Oaxaca: Mezcal Distillery Tour, Agave Fields & Oaxacan Lunch

Summary

Walk agave fields taste mezcal in Matatlán then share Oaxacan food

You’ll ride out from Oaxaca to walk real agave fields in Matatlán, watch artisans roast and distill mezcal step by step, taste as many varieties as you want, and sit down for a traditional Oaxacan lunch—all with stories from your local guide. You might even leave with a new favorite flavor or two.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t realize how sharp the morning air in Oaxaca could feel until we squeezed into the van—still half awake, clutching bottled water. Our guide, Martín, had this calm way of talking about mezcal like it was a person he’d known forever. Driving out of the city toward Mitla and Matatlán, I kept catching glimpses of blue-green agaves lined up like soldiers on the hillsides. It’s funny how you can pass by something so many times and never really look at it until someone points out why it matters.

We stopped in the middle of these agave fields—thousands of plants, all spiky and stubborn under the sun. There was this earthy smell (kind of sweet but also like dry grass) that stuck to my clothes for hours. Martín showed us how to spot which agaves were ready for harvest—he let me try cutting a leaf with his machete (not gracefully). I got dirt under my nails and honestly, I liked it. We took awkward group photos; someone tried to lie down between the rows but immediately regretted it because those leaves are no joke.

The distillery was smaller than I expected—just a handful of people working quietly, smoke curling from an open pit where they roasted the hearts of the agave. The mezcal tasting started slow but got lively fast; there were at least six varieties lined up. Some burned going down, some tasted almost floral. Martín laughed when I made a face at one called “tobalá”—I still think about that flavor sometimes. Lunch came after—big clay bowls of mole and tortillas that tasted smoky from the wood fire. We sat around a long table with mezcal bottles between us like old friends.

I guess what surprised me most wasn’t just learning how mezcal is made—it was seeing how much pride everyone here takes in it. On the drive back to Oaxaca, I watched sunlight flicker through dusty windows and thought about how different mezcal will taste now that I know where it comes from.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mezcal fields, distillery, and meal

• Visit agave fields and learn
• Tour artisan mezcal distillery
• Enjoy unlimited mezcal tasting
• Share traditional Oaxacan meal

Top questions

How long does the mezcal tour from Oaxaca take?

The tour is a day trip starting from Oaxaca city center and includes stops in Mitla and Matatlán before returning.

Is lunch included on this mezcal tour?

Yes, a traditional Oaxacan meal at a local restaurant is included along with more mezcal tasting.

Do we visit real agave fields during the tour?

Yes, you’ll walk through large agave fields in Matatlán and learn about harvesting with your guide.

Are there different types of mezcal to taste?

You’ll have unlimited tastings of several varieties of artisanal mezcal at the distillery.

Is transportation provided for this day trip?

An air-conditioned vehicle is included for all transfers between Oaxaca city center, Mitla, and Matatlán.

Can people with limited mobility join this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and service animals are allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Oaxaca city center, guided walks through Mitla’s and Matatlán’s agave fields, step-by-step visits inside an artisan distillery with unlimited mezcal tastings (yes—really unlimited), bottled water throughout, plus a hearty traditional Oaxacan meal before heading back together.