

    Craig Reynolds: Founder of California Agave Ventures and Founding Director of the California Agave Council. Craig has a wealth of experience in agave farming and spirits production, with a focus on climate-resilient agricultural practices in California.

    Raul "Reppo" Chavez: Field Manager at Muller AG, with decades of experience in growing diverse crops at a commercial scale, Reppo is a highly respected figure in California's agave community.

    Paula Guzman-Delgado, PhD: Lead Researcher at UC Davis Agave Research Center. Paula’s research focuses on improving agave cultivation practices for California’s climate and soil conditions.

    Sean Venus: Owner of Venus Distilling, Sean is a pioneer in California agave distillation, producing high-quality agave spirits from locally grown Yolo County agave.