Whether you're interested in learning more about Mexican culture or simply enjoy a tasty margarita, the agave fields that dot the west-central plains of Mexico are the place to go. Tequila Country is primarily located in the state of Jalisco, but the epicenter is the appropriately called town of Tequila.
Tequila can only legally be produced in Mexico’s Tequila country, much like Champagne which must come from the Champagne region in France. Planning a trip to the Tequila region and the neighboring states such as Guanajuato can be very exciting, with so many fantastic things to do while exploring.
Visit the town of Tequila.
When you are exploring the origins of this spirit, what better place to go than its namesake town? Because of its unique natural landscape and cultural traditions, the Agave fields around the town were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. The town also holds the title of ‘Magic town’, one of 132 towns in Mexico to hold this title. Amongst other incredible attractions, you can visit the Municipio de Tequila (Town Hall) that features artwork by Manuel Hernández depicting the agave plant's importance in pre-colonial Mexico and the Aztec deity Mayahuel, connected with fertility and nutrition.
Find out how Agave is traditionally harvested.
From the agave field to the finished bottled product, you can see how Tequila and Mezcal are made. Agave is harvested with the traditional technique, which involves removing the spikes from the plant with a unique tool like a sharp, pointed spade and extracting the plant's heart, the piña. Joining one of the several tours that leave from Tequila and Guadalajara, escorting you out into the agave fields and local distilleries, is the best way to get a complete understanding of the tequila-making process.
Take a trip to the Jose Cuervo La Rojeña Distillery.
The world-famous Jose Cuervo brand is produced at Tequila Country's oldest working distillery, known as La Rojeña. The distillery offers tours throughout the day, allowing visitors to see how this unique spirit is harvested, cooked, distilled, aged, and packaged.
Visit the Tequila Museum
Visit the Tequila National Museum, which is located in the town of Tequila and traces the history of agave farming in the area from pre-Hispanic times to the present. It has around 300 artifacts on permanent display in five show halls. Here, you'll discover everything there is to know about agave production, which dates back to ancient times when agave's fermented drink was known as pulque.
Pair your beverage with some extraordinary Mexican cuisines
Tequila Country's cultural milieu includes food, and there are numerous restaurants where you may delight your taste buds with some of the region's best Mexican cuisines. Consider popping into Amor de Mis Amores in downtown Tequila for a family-style meal, or La Antigua Casona for delicious cocktails in a warm, relaxed atmosphere, or the Hotel Villa Tequila for a tequila-themed bar situated beside their outdoor pool. Other unique and quaint boutique hotels and Solar de Las Ánimas high-end accommodations.
How long is a tour to Tequila Mexico?
With the ¡Viva Tequila Festival! Mexico Experience Tour, you'll enjoy an entire weekend of Mexican flavors, traditions, art, music, and, of course, tequila in some of the world’s most exclusive spirit-producing regions. You will see and taste a new take on Mexican culture that will transport you to Jalisco's agave fields and beyond with every sight and sip. Departures from Atlanta are on Thursdays and return on Sundays.
This tour is hosted by wine, beer, and spirits purveyor Juan Bonilla, dubbed "Mr. Tequila." It takes participants on an exclusive tour of the Tequila Trail's historic timeline, providing an in-depth understanding of the different regions that cultivate Tequila, the history of this iconic Mexican spirit, and its importance in the local, national, and international economies.
The Mexico Experience of the Viva Tequila Festival travels to Tlaquepaque, Tequila, Atotonilco, and Guadalajara to present a local perspective on Tequila production. Come and enjoy top-shelf and higher selections include a range of Blancos, Reposados, and Añejos in the region they originated from with a one-of-a-kind tour to the Tequila Region with the ¡Viva Tequila Festival! Mexico Experience Tour.
Learn more about our exiting, exclusive private-guided Mexico Experience at https://www.vivatequilafestival.com/experiencemexico