Tequila Wars

Tequila Wars: José Cuervo and The Bloody Struggle for the Spirit of Mexico 

 

Join the Yakima-Morelia Sister City Association and the Yakima Valley Libraries for a presentation on Ted Galloway’s book Tequila Wars: José Cuervo and The Bloody Struggle for the Spirit of Mexico. YVL Archivist librarian Carlos Pelley will present on José Cuervo’s life as he transformed the Tequila Valley into a complex national enterprise that would become Mexico's leading producer of tequila. In doing so, he brought electricity and a railroad line to Tequila, so he could reach drinkers across the country and into the United States. But when the Mexican Revolution erupted, a charge of treason and a death threat against him by Pancho Villa forced Cuervo to flee. His disappearance turned him into an obscure, shadowy historical figure―despite having one of the most famous names in Mexican history. We will explore Cuervo’s role as key player in Mexico's formative period and the lasting impact he had on cross-border commerce and conflict between the U.S. and Mexico. We will also discuss how Cuervo’s dream of a union of tequila makers became the first Mexican cartel! Lastly, we will briefly hear from the Yakima-Morelia Sisters City Association about their work in both the U.S. and Mexico, as well as the American Red Cross about their Restoring Family Links program. 

 

Food and drink will be available to purchase at Gilbert Cellars during the event. Buen Taco will the vending during the event. 

Inklings will be onsite selling copies of Tequila Wars, as well as other relevant titles. 

 

Event details: 

Location: Gilbert Cellars (2620 Draper Rd Yakima, WA  98903)

Date & Time: Friday, February 20, 2026 

The presentation starts at 6:30pm, however, pease try to arrive before 6:30 to ensure enough time to get settled before the presentation and purchase any food/drinks. 

This event is FREE to attend 

 

This event is a collaboration between the Yakima-Morelia Sister City Association and the Yakima Valley Libraries. Special thanks for Carlos Pelley for putting together this presentation - please follow up with him if you have questions or want to learn more about this topic. Thank you to Gilbert Cellars for hosting this event. Thank you to Inklings Bookshop and the American Red Cross Northwest Region (Restoring Family Links Program) for supporting this event.