October 12, 2011 (MONTEREY, CA) - The Monterey Tequila & Mezcal Expo (MTME) is a tribute to the rich and colorful history and culture of tequila and mezcal and a celebration of the spirits’ present and future significance.

With over 50 high premium tequilas/mezcales for attendees to sample, this event brings together industry leaders from California and beyond, local professionals and aficionados.This event works to educate attendees about Mexico’s emblematic spirits by offering tequila 101 seminars presented by industry professionals, Diana Barrera and Clayton Szczech. Attendees have a unique opportunity to speak with brand ambassadors and ask questions about their brands. Chefs of The Portola Hotel and Spa will create tequila inspired tapas prepared for attendees.

Aztec dancers, Son Las Fridas, an all female group who pay tribute to Frida Kahlo - her life, passion & pain - via the Son Jarocho style of verse and improvisation is some of the entertainment lined up for this year’s MTME. The event takes place on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the Portola Hotel and Spa (De Anza Ballroom) from 5:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. with a dance and mixer following from 9:00p.m.-12:00am at the Blue Fin on Cannery Row. For more event details please visit: www.MontereyTequilaExpo.com.

MTME Event Benefits The Salinas Jaycees 60th Annual Children’s Sh opping Tour

Benefiting a worthy cause -- the MTME holds it’s annual agave inspired silent auction run by the Salinas Jaycees.  All proceeds will benefit the 60th Annual Children’s Shopping Tour. This powerful and meaningful tour allows hundreds of Salinas children to receive much needed winter clothing during the holiday season.

The After Hour Mixer and Dance

An after hour mixer will take place from 9:00 p.m. through 12:00 a.m., at the Blue Fin on Cannery Row featuring DJ Noel Saucedo and Emcee Fredo Fontanez, “Fredo on the Radio.”

MTME Margarita Showdown

Helping kick-off the Monterey Tequila and Mezcal Expo, and new to the program this year, is the MTME Margarita Showdown--a competition to determine who makes the best margarita in town! A panel of five judges will taste traditional and original margaritas prepared by local bartenders on Monday, October 17, 2011 at The InterContinental The Clement on Cannery Row in Monterey.  Two winners will be awarded the “MTME Margarita Showdown Award.” This kick-off event is free to the public. Interested bartenders can visit www.MontereyTequilaExpo.com to register.

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To arrange interviews with participating tequilas, mezcales, or event founders, please contact Crystal Murphy at 831-320-6046 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Crystal Murphy and Omar Mercado are siblings and founders of CYO Events. CYO Events strives to provide professionals with new and unique entertainment experiences through the production of fun, sophisticated and high-quality event on the Central Coast, such as the Monterey Tequila and Mezcal Expo.