Bertha González Nieves.
Photo: Ana Hop, courtesy of tequila Casa Dragones
The Collectors: Bertha González Nieves
The master distiller is inspired by Mexican artists and celebrates their work in her personal collection
Here to Remind You 3 (2021) by Petrit Halilaj. Photo: Courtesy of Petrit Halilaj
The first woman certified as a maestra tequilera, or master distiller, by the Tequila Regulatory Council, Bertha González Nieves is focused on creating small-batch sipping tequilas that honor her Mexican heritage. Her company, Casa Dragones, draws from the country’s culture as well. An installation of the apothecary bottles with pepita engravings at the Museo de Arte Popular in Mexico City inspired the brand’s bottle.
This celebration of regional art and craft also carries into her personal collecting. The work of Mexican artists—“people I admire and respect, and many I am fortunate enough to know personally,” she says—figures prominently, with pieces by Pablo Vargas Lugo and Gabriel Orozco, among others.
Melanie Smith's Skywalker No. 3 (2000). Photo: Courtesy of Melanie Smith
First find: “I started going to Art Basel with Casa Dragones and hosting these popular Mexican masquerade parties with the famous Paris club Le Baron at The Delano. I was so inspired by all the art, especially the Mexican work, that I bought my first piece by Pablo Vargas Lugo at Art Basel in 2011.”
Collection highlights: “I really admire Gabriel Orozco and Petrit Halilaj. We recently unveiled a limited edition Casa Dragones Joven artist bottle with Petrit, featuring his renderings of hens and chickens on the bottle and box.”
A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2024 Late Fall Issue under the headline “The Collectors.” Subscribe to the magazine.
Cover: Bertha González Nieves.
Photo: Ana Hop, courtesy of tequila Casa Dragones
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