Jalisco: Tequila Master Tour & VIP Cellar Tastings by SUV

Summary

Tequila tastings with a Maestro, cellar secrets and mariachi nights in Jalisco

You’ll ride through Jalisco’s agave country with a Tequila Master guiding your tastings inside a VIP cellar. Enjoy breakfast in El Arenal, compare boutique distilleries, sample premium tequila and mezcal, then soak up live mariachi in Amatitan before heading home full and maybe a little changed by it all.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll never taste tequila the same way again,” our guide grinned as he handed me this tiny glass—honestly, I thought I knew what tequila was supposed to taste like. But standing in that cool, shadowy VIP cellar somewhere between Amatitan and Tequila, it smelled faintly sweet and earthy, like rain on dust. The Maestro (he’s one of just 90 worldwide—didn’t know that was a thing) walked us through eight different pours. He had this way of swirling the glass and pausing so we’d really catch the scent—almost grassy at first, then something smoky. I tried to describe it but just ended up laughing at myself. Breakfast back in El Arenal felt forever ago by then, but the coffee there was strong enough to keep me awake for anything.

We rode in a black SUV with cold water bottles rolling around under the seats (and yes, beer if you wanted it), windows down for the breeze. Rolling past blue agave fields under this huge sky—I kept thinking how different the light is here. At the second distillery in Amatitan, our guide explained how their process changed everything about the flavor; I still remember him saying “patience makes better tequila” while tapping one of those big wooden barrels. Lunch in Tequila town wasn’t included but honestly worth every peso—chile relleno that made my lips tingle for hours. There was time to wander after; old men playing cards outside a shop, banda music echoing from somewhere down the street.

The last stop was this bar where live mariachi just erupts out of nowhere—one minute you’re sipping mezcal, next minute everyone’s singing along (badly, in my case). Li from our group tried to request a song and totally butchered the name; even the bartender cracked up. It was loud and messy and perfect. On the drive back I watched dusk settle over the agave fields and realized I’d stopped thinking about work or emails or anything else for hours—I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tequila tasting and cultural exploration

• Breakfast at Mexican restaurant
• Tequila process explanation by Master
• Taste 8 premium tequilas and mezcal
• Visit second tequila distillery
• Meal at top Tequila restaurant
• Shopping and culture walk in Tequila
• Enjoy live banda and mariachi music

Top questions

Is breakfast included on this tequila tour?

Yes, a fresh breakfast at a Mexican restaurant in El Arenal is included.

How many tequilas do we taste during the tour?

You’ll taste eight premium tequilas and mezcals during the VIP cellar visit.

Does this day trip include transportation from Guadalajara?

The tour includes pickup by air-conditioned luxury SUV; confirm exact pickup locations when booking.

Are entry fees to both distilleries covered?

Yes, entrance fees to both tequila distilleries are included.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No, lunch at one of Tequila’s best restaurants is not included in the price.

Can children join this tequila experience?

No, this tour is not recommended for children.

What should I bring or prepare for this tour?

You’ll need to provide your name, weight, height, and date of birth when booking so they can arrange your vehicle.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned luxury SUV with chilled water or beer on board, fresh Mexican breakfast with coffee or tea in El Arenal District, exclusive tastings of carefully curated boutique tequilas guided by a certified Maestro inside a private VIP cellar (with all entrance fees covered), plus time for exploring Tequila town’s shops and finishing off with live banda or mariachi music before returning home relaxed—and maybe just slightly buzzed.