Growing interest in mezcal has created a tourist boom, primarily in Oaxaca, but there’s growing interest in other regions where the spirit is produced. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on who you ask) the mezcal tourism infrastructure isn’t fully built-out, so tours and routes aren’t always obvious. There are plenty of roadside distilleries (some of dubious quality), but there isn’t a clear Silverado Trail. Which leaves many people wondering, How do I tour mezcal country?
To understand mezcal, you need to explore how firmly rooted it is in Mexican myth and culture. It begins with an origin story complete with star-crossed lovers, demons, battles, and finally death and grief so profound it produced a plant given special properties that resulted in a comforting elixir. That plant, of course, was the agave, and the drink pulque, the comforting agave elixir that predates mezcal.
Want to watch a maestro mezcalero judge ABV by perlas? Or sample puntas and pechuga in a palenque? We’ve created this resource page to help you tour mezcal country and connect with local guides who can create incredible experiences that help visitors understand not only where mezcal comes from and how mezcal is made, but how that intersects with Mexican art, food, and communities. If you want to brush up on mezcal facts before your trip, check out Mezcal 101.
All Mezcal Tour Destinations
Begin planning your mezcal travel adventures, from basic travel information to resources to help connect you with vetted local guides.
Updated August 9, 2024
Tour Oaxaca
Of all the mezcal tourism regions, Oaxaca is by far the most known and popular place to travel. Infrastructure is relatively well-developed and it’s easy to get there, as it is served by major airlines (United, Aeromexico, Volaris, Interjet). Currently, there are only two US cities that have direct flights to Oaxaca: Los Angeles and Houston. Most other flights connect through Mexico City. Read on for in-depth information on the best Oaxaca mezcal guides and tours.
Tour Puebla
A more “recent” region to become part of the Denominacion de Origen for Mezcal (DOM), Puebla is without doubt one of the fastest growing mezcal producing states in Mexico. With the combination of deep, rich history, fertile farmlands, well-developed infrastructure and ample resources, Puebla is quickly becoming a key producer of mezcal. If you’re interested in learning more about Puebla mezcal, the eponymous city is beautiful and makes a great homebase for your visit.
Tour Jalisco
Guadalajara isn’t traditionally on the mezcal tourism trail but, as many of you are fond of pointing out, tequila is a type of mezcal. The city is also an entry point for raicilla tourism, and therefore a chance to explore one of the most underappreciated and amazing mezcals out there. Guadalajara is a good destination if you’re interested in learning about tequila and raicilla de la sierra. Meanwhile, Puerto Vallarta is the starting point for visiting coastal raicilla country.
Tour San Luis Potosi
San Luis Potosi is located in central-eastern Mexico. The eponymous colonial capital is a gorgeous city and a good starting point for mezcal tours. Although the state is not the most obvious choice for a mezcal tour, the spirit has been made in the region since the Spanish arrived. These days, we’re seeing more San Luis Potosi mezcal make its way to the market, and mezcal tourism is becoming a thing.
Tour Durango
Durango, a northern state located about 600 miles due south of El Paso, Texas, is one of Mexico’s largest but least populated states. The terrain is diverse, ranging from towering paddle cactus and jagged cliffs (which provided the desert backdrop for 1960s Hollywood westerns) to the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, lush with pine and oak forests. It’s known for its cattle ranches, and, increasingly, mezcal. Read on to learn more.
Tour Michoacán
Have you always wanted to go on an insider’s trip to mezcal country? Ever wanted to hang out with mezcaleros while seeing the process–from agave field to bottle? Michoacan mezcal tourism is definitely for the serious aficianado, but offers an opportunity to visit one of Mexico’s most beautiful states while learning about and sampling some of the best mezcal. Read on to learn more about Michoacan mezcal.
Recent Tasting Notes
Learn more about flavors, aromas and background production for the best mezcals, raicillas, bacanoras, and sotols on the market today.
