Behind-The-Scenes Distillery Access

Overview

Ricardo, who runs The Mezcal Journey with his family, farms agave and makes mezcal himself, and this tour takes that background straight to Santiago Matatlán, the town known as the World's Mezcal Capital. The day starts at Templo de San Matías Jalatlaco in Oaxaca and travels by van to the distillery area, with round transportation from the city centre included in the price.

The core of the six hours is time inside an artisanal distillery, and not just the public parts. The listing promises access to areas normally restricted, including a cellar where mezcal rests in barrels and the packing area, where visitors can take part in the work. After the process comes an unlimited tasting covering categories, classes and varieties, then a walk through agave fields where, depending on the season, visitors may help with planting, cutting or harvesting.

A traditional Oaxacan lunch is included before the drive back, and reviewers describe it as generous, with one noting a vegetarian was easily catered for. This tour suits travellers who want the full production story, from field to barrel, rather than a short shop-side tasting. It is not a fit for anyone hoping for hotel pickup, since transport runs from a central meeting point only.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Templo de San Matías JalatlacoThe meeting point is Templo de San Matías Jalatlaco, Miguel Hidalgo 211, Barrio de Jalatlaco. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
2. Van to Campo EnigmaA van ride of 50 minutes carries the group out of the city towards Santiago Matatlán.
3. Agave fields at Campo EnigmaA guided tour of the agave fields lasting 30 minutes, with photo opportunities across the plantation.
4. Van to Mezcal Artesanal SpiritsA short 5 minute transfer to the distillery.
5. Distillery visit and tastingThree hours at the artisanal distillery covering every stage of production, including normally restricted areas such as the barrel cellar, followed by an unlimited mezcal tasting.
6. Lunch at Doña ChicaA 10 minute van ride to Doña Chica for an included one hour Oaxacan lunch.
7. Return to OaxacaThe van ride back to Templo de San Matías Jalatlaco takes about 1 hour.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points help this day run smoothly, from what to wear to how the tasting actually unfolds.

• What to wear. The listing asks for sunscreen, comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. The agave fields and distillery involve standing and walking outdoors under the valley sun.
• Pace of the day. Reviewers repeatedly mention there is no rush and enough time for questions and photos. The distillery block is the longest stretch at three hours, so expect much of the day on your feet.
• The tasting. The tasting is unlimited, and several travellers describe plenty to try, including varieties they had never heard of. One reviewer admitted to drinking freely and leaving with bottles, so pace yourself if you plan to buy.
• Lunch. A traditional Oaxacan lunch is included, and reviewers call it delicious with plenty of food. One group reported that a vegetarian diet was easily accommodated.
• Small groups. More than one reviewer found themselves nearly alone on the tour, and one said it felt like a private tour. Those were individual experiences, but they suggest the group can be small on a given day.
• Leave luggage behind. Oversize luggage is not allowed on the tour. Travel with a small bag at most, since the van carries the group all day.

Common issues. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so everyone makes their own way to Templo de San Matías Jalatlaco in the Barrio de Jalatlaco. Mezcal bottles and cocktails are extra, and the unlimited tasting makes it easy to spend more than planned at the distillery shop, as one reviewer cheerfully admitted. The day runs about six hours with a long midday block at the distillery, which may drag for travellers hoping for a shorter outing. Tours run in English and Spanish.

Common Questions