Private Tequila Tour from Guadalajara: Craft Distilleries & Tastings

Summary

Visit Family-Owned Tequila Distilleries in the Heart of Jalisco

If you want more than just a quick tasting, this private tequila tour lets you dive deep into Jalisco’s craft distilleries, meet local families, walk real agave fields, and enjoy authentic flavors in the magical town of Tequila—all at your own pace.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Guadalajara felt cool as we hopped into our van—our guide, José, greeted us with a grin and a bottle of chilled water. The drive out to the Tequila Valley was smooth, passing roadside vendors selling fresh mango slices dusted with chili powder. First stop: the Partida family distillery. You can smell cooked agave before you even step inside. José walked us through each step—roasting, fermenting, distilling—and handed us glasses for our first tasting. I never realized how different blanco and reposado could taste until that moment.

Afterwards, we rolled up to a viewpoint overlooking endless blue-green agave fields. It’s quiet except for the wind rustling the spiky leaves and someone nearby mixing cantaritos (those clay cup cocktails). We snapped photos and tried a round of tequila cocktails—honestly, they hit different here under the sun.

The Gonzalez Lara family’s artisan distillery was next. Their tasting room is cozy and lined with bottles—each one has its own story. We sampled their full range; my favorite was an extra añejo with hints of caramel and pepper. The owners are happy to chat about their process if you’re curious.

Lunch was flexible—we wandered into Tequila’s food market where the smell of grilled meat fills the air, but you can also get recommendations for sit-down spots if you want something quieter. The town itself feels lively but not rushed; people gather around the main square or browse little shops selling hand-painted crafts and bottles shaped like guitars.

If it’s open, don’t miss the Tequila Museum. There’s this huge wall lined with hundreds of bottles—some labels I’d never seen before—and old tools used by jimadores decades ago. Sometimes you can get into the Town Hall to see Mar Torrey’s mural; it’s colorful and tells the whole story of tequila in just a few brushstrokes.

Before heading back to Guadalajara, we made one last stop at Ixtete Tasting Room for a final cocktail (the tamarind margarita is worth trying) and some snacks. By then, everyone was swapping stories about their favorite sips from the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tequila Distilleries and Town Tour

• Tour and tasting at Partida distillery
• View agave landscape and enjoy drinks
• Tour and tasting at Gonzalez Lara distillery
• Explore the magical town of Tequila
• Visit the Tequila Museum
• See mural at Town Hall of Tequila
• Cocktail at Ixtete Tasting Room

Top questions

Is this tequila tour suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The guide explains everything clearly and you’ll learn at your own pace—even if it’s your first time tasting tequila.

Can I choose where to eat lunch?

Yes—you’ll have free time in Tequila to pick between local markets or recommended restaurants based on what you like.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options available?

The food market and most restaurants offer vegetarian choices; let your guide know any dietary needs ahead of time.

How many tequilas do we taste during the tour?

You’ll try up to 10 different premium tequilas across two tastings at family-run distilleries.

Is transportation included from my hotel?

Yes—private transportation with hotel pickup and dropoff in Guadalajara is included for your group.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport from your hotel in Guadalajara, guided visits to two family-owned craft distilleries with up to 10 premium tequila tastings, access to agave fields and key sights in Tequila town, purified water throughout, plus time for lunch wherever you prefer. Wheelchair accessible; just let us know if you have any special requirements.