“We wanted to do a tequila festival where we educated the people, not only to have people come to get drunk,” said Ernesto Rodriguez in a 2011 interview with The Independent. Rodriguez and business partner Albert Martinez own Agave Avenue and for the past two years have put on a tequila tasting that allows folks an opportunity to learn about the agave nectar. The biggest misconception about the liquor, Rodriguez continued, “is that tequila is a drink to get drunk. [People] don’t understand that it takes eight to 10 years to grow an agave plant, and then it’s put in a French oak barrel. It’s very similar to wine, with different flavors and variations depending on the aging.” This year’s Tequila Harvest takes place Saturday, August 18, 6-9 p.m., at the Carrillo Recreation Center (100 E. Carrillo St.). Cost: $60-$100. Info: 617-3998; agaveavenue.com.