An adventure for the senses: Mezcal, fields and crafts.

Imagine spending a day in Oaxaca where every moment is geared toward awakening your senses and deepening your appreciation for local traditions. This tour offers a well-rounded look at Oaxaca’s vibrant mezcal culture, combined with visits to artisan villages and agave fields. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to get off the beaten path, enjoy authentic experiences, and taste a variety of traditional drinks.

Two things we especially like about this experience are the hands-on involvement—like participating in the mezcal-making process—and the extensive tasting of over 12 different mezcales. Both make it a memorable journey through Oaxaca’s rich craftsmanship and flavors. One potential drawback? The schedule is quite packed, so if you’re looking for a slow, relaxed afternoon, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, if you’re curious about mezcal and local crafts, this tour offers a fantastic value for the price.

This tour suits adventurous travelers, food and drink enthusiasts, and those eager to learn about Oaxaca’s cultural heritage in an engaging and lively setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Experiences: Get involved in mezcal production and see traditional crafts firsthand.
• Extensive Tasting: Over 12 different mezcales and other regional drinks like pulque and tepache.
• Cultural Insight: Discover artisan processes in rural villages, from candle-making to wool weaving.
• Scenic Journey: Explore agave fields aboard a unique barrel-shaped vehicle, enjoying stunning views.
• Well-Organized: The tour includes transportation, a souvenir, and water, making for a convenient day.
• Small Group: Limited to 17 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

Exploring Oaxaca’s Rich Craft Traditions

This tour begins in the vibrant heart of Oaxaca City with a pickup from the meeting point at Mal de Amor Mezcal y Cocktail Room. From there, we head directly into the countryside, leaving behind the bustling streets to visit Teotitlán del Valle, a village famous for its centuries-old wool weaving and candle-making. Here, you’ll witness artisans creating traditional shell candles and woollen mats, skills passed down through generations. It’s a fascinating glimpse into everyday rural life that adds depth to your understanding of Oaxaca’s craft heritage.

The highlight of this first stop is learning about the importance of these crafts in local culture, along with the chance to browse artisan shops. It’s a laid-back introduction that sets a tone of authenticity and craftsmanship.

The Heart of Mezcal Country

Next, we venture to Santiago Matatlán, the Mezcal Capital of the World. This is where the magic of mezcal production really comes to life. The tour’s core is the visit to a traditional artisanal distillery—a working facility where you see the entire process: from selecting and cutting agave to roasting, crushing, fermentation, and finally, distillation.

What makes this part of the tour exceptional is your active participation. You get to help cut agave, observe the roasting of the maguey (the plant that provides the mezcal’s backbone), and even package your own bottle. This hands-on approach transforms a simple tasting into a meaningful experience. The guide explains the significance of the Designation of Origin and the variety of agaves used, adding a layer of knowledge that will make your tasting all the more enjoyable.

A visit to the matured mezcal cava allows you to see the aging process, which influences flavor profiles. But the real star here is the tasting of more than 12 different mezcales—an impressive array for any spirits enthusiast. One review mentions, “The tasting was fantastic, and I loved trying so many flavors I never knew existed.” It’s an educational and flavorful highlight of the day.

Scenic Agave Fields and Regional Drinks

The tour doesn’t stop with mezcal. One of the most visually striking moments is the ride through maguey (agave) fields aboard a barrel-shaped truck. As you wind through the landscape, your guide shares insights about agave cultivation, explaining why it’s considered a “noble plant.” You’ll see different varieties and learn about their distinct uses.

Along the way, you’ll taste other regional drinks such as pulque, curados, mead, and tepache, broadening your appreciation for traditional Mexican beverages. According to one traveler, “The tasting of pulque and tepache added a fun and surprising twist to the day.” These drinks provide a great complement to the mezcal experience, showcasing the diversity of local fermentation practices.

The Practical Side

The tour is approximately 7 hours long, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the original meeting point. The price of $78.21 per person is reasonable considering the included transportation, a souvenir, and plenty of tastings. The small group size—capped at 17 travelers—ensures a more intimate experience, where questions are encouraged and guides can share their knowledge freely.

Transportation is by a mobile barrel-shaped truck, which is both fun and practical, allowing for scenic sightseeing en route. The tour also includes bottled water and is suitable for most travelers, including service animals. However, it does not include breakfast, so plan accordingly.

Authenticity and Value

Given the price point, this tour offers excellent value. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of mezcal’s traditional production, sample a wide variety of flavors, and experience rural Oaxaca’s artisan crafts—all in one day. The knowledgeable guides, praised in reviews, bring energy and insight, making complex processes understandable and engaging.

While some travelers find the schedule a bit full, others appreciate the diversity of experiences packed into one day. The opportunity to see, taste, and participate makes this more than just a sensory tour—it’s an educational journey that leaves you with a true taste of Oaxaca’s cultural essence.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food and drink lovers, those curious about Mexican craft traditions, and travelers who enjoy hands-on activities. If you’re interested in learning about local agriculture and artisanal processes while savoring regional drinks, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s also perfect for those wanting a small-group setting with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get close to local artisans.

Final Thoughts

In summary, this Mezcal, fields, and crafts tour offers a lively and authentic glimpse into Oaxaca’s rich traditions. The combination of artisan visits, agave field exploration, and extensive tastings makes for a memorable day. The fact that you can participate actively in the mezcal-making process elevates it beyond a typical tasting tour.

The tour’s value is amplified by its small group size, knowledgeable guide, and varied experiences—from rural villages to modern distilleries. It’s a great way to understand and appreciate the complexity and cultural significance of mezcal and regional crafts.

For those who want to deepen their understanding of Oaxaca’s spirit and artisan heritage, this tour delivers a lively, informative, and tasty adventure. It’s suitable for curious travelers eager to connect with local traditions in a fun and meaningful way.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes transportation aboard a mobile barrel-shaped truck, making it easy to move between locations comfortably.

What is the tour’s starting point and time?
The tour begins at 9:00 am at Mal de Amor Mezcal y Cocktail Room in Oaxaca City.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, ending back at the starting point.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers transportation, a souvenir, mezcal tasting of over 12 different varieties, bottled water, and the activities at artisan villages and distilleries.

Are meals included?
No, breakfast is not included, so consider having a snack beforehand or bringing something to keep you energized.

Is this tour suitable for children or service animals?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. Check with the provider if you have specific needs.

In the end, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of culture, craftsmanship, and flavor—perfect for travelers looking to go beyond the typical sightseeing and truly experience Oaxaca’s spirit.