Señor Rio Tequila isn’t just a premium spirit—it’s a deeply personal story of love, loss, heritage, and resilience, poured into every bottle. Founded in 2007 by Debbie Medina-Gach and her late husband Jonathan Gach, this ultra-premium tequila was born from a moment that changed everything: a reunion 30 years in the making.
Debbie’s journey began when she reconnected with her father in Mexico after decades apart. What started as an emotional reunion turned into something life-changing. Her father Senor Rio shared the secret of his small-batch, family-recipe tequila—crafted for generations and shared only with those closest to him. Made with traditional methods—single estate harvesting, 8–12-year mature blue Weber agave, slow roasting in stone ovens, and double distillation—it was pure, smooth, and soulful. With every sip came the flavor of family, tradition, and belonging. That moment didn’t just reconnect Debbie with her roots—it planted the seed for Señor Rio.
With her husband Jonathan, they brought the legacy recipe to life. Starting from their hometown of Gilbert, Arizona, the couple began self-distributing the tequila bottle by bottle. Partnering with a boutique distillery in Jalisco, they ensured each batch honored her father’s methods. Señor Rio officially launched in 2009 with expressions including crisp Blanco, cognac oak-aged Reposado, and velvety Añejo. They later introduced limited releases like Double Barrel Añejo, Extra Añejo, and their signature coffee-infused Café Elegancia liqueur. In 2018, tragedy struck when Jonathan passed away
from cancer. For Debbie, it was a devastating loss—but she carried on the dream they built together. Fueled by love and purpose, she took the reins of the business, overseeing every detail, determined to keep their shared legacy alive.
Her powerful story caught the attention of Emmy-winning actor Joe Mantegna, best known for The Godfather Part III, Criminal Minds, and Glengarry Glen Ross. A longtime tequila enthusiast and champion of family values, Joe was deeply moved by Debbie’s journey—especially the moment she reunited with her father and turned it into a legacy brand. But the connection became even more personal.
Joe, too, is a father of a daughter with Autism. When he learned about We Care Crusade—the nonprofit Debbie founded in honor of her twin granddaughters who live with Angelman Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Autism—he felt an immediate bond. The mission to support families of children with special needs resonated with his own family’s experience. In 2023, Joe officially joined Señor Rio as co-owner—not just as a business partner, but as someone who truly believes in the cause behind the bottle.
Today, Señor Rio is available nationwide, sold exclusively at Total Wine & More through their Spirits Direct program. The brand is proudly certified as a minority woman-owned business and continues to stand out for its quality, authenticity, and heart.
In 2025, Debbie released her debut book, One Bottle at a Time: A True Love Story, 50 Tequila Craft Cocktails & Giving Back. Part memoir, part cocktail guide, the book reveals the untold story behind Señor Rio, with each heartfelt chapter paired with a handcrafted cocktail. It’s a celebration of life, love, and the strength to keep going— one bottle at a time.
Señor Rio is more than tequila. With every bottle sold, $1 is donated to We Care Crusade, offering financial support, resources, and hope to families caring for children with special needs. For Debbie and Joe, it’s not just about raising a glass—it’s about raising awareness, building community, and giving back.
Over fifteen years in, Señor Rio continues to grow—but its heart remains the same: a tequila made with love, built on legacy, and driven by purpose. This isn’t just a brand. It’s a tribute to family. A toast to tradition. A tequila with a cause—shared one bottle at a time.
