If you want to have the best experience visiting tequila distilleries in Mexico you must plan in advance. Tequila, Jalisco is the most tourist friendly if you want to see some great tequila production. About 90 % of all tequila distilleries are located in this town and many are open for public tours. La Rojeña (Jose Cuervo), La Fortaleza (Los Abuelos), La Alborada (El Gran Jubileo) and La Cofradia ( Casa Noble) are just a few distilleries you can visit in this magical pueblo.
It is crucial to make an appointment to see any distillery because there are times of the year when they do not open. November 29-December 13th is the town’s annual tequila fair. It is sometimes difficult to visit distilleries during this time because this a two week holiday for them. If you are looking for a place to party, this time of the year is filled with festivities, food, music and great tequila. Spring Break is another time of the year when it is difficult to visit a distillery in Mexico. Most people from the town take advantage of the long break and go to the beach cities to vacation.
For a list of distilleries of Mexico you can go to the website tequila.net and find information of names, addresses and phone numbers were you could contact an executive to schedule a distillery tour to the distillery that makes your favorite tequila. Tequila Jalisco is a little over an hour from Guadalajara’s International Airport. It is wise to book a hotel in Guadalajara to take advantage of the sightseeing in this great city. You can spend all day in Tequila and enjoy the nightlife of the big city.
If you want visit a distillery in the highlands of Jalisco plan for a longer day of travel and make sure you have booked an appointment because most distilleries are not open to the public. In the highlands one can find brands like Patrón, Cazadores, Siete Leguas, Don Julio, and El Tesoro De Don Felipe. These are great distilleries to visit but advanced notice can make your trip worthwhile.
Do pace yourself if drinking tequila at a distillery. Sometime you can drink tequila right after it has been distilled. This tequila comes out at 55 percent alcohol and does hit you harder than tequila that has already been bottled. Eat something before you begin drinking and drink plenty of water. Don’t forget to tip your tour guide. They work hard at making your visit a great experience. I hope you learn a lot.
Salud!
