Tour of Mezcalerias in the City

If you’re heading to Oaxaca and want to truly understand the local spirit—mezcal—this tour offers a solid introduction. It’s designed not just for drinkers but for anyone curious about how this iconic Mexican beverage is crafted, celebrated, and woven into the land’s culture. With a mix of tastings, cultural insights, and a touch of food pairing, it promises a well-rounded experience in just over two hours.

What we especially appreciate about this tour are its knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to taste a variety of mezcals in authentic settings. Plus, the inclusion of food pairing adds a flavorful dimension that elevates the whole experience. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that some may find the tour’s focus on three mezcalerias a bit limited if they’re already well-versed in mezcal’s nuances. This tour is best suited for those who want a guided, authentic journey into Oaxaca’s mezcal tradition—and are ready to taste and learn in a relaxed, small-group setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Oaxaca experience with visits to three traditional mezcalerias
• Expert guides explain the history, production, and flavor nuances of mezcal
• Tasting of artisan mezcals and food pairings enhance the experience
• Designed for small groups, making it intimate and personal
• Tour duration is approximately 2.5 hours, ideal for a relaxed evening activity
• Focuses on culture rather than just drinking

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

First Stop: Cuish Mezcaleria – Artisan Tasting

The tour kicks off at Cuish Mezcaleria, a spot that’s all about craftsmanship. Here, you get a 45-minute tasting session, with your ticket included, where you’ll sample artisan mezcals crafted with care. The tasting is designed to give you a solid sense of the different flavors and styles, which can range from smoky and robust to more delicate and floral. It’s a great way to start understanding the complexity behind each sip.

What makes this stop special is the focus on artisan production, hinting at the long-standing traditions involved in mezcal making. As one reviewer exclaimed, “Rodrigo was a great tour guide, as were the guys who explained the mezcal at each tasting room. I learned even more & had some excellent mezcals along the way.” This suggests guides are well-versed and passionate, which adds value to the experience.

Passing Through the Craft Market

Next, the tour offers a quick outside view of the craft market. While it isn’t a full market visit, passing through it gives you a snapshot of local crafts and the lively atmosphere of Oaxaca’s market scene. It’s a short, casual glimpse that sets the scene without overstaying its welcome—perfect for those who appreciate a bit of local color without a lengthy detour.

Second Stop: Mezcalería COZOBI – Extensive Tasting

The second mezcal spot, Cozobi, is where things get more sensory. You’ll spend about 35 minutes tasting a broader array of mezcals—free of charge—and exploring their unique flavor profiles. The focus here is on deepening your understanding of what makes different mezcals distinct, from the types of agave used to the distillation methods.

If you already have some knowledge about mezcal, this stop is particularly valuable for expanding your palate and picking up nuanced tasting notes. A reviewer noted, “I had some mezcal knowledge coming in, but I learned even more.” The guides’ explanations complement the tasting experience, making it accessible for both beginners and those with some prior familiarity.

Third Stop: Teolab – A Foodlab Experience

The tour briefly visits Teolab, a local Foodlab, which provides a taste of Oaxaca’s culinary creativity. This 15-minute stop isn’t about a full meal but offers a quick preview into how mezcal and local food intersect. The pairing experience here is meant to complement the flavors of the spirits you’ve tasted, enhancing your understanding of regional gastronomy.

Final Stop: Etnofood – Pairing and Final Tasting

The last leg of the tour is at Etnofood, a gastronomic space dedicated to local Oaxaca food and products. Here, you’ll spend about 45 minutes enjoying pairing experiences, combining mezcal with carefully selected bites that highlight regional flavors. This part of the tour really rounds out your experience, making it both sensory and educational.

What travelers love about this segment is how it ties together the tasting with local cuisine. One review highlighted the pairing as an excellent way to appreciate the complex relationship between Oaxaca’s food and mezcal, adding depth to the overall experience.

What’s Included and What Matters

The tour price of $55.65 per person offers good value, considering the multiple tastings and food pairings included. You get alcoholic beverages, snacks, and bottled water—though notably, they avoid single-use plastic bottles, which is a small but important eco-friendly detail.

Small group size (maximum 10 travelers) ensures plenty of personalized attention and room for questions. The tour starts at 5:00 pm, perfect for a relaxed evening activity after a day of sightseeing, and ends in a lively spot focused on local food.

Practical Considerations

This tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness who can handle a bit of walking and standing. They specify that it isn’t ideal for people with knee, hip, or walking problems, or those requiring special accommodations. The stops are close together, but the overall experience involves some walking through outdoor market spaces and indoor tasting rooms.

The timing and group size contribute to a cozy, engaging atmosphere. It’s perfect for those who want to learn about mezcal beyond just sipping—learning about the tradition and craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Authenticity and Authentic Experience

From reviews, it’s clear that the guides are a highlight, offering knowledgeable, friendly explanations that elevate the tasting experience. One reviewer remarked, “My guide was great, knowledgeable and friendly,” which speaks volumes about the quality of the personnel involved.

The focus on artisan mezcals and the cultural context makes this tour more than just a tasting—it’s a chance to appreciate Oaxaca’s spirit as a reflection of its land and people.

Final Thoughts

This mezcal tour is a thoughtfully curated introduction to Oaxaca’s most iconic beverage. It’s ideal for travelers who want to understand the cultural significance of mezcal, taste a variety of authentic spirits, and enjoy some regional snacks in a small-group setting. If you’re a curious drinker, a cultural explorer, or simply someone who appreciates good stories paired with good drinks, this tour fits the bill.

It’s a reasonably priced experience that offers genuine insights into the tradition and craft of mezcal. The inclusion of guides who are both knowledgeable and personable makes this a worthwhile activity, especially if you’re eager to learn rather than just sip.

For those who are already avid mezcal fans, it might feel a bit limited in scope—if you’re seeking an even deeper dive into production or more extensive tastings, you might want to look for specialized workshops. But for most visitors, this tour hits a sweet spot of education, flavor, and local culture.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a perfect evening activity that won’t take up your whole night.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Expendio Cuish Díaz Ordaz in the city center and concludes at Etnofood, a space dedicated to local food and products.

Is the tour suitable for all physical levels?
It’s best for those with moderate physical fitness. It isn’t suitable for people with knee, hip, or walking problems, or for those requiring special walking accommodations.

What’s included in the price?
Alcoholic beverages, snacks, and bottled water (without single-use plastic bottles) are all included, providing good value for the price.

Are the mezcalerias visited authentic?
Yes, the stops focus on artisan and traditional mezcal producers, providing an authentic experience of Oaxaca’s mezcal culture.

Can I learn about mezcal if I already know some?
Absolutely. Reviewers mention guides sharing new insights, and the tasting sessions expand even seasoned enthusiasts’ knowledge.

Is there a specific dress code?
No formal dress code, but comfortable attire suitable for walking and indoor/outdoor settings is recommended.

Are tips expected?
While not mandatory, tipping guides for good service is appreciated and customary.

What makes this tour stand out?
The focus on local, artisan mezcal, combined with insightful explanations from passionate guides, sets this experience apart.

In essence, this Tour of Mezcalerias in the City offers an engaging, educational, and flavorful way to connect with Oaxaca’s most famous spirit. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a budding connoisseur, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation—and perhaps a new favorite tipple.