Sustainability
WE PROMOTE LOCAL ECONOMY
Of the main mezcaleras, nationally and internationally, we are one of the few truly Oaxacan and independent projects. At Convite, all activities in the value chain are preserved in Oaxaca, from planting, production, packaging, administration, and even promotion. We employ local talent and our offices are located in Oaxaca, one of the most socially marginalized states in Mexico.
WE GENERATE COMMUNITY
At CONVITE, we want trade to be fair and that is why we make our mezcals in a single palenque located in San Baltazar Guelavila, Oaxaca. Working hand in hand with original families allows us to standardize production, establish good practices and control the quality of our mezcals.
At the community level, our activity has a positive impact, employing farmers, cutters and those who participate in the mezcal production process together with the families of the Master Distillers Daniel and Cosme Hernández. The creation of jobs in marginalized populations also contributes to reducing emigration to the United States and favors social cohesion.
WE RESCUE AND ENSURE THE CONTINUITY OF THE WILD AGAVES
In 1986, Master Distiller Daniel Hernández decided to specialize in wild agaves and began the rescue of species such as Tobalá, Tepextate and Madrecuishe.
In 2018, as part of Convite’s reforestation plan, we planted 500,000 wild agaves in our San Baltazar Guelavila nursery. By cultivating species that we use to produce our artisanal mezcal that are normally wild, we contribute to the preservation of the diversity of agaves in Oaxaca.
To preserve the balance of the ecosystems that surround our fields, we apply ancestral agroecological practices that favor the genetic diversity of agaves, conserve biodiversity with chemical-free polycultures and limit water consumption, stopping watering the agaves after their fifth year of life. In addition, to avoid contaminating waters and aquifers, we transform the waste produced during the production process into fertilizer, which we spread in the agave fields.
WE KEEP TRADITIONS
In the villages of Oaxaca, people meet, live together, and celebrate around a Convite: at births, baptisms, marriages, anniversaries, birthdays, bridal requests, “mayordomía”, communal work, parades and festivities such as Guelaguetza, Day of the Dead, Christmas and New Years. To preserve these traditions, we promote the cultural richness of our producing region by supporting festivities, music, local cuisine, and natural attractions.