Tequila tour visiting a local brewery

If you’re planning a trip to Guadalajara and want to dive into the region’s iconic spirits and craft beers, this Tequila tour visiting a local brewery might just be the perfect choice. Offering a mix of culture and tasting experiences, this half-day adventure provides a genuine glimpse into Mexico’s famed tequila industry and burgeoning craft beer scene.

Two standout features make this tour attractive: first, the chance to visit Casa José Cuervo, a name synonymous with tequila production; second, the opportunity to sample a variety of locally brewed beers influenced by the land and traditions of the region. However, it’s worth noting that the tour’s price—$129 per person—includes tastings but not a full meal, so you might want to grab a snack beforehand. This experience suits travelers with a curiosity about Mexican spirits, a love for authentic tasting sessions, or those simply eager to explore Guadalajara beyond its surface.

If you’re after a well-rounded, educational experience that balances history, culture, and flavors, this tour offers good value. It’s particularly ideal for those who enjoy smaller group settings (maximum of 19 travelers), ensuring more personalized attention and interaction. But if you’re expecting a full-day adventure or a deep dive into tequila’s history, you might find this tour more relaxed and focused on tasting and casual exploration rather than comprehensive education.

Key Points

• Authentic visits to Casa José Cuervo and a local brewery provide a well-rounded taste of tequila and craft beers.
• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle makes the day pleasant, especially in Guadalajara’s warm climate.
• Tastings included—both tequila and locally produced beers—offer great value for the price.
• Flexible cancellation policy—free up to 24 hours in advance—adds peace of mind.
• Ideal for small groups with a maximum of 19 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience.
• Cultural stops in Tequila town, including a market and the Juan Beckman museum, add depth beyond just drinks.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Plaza Principal Tequila Jalisco

We start our journey in the historic town of Tequila, founded around 1500, which sets the scene for a relaxed yet engaging afternoon exploring one of Mexico’s most iconic regions. Although the tour doesn’t include a formal visit to the plaza, it’s worth noting that this area is a hub for traditional Mexican dishes. You can enjoy some local cuisine at the market, a perfect way to warm up your palate before the tastings.

There’s also a cultural layer here—visiting the Juan Beckman museum provides insight into the area’s history, although the tour description hints at more than just drinking. It’s a chance to stroll through charming streets, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere of a town that has been producing tequila for over 200 years.

Stop 2: La Venta del Astillero – The Fortuna Brewery

Next, we head to La Venta del Astillero, home to the Fortuna brewery, where local brewers craft beers influenced by the land and traditions of Jalisco. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of flavors, offering something for every beer lover—whether you prefer a crisp lager or something more experimental.

The 45-minute visit is free of charge, but it’s the tasting that truly shines. You’ll learn about the unique processes developed by local brewers that give Fortuna beers their distinctive character. It’s a less commercialized scene compared to large breweries, which makes it particularly appealing for those wanting to see authentic, locally driven beer craftsmanship.

Stop 3: Fabrica La Rojena – The Tequila Factory

Our final stop takes us inside Fabrica La Rojena, a place with over 200 years of tequila-making history. Here, you’ll learn about the traditional and modern processes involved in creating Mexico’s national spirit. The tour experience includes an inside look at the production methods, offering a glimpse into how tequila has been made and refined over centuries.

The guided visit is about 50 minutes long, and the admission fee is included in the tour price. This part of the tour is especially valuable for those interested in the deep craft behind tequila, from fermentation to distillation. It’s an educational experience that adds context to the tastings and helps you appreciate the skill involved in every shot.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package covers air-conditioned transportation, which is a bonus, especially when navigating Guadalajara’s warm weather. Tasting both tequila and local beers is included, giving you the chance to compare flavors and styles that you might not find elsewhere.

However, note that brunch is not included, so plan accordingly if you’re starting the day hungry. The tour begins at 10:00 am from a central meeting point in Guadalajara, with pickup offered—making logistics straightforward for visitors staying near the city center.

The Practicalities

The tour lasts roughly 6 hours, with ample time at each stop for exploration, tasting, and photos. With a maximum of 19 travelers, it promises a more intimate experience, which enhances the chance for questions and personalized insights. The tour is suitable for most travelers over 18, given the alcohol tastings involved.

Price-wise, at $129 per person, the experience offers decent value—especially given the inclusion of tastings and transportation. Comparing it with other offerings in the area, this tour balances educational content, authentic visits, and enjoyable tastings without feeling rushed or overly commercialized.

Authenticity and Experience

What sets this tour apart is its focus on authentic experiences. You won’t be just paying for a bus ride and some tastings; you’ll get to see real local breweries and a historic tequila factory. One reviewer mentioned that the tour was “a fantastic way to learn about tequila in a relaxed setting,” highlighting how approachable the experience is.

Another noted, “The brewery visit was especially interesting because it wasn’t a typical tourist stop. You could tell the brewers are passionate about their craft.” These small touches make a significant difference for anyone interested in more than just the tasting—it’s about understanding the culture behind the drinks.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate authentic local craft, whether spirits or beers. It’s also great for those wanting a casual, educational outing that combines cultural exploration with tasting. If you’re short on time but want a meaningful glimpse into tequila and local brewing, this tour hits a sweet spot.

However, if you’re looking for an all-day comprehensive exploration or a focus solely on tequila history, you might want to explore other options. This tour is more about sampling and learning in a relaxed setting.

Final Thoughts

This Guadalajara-based tequila and brewery tour offers an engaging mix of history, culture, and flavors. The inclusion of visits to Casa José Cuervo and a local brewery, combined with tastings, makes it an excellent value for those eager to understand Mexico’s beloved spirits and beers in an authentic way. The small-group format and expert guides ensure a personal touch, making this a memorable half-day outing.

Travelers who want a balanced, enjoyable experience that highlights local craftsmanship will find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s suited for those curious about Mexican spirits, beer lovers, and anyone interested in exploring Guadalajara beyond its surface.

If you’re ready to taste your way through Jalisco’s finest, this tour provides a relaxed, informative, and flavorful journey through tequila’s heritage and Mexico’s craft beer scene.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned transportation from a central meeting point in Guadalajara, making it easy to relax and enjoy the day.

What is the tour duration?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, including visits, tastings, and travel time.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts, giving you flexibility if needed.

Is there a minimum age requirement?
Yes, participants must be 18 or older to partake in the tastings, but most travelers can join.

What’s not included?
Brunch or additional meals are not included, so plan to eat before or after the tour.

How many people will be on the tour?
The group size is limited to 19 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience.

What types of tastings are offered?
You will sample tequila and a variety of locally produced beers, allowing you to compare flavors and styles.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 10:00 am at 12 de Diciembre 3070, Jardines Plaza del Sol in Guadalajara, and returns to the same location.

Is this a good value for the price?
Given the inclusion of transportation, multiple tastings, and visits to both a tequila factory and a local brewery, many will find it a worthwhile investment for a memorable cultural experience.

This detailed look at the Tequila tour visiting a local brewery reveals a well-rounded, authentic, and enjoyable way to explore Guadalajara’s spirits scene. Whether you’re a tequila aficionado or just curious about Mexican brewing, it offers a friendly, informative, and flavorful day out.