Mexico tequila tours are the country’s pride and joy, where you’ll witness blue agave plants grow under the sun and create the spirit that delights palates worldwide. Distilleries in Jalisco blend tradition and modernity to craft this iconic drink, from harvesting agave to the aging process.
Whether you’re a tequila lover or a curious traveler, our list will help you find the best tequila in Mexico’s top distilleries and savor it like a true aficionado.
Tequila, Jalisco: Tequila Fortaleza Tour
Located in the historic town of Tequila, Jalisco, Tequila Fortaleza offers a unique and immersive experience in tequila production. It’s renowned for its traditional methods, which were passed down through five generations of the Sauza family. This distillery provides a tour for anyone interested in authentic tequila making. You’ll witness firsthand the harvesting of blue agave, cooking in old-fashioned brick ovens, and using a tahona wheel to crush cooked agave. The tequila tour concludes with a tasting of blanco, reposado, and añejo tequilas.
Where to stay
Travelers heading to Tequila, Jalisco, for the Tequila Fortaleza tour have several accommodation options. Casa Salles Hotel Boutique is near local distilleries like El Tequileño, Fortaleza, and Arette. It has a spa, pool, and a sky bar for yoga. Budget-conscious travelers can consider Hotel La Rienda Mision Tequillan and Hotel Casa La Gran Señora.
Amatitán, Jalisco: Casa Herradura Tour
Nestled in the charming town of Amatitán, Casa Herradura is often hailed as one of Mexico’s most picturesque distilleries. Established in 1870, it was one of the oldest tequila-producing haciendas globally. The Casa Herradura tour is a journey through time and tradition, starting with the harvesting of blue agave and showcasing the meticulous processes of cooking, fermenting, and distilling. Visitors also get a glimpse of the old and new facilities, where the original distillery is now a museum, and the newer facility continues the legacy with modern production methods. Throughout the tour, guests are serenaded by lively mariachi music, and it concludes with a visit to the aging barrels, where Herradura tequila matures.
Where to stay
For those visiting Amatitán, Jalisco, for the Casa Herradura Tour, the Hotel Solar de las Animas in Tequila provides luxury amenities such as a rooftop pool and a tequila bar set against the backdrop of the Tequila Volcano. Budget-friendly options like Hotel Plaza Rubio offer comfortable lodging with free Wi-Fi and parking. For a unique experience, Matices Hotel de Barricas allows guests to stay in barrel-shaped rooms within a tequila distillery.
Arandas, Jalisco: La Alteña Distillery Tour
Located in the highlands of Arandas, Jalisco, La Alteña Distillery is a must-visit for tequila enthusiasts. It was founded in 1937 and is known for producing exceptional tequilas like Tequila Tapatío and El Tesoro de Don Felipe. The tour begins with a stroll through the agave fields surrounding the distillery in the mineral-rich highlands that impart a unique flavor to their tequilas. Witness the jimadores at work, harvesting agave with traditional tools. La Alteña also stands out for its environmental commitment, participating in the Bat Friendly Project, which promotes biodiversity by allowing some agave plants to flower and contribute to the ecosystem.
Where to stay
For visitors planning to tour La Alteña Distillery in Arandas, Jalisco, Hotel Tierra Roja offers comfortable amenities and a convenient location. Hotel Centinela Grand provides a more luxurious experience, while Hotel Boutique Coaranda offers a unique and intimate setting for those seeking a boutique experience. For budget-conscious travelers, there is Hotel Azul Agave, with rates starting at $53.
Tequila, Jalisco: La Rojeña by Jose Cuervo
Located in Tequila, a “Pueblo Magico,” La Rojeña is the oldest distillery in Latin America, dating back to 1798 when it was founded by José Antonio de Cuervo. Visiting La Rojeña offers a fascinating glimpse into the heritage and process of tequila making. You can enjoy tequila tasting in Mexico featuring Jose Cuervo’s finest and rarest tequilas, including the iconic Reserva de la Familia, the world’s first extra añejo tequila known for its deep and rich flavor. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider taking the Jose Cuervo Express train from Guadalajara to Tequila. The tequila tour also includes visiting the barrel storage areas, where different varieties of the best tequila in Mexico are aged for various periods, influencing their flavor and color.
Where to stay
In Tequila, Jalisco, visitors exploring La Rojeña by Jose Cuervo can stay at the luxurious Hotel Solar de las Ánimas. It is a Relais & Chateaux-certified hotel in the town center and offers authentic architecture reflecting seventeenth and eighteenth-century Mexican traditions. Another notable choice is Hotel Villa Tequila, which has a small outdoor pool and a restaurant.
Tequila, Jalisco: Tequila Los Abuelos Tour
Exploring Tequila Los Abuelos takes you into the heart of tequila making. The distillery is nestled in the charming town of Tequila, surrounded by endless blue agave fields. This creates a stunning backdrop for visiting the best tequila to buy in Mexico. The tequila tour begins with a stroll through these agave fields, where you’ll see the plant that forms the basis of tequila production. You’ll also visit the artisanal tequila factory, Tequila Selecto, which offers an exclusive and intimate experience away from the usual crowds. Additionally, you can explore the unique archaeological sites of Guachimontones, which are circular pyramidal structures in western Mexico.
Where to stay
When planning your trip for the Los Abuelos tour, you’ll find several charming accommodations. Hotel Solar de las Animas offers a luxurious stay with elegant rooms and exceptional service, set against the backdrop of the Tequila Volcano. For a more intimate experience, Hotel Boutique La Cofradia is nestled within a distillery, allowing guests to sleep surrounded by aging tequila barrels. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Hotel Plaza Jardin provides clean, basic, centrally located accommodations.
Tequila, Jalisco: Orendain Classic Tour
The Orendain Classic Tour in Tequila, Jalisco, offers an immersive one-hour journey into the world of tequila at the Casa Orendain distillery. Led by a guide, you’ll learn about the tequila-making process and the history of Casa Orendain. The tour includes a live showcase of the tequila-making process, with a guide explaining each step. You’ll get to sample roasted agave, taste 55-proof tequila straight from the still, and try the range of tequilas the distillery offers. Casa Orendain distills their tequila thrice, producing an extra smooth and fine product.
Where to stay
After your Orendain Classic Tour in Tequila, Jalisco, consider staying near the town center and distilleries to make the most of your experience. Casa Salles Hotel Boutique offers a luxurious retreat with a restaurant and outdoor swimming pool. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Hotel Casa La Gran Señora provides a cozy atmosphere with garden views, free Wi-Fi, and parking.
The journey through tequila’s history and flavors reveals how it’s made from agave plants to fine tequila through various production processes. Tequila Fortaleza’s old-fashioned tequila making to Orendain Classic Tour’s guided tequila-making process let you connect with its origins and taste the flavors of the best-selling tequila in Mexico. ¡Salud!
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