ABOUT
Ancestral spirit
Metza is a tribute to the ancestral traditions of the native Opata of Sonora, who would ferment wild agaves and use the resulting offering in ceremonial worship of their moon goddess, Metza.
The Spanish conquistadores later introduced distillation to produce bacanora, a spirit unique to Sonora, and a distinctive product of the region’s rich history.
A secret society
Bacanora became infamous for fuelling thoughts of revolution, so in 1915, the State Governor of Sonora made distilling and trading it punishable by death.
Fearing for their lives and livelihoods, viñateros fled for the Sierras, to operate clandestine distilleries deep in the desert and far from prying eyes.
Over 70 years of illicit production, viñateros were forced to develop their own production standards and illegal trading networks.
As suppliers, accomplices and clients were all sworn to utmost secrecy, these loose networks evolved into closely guarded societies – the secret societies of Sonora.
Made under oath
La Sociedad Secreta de Viñateros that now makes bacanora Metza is the spiritual descendant of these clandestine networks.
Inspired by our ancestors, our viñateros still make our bacanora under oath, ensuring the highest quality production and the survival of ancient traditions for future generations.
