Tour of Mezcalerias in the City

If you’re heading to Oaxaca and thinking about diving into its legendary mezcal culture, this “Tour of Mezcalerias in the City” might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally taken it, we’ve looked closely at what it offers—and it has some pretty appealing features for those curious about this iconic spirit.

What stands out most is the focus on learning about mezcal’s roots and production—not just sampling bottles but really understanding what makes Oaxaca’s mezcal special. Plus, the tour includes guided tastings at multiple venues, which can be a real treat for those wanting to deepen their appreciation. That said, it’s not perfect, and the itinerary’s structure might feel a bit rushed for some.

This experience would suit travelers who want a balanced blend of education and tasting and aren’t looking for a huge, time-consuming tour. It’s ideal if you enjoy small group settings where guides share their knowledge with a friendly attitude. If you’re genuinely interested in the craft and passion behind mezcal, this tour can give you a solid overview without overloading your schedule.

Key Points

• Focus on Education: The tour emphasizes understanding mezcal’s history, production, and flavor nuances.
• Small Group Size: With a maximum of 10 travelers, interactions are more personal.
• Two and a Half Hours of Exploration: It’s a manageable duration for most travelers, blending tasting with cultural insight.
• Multiple Venues: Visits include three key mezcalerías, each offering different experiences.
• Includes Food and Water: Snacks and paired mezcal add to the tasting experience, with an emphasis on eco-friendly practices (no single-use plastic bottles).
• Guides Receive Praise: Several reviews highlight knowledgeable and friendly guides who enhance the experience.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Expendio Cuish Díaz Ordaz

The tour kicks off at Expendio Cuish Díaz Ordaz, a spot that appears to be a lively hub for mezcal lovers. Here, you’ll probably get your first taste of Oaxaca’s mezcal scene, with a 45-minute artisan mezcal tasting included. This part is a great chance to start understanding what makes different mezcals unique, as well as to see how local producers craft their spirits.

One reviewer mentioned that their guide and the staff at each tasting room were knowledgeable and friendly, which is so important when you’re trying to get a good sense of a complex drink like mezcal. It’s a relaxed, introductory experience but one that sets the tone for what’s to come.

Passing Through the Craft Market

Next, the itinerary includes a pass by the craft market, offering a quick outside view without a formal stop. If you’re someone who loves local markets for their colors, smells, and variety, this might be a tiny highlight. For others, it’s just a glimpse of daily city life, but it does add a local flavor to the tour.

Mezcalería COZOBI – Sensory Experience

The second main stop is Mezcalería COZOBI, which offers an extensive tasting session. Here, the tour goes beyond the initial tasting to explore multiple mezcals, helping you develop your palate. The experience is free, which is a nice touch considering the overall price of the tour.

From reviews, it’s clear that the guides really shine here—they are praised for their knowledge. One reviewer noted that they learned even more about mezcal than they had expected. If you’re eager to discover the different notes and flavors that mezcal can have, this part of the tour is likely the highlight.

Foodlab Visit

A quick 15-minute visit to Teolab, a local Foodlab, introduces an element of Oaxaca’s culinary scene. While brief, it’s a nice way to connect mezcal with local food culture. Expect some visual or tasting interaction that complements the spirits, though the details are scarce.

Final Stop: Etnofood for Pairing and Final Tasting

The tour wraps up at Etnofood, a gastronomic space focused on local Oaxaca ingredients. Here, for 45 minutes, you’ll experience pairing mezcal with local snacks. It’s a fitting way to close the journey, emphasizing the pairing of flavors and perhaps giving you some ideas for bringing a bit of Oaxaca’s spirit home.

According to reviews, the inclusion of snacks and water (not in single-use bottles, which is a nice eco touch) adds value, making this more than just a tasting. Plus, ending at a food-focused space provides a relaxed environment to discuss what you’ve learned and tasted.

What’s Included & Price

For $55.65 per person, you get access to all tastings, snacks, and the guided experience. That’s a pretty reasonable price considering the multiple stops and the educational focus. The tour’s length—about 2.5 hours—is just right for most travelers who want to sample and learn without feeling rushed.

The Real-World Pros and Cons

Pro: Knowledgeable Guides
Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness and deep understanding. That makes a huge difference—good guides can turn a standard tasting into a memorable learning experience.

Pro: Small Group Setting
Limited to 10 travelers, which means more personalized attention and fewer crowds. You’ll likely feel more comfortable asking questions and engaging with the guides.

Pro: Quality Tastings & Food Pairings
The inclusion of multiple tastings, snacks, and water makes this feel like a well-rounded experience, especially since it respects the environment by avoiding disposable bottles.

Con: It’s a Bit Rushed
With four stops in just 2.5 hours, some might find it a bit tight, especially if you want more time at each venue or to savor your tastings. The itinerary seems designed for quick immersion rather than deep exploration.

Con: Limited Details About Each Venue
While the stops are clearly outlined, the specific atmosphere or ambiance of each place isn’t described in detail. If you’re looking for a tour with a more scenic or immersive environment, this might feel a bit straightforward.

Con: No Mention of Transportation
It appears to be a walking tour starting and ending within the city center, which is convenient but worth confirming if you have mobility concerns.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits those genuinely interested in learning about mezcal—not just tasting but understanding its history, production, and flavor profiles. It’s ideal for travelers who value guided expertise and a small-group experience. If you’re curious but not overly serious, the tour offers a friendly, approachable way to dip your toes into Oaxaca’s mezcal culture.

It’s less suited for someone looking for a luxury or in-depth exploration or a long day-long activity. Also, if you have mobility challenges, you’ll want to check the walking involved, as it’s not explicitly designed for those with special walking needs.

A Final Word

For around $55, this Tour of Mezcalerias in the City provides a practical and engaging introduction to Oaxaca’s world-famous mezcal. You’ll walk away with more than just a few new favorite drinks—you’ll gain insights into the craftsmanship and passion behind each bottle. The small group setting, knowledgeable guides, and inclusion of snacks and water add considerable value.

If your goal is to understand what makes Oaxaca’s mezcal so revered and to enjoy some quality tastings in a friendly atmosphere, this could be a solid choice. It’s best for travelers who are genuinely curious and enjoy learning as they experience, rather than those seeking an overly relaxed or purely social outing.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
This tour involves walking around the city and visiting multiple venues, so it’s better suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness and no walking problems or mobility aids.

What is included in the price?
You get artisan mezcal tastings at three locations, snacks, bottled water (no disposable bottles), and guided commentary. The tour also includes admission tickets for the tastings.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, making it a manageable activity for most travelers without taking up a full day.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews praise the guides for their friendliness and deep understanding of mezcal, which enhances the experience significantly.

Can I expect to visit specific types of mezcalerías?
Yes, the stops include Cuish Mezcaleria, Mezcalería COZOBI, and Etnofood, each offering a different angle on mezcal production or pairing.

Is food included?
Snacks are included, and there’s a pairing experience at the final stop, but no full meals are offered.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
The tour begins at 5:00 pm, ideal for experiencing Oaxaca’s lively evening atmosphere.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund, which adds flexibility if plans change.

Will I learn about mezcal’s cultural significance?
Absolutely, the tour emphasizes mezcal’s roots in local tradition, making it more than just a tasting—it’s an educational journey.

This tour offers an accessible way to connect with Oaxaca’s proud mezcal heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just mezcal-curious, it provides a good foundation in a friendly, small-group setting.