SPIRITS

VIP Lunch & Sunday Session with Solento Organic Tequila, The Grounds, Currumbin Valley

WORDS: Emily Halloran PHOTOGRAPHY Brian Usher - www.usherusher.com

Acclaimed filmmaker Taylor Steele is set to make waves as he heads to the sun- kissed Gold Coast this month, bringing with him his award-winning Solento Organic Tequila range to Australian shores.

Founded by Steele in 2019, Solento Organic Tequila, is an award-winning, 100% USDA certified organic tequila range, grown at a single estate under the Mexican sun and made slowly in small batches.

Known worldwide for his many iconic cinematic achievements and deep passion for surfing lifestyle and culture, Steele’s arrival on the Gold Coast signifies a homecoming of sorts, as he returns to launch his beloved tequila brand in a region that holds a special place in his heart.

Although calling California, USA home, Steele lived in Australia for five years and has long been captivated by the Gold Coast and Northern NSW region, where he spends significant time immersing himself in the vibrant surfing culture and laidback lifestyle.

It is this connection that inspired Steele to introduce Solento Tequila to the Gold Coast and beyond, leveraging the region's rich cultural tapestry and outdoor spirit as the perfect backdrop for the brand's embrace of being present and slowing it down.

“Solento Tequila is a spirit that embodies everything I enjoy and appreciate – the essence of slowing down, appreciating life's moments, and savouring the taste of pure craftsmanship,” Filmmaker and Solento Organic Tequila, Taylor Steele said.

“Bringing Solento Tequila to the Gold Coast feels like a natural progression, I have lived in Australia for five years and been captivated by the region’s vibrant surf culture and relaxed outdoor lifestyle which aligns perfectly with the ethos of our brand.”

“Solento has a commitment to quality, authenticity, and the joy of life’s simple pleasures. As a filmmaker, storytelling is at the core of everything I do and with Solento Tequila, I can continue that through crafting a narrative of taste that’s designed to be enjoyed slowly and resonate with people who have a shared mindset for a life well-lived,” he added.

After a successful debut in Sydney in 2021, the decision to bring Solento Tequila to the Gold Coast was driven by Steele's confidence in the region's growing tequila market and its alignment with Solento’s commitment to quality, authenticity, and the joy of life’s simple
pleasures.

Steele infuses his passion for storytelling and commitment to quality into every bottle of tequila, ensuring that each sip encapsulates the essence of a life well-lived.

He’s renowned for his iconic surf films; including Proximity (2016), This Time Tomorrow (2012) Hit & Run (2000), Missing (2013), and TV mini-series Save This Shark (2020), Nature Is Speaking (2021-23).

Solento Organic Tequila has gained global acclaim for its premium range of Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo varietals, each boasting distinct flavour profiles and smooth finishes for an authentic tequila experience.

Production of Solento Tequila is a labour of love, with certified organic agave grown slowly under the Mexican sun for seven years before being harvested in small batches from a single estate in Amatitán, Jalisco.

The agave is then cooked for two days in brick ovens before being pressed to release their juices. Fermented and distilled naturally, the tequila comes out pure in flavour and gains complexity from American oak barrels in its aged versions.

Solento Organic Tequila is best enjoyed neat or over ice with a slice of lemon. For those who like to mix it up, the tequila is the perfect addition to make a margarita or other tequila-based drinks.

Solento’s core range includes – Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo – available in 750ml and can be purchased online, Nationwide at Dan Murphy’s and selected BSW stores.

MORE ABOUT SOLENTO ORGANIC TEQUILA

Made for those who appreciate the ritual of slowing down and being present, Solento Organic Tequila is an award-winning, USDA certified organic tequila range made in small batches from a single estate. The name Solento is based on the Spanish translation of the words “slow sun”. Solento celebrates slow.

Solento Tequila prioritises sustainability through all processes from start to finish. The bottles are made of 100% recycled glass, labels are 100% FSC certified paper stock, and recycled aluminium caps. For every agave that is hand-harvested on the farm, one or more agave isreplanted, and after each distillation process, any leftover agave pulp is restored to the land and used for future harvests. Solento Tequila is made with sustainability front of mind.

For more information, visit www.solento.com.au or follow on socials @Solento_Tequila