From seed to system — the evolution of Sereno de Cerro.
2020 — Origin / Origen
The project begins during COVID. Daniel returns to the family ranch in Unión de Tula with his father, reconnecting with the land and beginning to envision a different future for agave on this hillside. The first agave plantings are made with minimal disturbance to the existing native ecosystem.
2021–2022 — Establishing the System / Estableciendo el Sistema
Agave planting expands across the hillside using contour-based layouts, mulching, and minimal clearing. The philosophy takes shape: work with the land's existing ecology rather than replacing it. Native shrubs and trees are left in place wherever possible.
2023 — Growth & Partnership / Crecimiento y Alianza
Agave planting continues (May 2023). A strategic investment from a leader in the tequila industry brings a new block of agaves to the ranch, adding scale and industry credibility to the project.
2024 — Experimentation / Experimentación
Corn sown between agave rows (June). Field experiments begin: the fermentation-based microbial mix is applied near agave root zones. Heirloom corn is harvested — pearl purple and cream kernels, direct from the land.
By October, the agave rows are heavily overgrown with weeds and corn. Corn stalks are cut and placed alongside agave rows as mulch. The system is alive and evolving.
2025 — Fire & Restoration / Incendio y Restauración
March — A wildfire sweeps through part of the ranch, burning approximately 60% of the blue agave block and destroying dry grasses, shrubs, and corn stalks. Native species like ozote begin regenerating naturally.
April — Fermentation-based microbial mix applied to agave root zones to stimulate recovery ahead of the dry season.
2026 & Beyond / 2026 y Más Allá
- Native nursery establishment and seedling propagation
- Pollinator corridor planting and monitoring
- Soil microbiological analysis and tracking
- Community workshops with neighboring ejidatarios
- Development of a replication toolkit and case study
- Continued annual agave planting toward a continuous harvest cycle
- Path toward artisanal distillation (estimated ~2028–2030)
- Establecimiento de vivero nativo y propagación de plántulas
- Plantación y monitoreo de corredores de polinizadores
- Análisis y seguimiento microbiológico del suelo
- Talleres comunitarios con ejidatarios vecinos
- Desarrollo de un kit de replicación y caso de estudio
- Camino hacia la destilación artesanal (estimado ~2028–2030)