Mezcal y Mole with a Certified Sommelier

If you’re heading to Oaxaca and want to dive into its culinary soul, the Mezcal y Mole experience offers a chance to taste two of the region’s most iconic flavors—mezcals and moles—in a setting that’s both educational and enjoyable. This 1.5-hour guided tasting isn’t just about sampling drinks and sauces; it’s about understanding why these elements hold such cultural significance in Oaxaca.

We love how this tour is led by a certified mezcal sommelier, ensuring that you’re not just tasting but truly learning about the nuances of each spirit. The pairing of seven mezcals with seven moles reveals the depth and variety of local ingredients and traditional preparation methods. Plus, the small-group setting makes the experience personal and relaxed—perfect for curious travelers eager to go beyond the surface of Oaxaca’s cuisine.

One consideration is that this is a tasting experience, not a full meal. If you’re expecting a substantial dinner, you’ll want to plan for later. The price — $76 per person — feels quite reasonable given the quality of the insights and the exclusivity of the paired tastings. This tour suits those interested in food and drink, cultural enthusiasts, or travelers looking for a memorable, authentic introduction to Oaxaca’s culinary heritage.

Key Points

• Led by a certified mezcal sommelier, ensuring expert guidance and authentic insights.
• First-ever pairing of mezcal and mole, combining two symbols of Oaxacan cuisine.
• Includes seven handcrafted moles and seven artisanal mezcales, showcasing local ingredients and traditional techniques.
• Ideal for a relaxed evening activity, perfect as an introduction before heading out for dinner.
• Not a full meal; it’s a tasting experience with the option to dine afterward.
• Accessible for groups, couples, and vegetarians/vegans, with the experience tailored to all.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Taste of Oaxaca’s Culinary Heritage

Stepping into the Mezcal y Mole tasting, you’re greeted with a welcoming atmosphere that sets the tone for a relaxed, educational, and flavorful session. The tour takes place in a cozy spot in Oaxaca, marked by a simple black door with a sign. Once inside, the vibe is intimate, making it easy to ask questions and engage with the guide.

We appreciated how the guides don’t just pour and explain—they share stories and details that deepen your understanding of the local ingredients and traditions. This isn’t just a sip-and-go event; it’s about connecting with Oaxaca’s rich gastronomic roots.

The Tasting: What to Expect

The core of this experience is the tasting of seven traditional moles paired with seven artisanal mezcals. The moles are vegetarian or vegan, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, which means you get an authentic taste of regional flavors. You’ll sample moles with names like Espadín, Cuixe, Tepeztate, and others—each with its own story and characteristic profile.

The mezcals are equally diverse, representing different types of agaves such as Mexicano, Papalometl, and Destilado de Chocolate. The careful selection showcases the distinct features of each, from smoky to floral notes, giving you a nuanced understanding of this iconic Mexican spirit. The pairing isn’t incidental; it’s designed to highlight how the flavors complement and contrast each other, making each sip and bite an exploration of Oaxaca’s culinary art.

Why the Experience Works

Many reviewers highlight how knowledgeable guides make this experience stand out. As one traveler from the U.S. put it: “The staff were extremely personable and knowledgeable, exuding a true passion for everything offered.” The guides aren’t just pouring spirits—they’re sharing stories and answering questions, making the event feel personal and genuine rather than formulaic.

Another aspect that makes this experience valuable is the focus on local ingredients. You’re tasting moles that are traditionally and locally produced, giving you a genuine flavor of Oaxaca’s culinary identity. The use of fresh ingredients and traditional techniques means you’re supporting authentic artisans rather than mass-produced products.

The Setting and Atmosphere

The venue itself is cozy and unpretentious, fostering an environment where you can relax and truly savor each pairing. The small group size adds to this relaxed vibe, allowing for meaningful conversations—not only with the guides but also with fellow travelers from around the world. Many reviews mention the friendly and personable staff, emphasizing that this isn’t just a tasting but an engaging cultural exchange.

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The Itinerary and Structure

The tour is straightforward but thoughtfully designed. Starting at Mezcal y Mole, the experience lasts about 1.5 hours, making it an ideal option for an early evening activity or a pre-dinner outing.

• Introduction and Welcome Cocktail: Before beginning, guests are greeted with a complimentary cocktail, setting a festive tone.
• Tasting of 7 Moles and 7 Mezcals: Over the course of the session, the guides introduce each mezcal and mole pairing, explaining their origins, ingredients, and what makes each unique.
• Q&A and Discussion: Travelers are encouraged to ask questions and share impressions, enriching the learning experience.
• The Sum Up: The host wraps up, leaving you with a new appreciation for Oaxaca’s culinary treasures.

The experience is designed to be educational yet relaxed, balancing detailed insights with approachable, flavorful tastings. It’s perfect for those who want to deepen their appreciation of mezcal and mole without feeling overwhelmed.

Value and Practical Details

For $76 per person, this tasting delivers much more than just drinks and sauces. You’re paying for expert guidance, authentic local products, and an opportunity to engage with Oaxaca’s culinary culture intimately. Many reviews mention the professionalism and passion of the staff, which enhances perceived value.

The duration, just 1.5 hours, makes it an efficient yet comprehensive experience. Since transportation isn’t included, plan to arrive on your own—finding the venue is simple with clear instructions: look for the black door with the sign and ring the bell. The experience is wheelchair accessible and suitable for groups and couples, making it versatile for different travelers.

It’s also flexible—if you want to extend your evening, you can opt for dinner afterward (not included), with staff happy to suggest options.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for foodies, spirit enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Oaxaca’s cultural traditions. It’s especially fitting if you enjoy learning about local ingredients and pairing food with spirits. It’s also suitable for vegetarians and vegans seeking a genuine taste of regional cuisine.

However, if you’re expecting a full meal or a large-scale tour, this may not be the right fit. The focus here is on quality over quantity, offering a refined tasting rather than a comprehensive culinary course.

Final Thoughts

The Mezcal y Mole with a Certified Sommelier provides a well-balanced blend of education, authentic flavors, and friendly guidance. It’s a rare opportunity to understand and appreciate two of Oaxaca’s most treasured culinary elements—mole and mezcal—in a setting that fosters connection and curiosity.

This tour stands out for its focus on local ingredients, expert-led insights, and the personal touch that reviews consistently praise. It’s a rewarding experience for those eager to taste Oaxaca’s traditions beyond the typical tourist fare.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a casual traveler wanting to learn, this tasting offers a memorable snapshot of Oaxaca’s vibrant culinary scene—one sip and bite at a time.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, the moles are vegetarian and vegan, making this a friendly option for those dietary preferences.

How long does the tour last?
The tasting lasts about 1.5 hours, which is perfect for a relaxed yet informative session.

What’s included in the price?
You get a welcome cocktail, samples of seven moles and seven mezcals, all guided by a professional sommelier, and a friendly environment to ask questions.

Do I need to arrange transportation?
Transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to get to the venue on your own. It’s easy to find the black door with the sign—just ring the bell.

Can I go if I don’t drink alcohol?
This experience is centered around mezcal, so it’s best suited for those who can enjoy spirits. The moles are non-alcoholic, of course.

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, it’s only for guests over 18 years old.

Are there dinner options after the tour?
The tasting itself is not a meal. You can ask the staff about local dinner options afterward, but dinner isn’t included in the price.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The guide speaks English, making it accessible for international travelers.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a way to deepen your appreciation of Oaxaca’s culinary artistry with expert guidance and authentic flavors, this mezcal and mole pairing tour is a fantastic choice. It’s a memorable, flavorful, and educational experience that offers real insight into two of the region’s most celebrated traditions.

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