Finca 18 Tequila Tour w/ Chocolate Pairing + Pickup Point

If you’re considering a visit to Mexico’s famous agave heartland, the Finca 18 Tequila Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the craft of tequila-making, combined with a taste experience and a charming estate setting. This tour is particularly appealing for those who want more than just a quick shot; it’s about understanding the process, savoring fine spirits, and soaking in authentic rural scenery.

Two things we especially appreciate about this tour are the insider knowledge shared by a passionate onsite master distiller and the small group atmosphere, which makes for a more intimate and engaging experience. On the flip side, it’s not suitable for travelers with mobility issues or young children, as the tour involves walking around uneven estate grounds and is geared toward adults.

This tour suits curious travelers eager to learn about tequila’s heritage and enjoy a curated tasting in a relaxed, authentic setting. If you love culinary pairings and want an experience that’s both educational and flavorful, this tour should be on your list.

Key Points

• Authentic estate experience: Visit a historic, family-owned ranch with over 150 years of tradition.
• Educational insight: Learn about the entire tequila-making process from planting to distillation.
• Tasting excellence: Enjoy a 5-course agave spirits tasting curated by the Master Distiller.
• Sweet pairing: An optional chocolate pairing elevates the tasting with locally crafted chocolates.
• Small group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring plenty of personal attention.
• Convenient pickup: Multiple pickup points make logistics straightforward for travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Finca 18 Tequila Tour

This two-hour tour offers an inviting mix of history, craftsmanship, and sensory indulgence. From the moment you’re greeted with a refreshing cocktail, fresh fruit, and cold water, the experience feels thoughtfully curated to set a relaxed tone. The estate’s story begins with its ownership—a family with over 150 years of roots in Puerto Vallarta—and this legacy adds a layer of authenticity few commercial tours can match.

The Estate and Its History

The estate spans 12 acres, offering a picturesque glimpse into rural Mexican life. You will explore the grounds on a guided tour, visiting the agave nursery, the sprawling fields, and the traditional distillery. This is where the craft begins—seeing the agave plants up close, understanding their growth, and witnessing the step-by-step process of tequila production.

The highlight here is the storytelling—your guide (notably praised for their knowledge and passion) will share insights into the family’s long history in Puerto Vallarta, illustrating how tradition and modern techniques collide and coexist. Rachel, a recent visitor, praised the guide Leon for being “incredible” and passionate, which speaks volumes about the quality of the guidance you’ll receive.

Tequila-Making Process

The tour covers the entire process: from harvesting the agave, cooking, fermenting, to distillation in traditional copper stills. This behind-the-scenes look is perfect for those wanting to understand what makes tequila unique. It’s more than just tasting—it’s about appreciating the craftsmanship, patience, and regional influences that shape each bottle.

The Tasting Experience

After the estate tour, you’ll settle into a tasting curated by the Master Distiller. This isn’t a quick sip; it’s a five-course journey through different agave spirits, each with its own character and flavor profile. The tasting includes dehydrated ranch snacks, adding a rustic touch that complements the spirits.

For an extra layer of indulgence, there’s an upgrade available to include a chocolate pairing from a local, award-winning chocolatier. The pairing elevates the tasting experience, highlighting the natural sweetness and complexity of Mexican chocolates—perfect for those who love a sweet complement to their spirits.

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Shopping and Extra Purchases

Before leaving, you can browse the gift shop, housed in a charming converted ranch building. It offers bottles of tequila, souvenirs, and extra pours if you want to sample more or pick up a gift. After the tour, bottles, additional pours, beers, and wines are available for purchase, giving you the chance to bring a taste of Mexico home.

The Logistics: What You Need to Know

The tour is designed for small groups, capped at 10 participants, which enhances the personal feel and allows for more meaningful interaction. Pickup points are conveniently located in Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta, with specific times to align with your tour schedule. The entire experience lasts roughly two hours, making it manageable even if you have a busy itinerary.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes because of the estate walk, bring a sun hat and camera to capture the views, and pack biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent to be prepared for the outdoor environment. Since the tour involves walking and standing, it isn’t suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or anyone with mobility challenges.

Pricing and Value

While the tour price isn’t explicitly listed here, the reviews highlight that the experience offers good value, especially considering the depth of insight, tasting quality, and intimate setting. It’s not just a tasting; it’s a cultural experience that provides context, history, and craftsmanship, which is often missing in more superficial tours.

What Travelers Say

The consistent praise for knowledgeable guides and the authentic atmosphere makes this tour stand out. Rachel’s review underscores this: “Leon was incredible! He was so knowledgeable and passionate about the work. He kept us all engaged the whole time.” Such genuine enthusiasm makes a big difference in the learning experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for adults interested in food, spirits, and Mexican culture. If you’re a curious traveler who loves learning about local traditions and enjoys culinary pairings, you’ll find this tour engaging and rewarding. It’s also great for small groups seeking a more personal, immersive experience. Not ideal for those seeking a party atmosphere or with mobility restrictions.

In short, if you value authentic storytelling, expert guidance, and high-quality tastings, this tour will meet your expectations.

The Sum Up: Is This the Right Tour for You?

The Finca 18 Tequila Tour offers a genuine, educational dive into the world of Mexican tequila, all within a historic and picturesque estate setting. The small group size and passionate guides create a welcoming environment to learn and savor. The combination of estate exploration, detailed process explanations, and curated tastings makes it a comprehensive experience that goes beyond the typical tequila tasting.

For travelers who want to connect with Mexico’s cultural roots and enjoy a thoughtfully curated tasting, this tour provides fantastic value. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences combined with expert storytelling.

While not suited for children or mobility-impaired visitors, it’s an ideal choice for adults seeking a relaxed, educational, and flavorful day out. Whether you’re a tequila lover or just curious about Mexico’s spirit heritage, this tour will deepen your appreciation and leave you with a few bottles to remember your trip.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, pickup is included from designated points in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta, making logistics straightforward.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 2 hours, giving plenty of time for exploration, tasting, and shopping.

Who leads the tour?
A knowledgeable guide guides the experience, with reviews highlighting their passion and expertise, especially the well-regarded guide Leon.

Can I buy additional bottles or souvenirs?
Yes, you can browse the gift shop before or after the tour, and extra bottles, pours, and souvenirs are available for purchase.

Is there an option to include a chocolate pairing?
Yes, an upgrade to include a locally crafted chocolate pairing is available, adding another flavor dimension to your tasting.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, it’s designed for adults, and is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a sun hat, camera, water, biodegradable sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended for comfort and safety.

This tour strikes a fine balance between educational content, authentic ambiance, and flavorful indulgence. For those eager to learn about tequila’s roots while enjoying a relaxed and intimate setting, it’s a highly recommended choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby