Distillery Tour and Agave Fields by Mal de Amor Mezcal

Explore the Authentic Mezcal Experience in Oaxaca City

The Distillery Tour and Agave Fields by Mal de Amor Mezcal offers a comprehensive journey into the world of mezcal, right in the heart of Oaxaca City. For $66.85 per person, this 6-hour experience includes guided visits to a traditional mezcal distillery, a walk through the maguey fields, and generous tastings of more than 12 different mezcales.

This tour is ideal for those curious about artisan mezcal production or anyone eager to deepen their appreciation of this iconic Mexican spirit. The tour departs from Hidalgo 513 in Oaxaca de Juárez at 9:00 am, with pickup service included, making logistics straightforward and stress-free. While this experience is suitable for most travelers, it may be less ideal for those with mobility issues due to walking through fields and production areas.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 6-hour tour combining distillery visits, agave field walks, and tastings
• Includes pickup and transportation from Oaxaca City’s center
• Taste over 12 different mezcales, from young to aged varieties
• Walk through maguey fields and see artisanal production processes
• Visit a pulquería and enjoy mezcales, pulque, cured meats, and tepache
• Rated 5.0/5 based on 6 reviews, praised for guide knowledge and authentic experiences

Meeting Point: Convenient Location in Oaxaca City

The tour begins at the Mal de Amor Mezcal y Cocktail Room on Hidalgo 513. The meeting time is 9:00 am, with the tour ending at the same location, making it easy for participants to plan their day. The pickup service ensures guests are collected from their accommodations, streamlining the start of the experience. The tour is close to public transportation, adding to its convenience.

Visiting the Palenque Mal De Amor: A Look into Mezcal Production

The first stop is at the palenque, where visitors explore the mezcal agave garden. Here, the guide explains the artisanal production process and invites participation, including cutting agave and packing your own bottle. The mezcales’ maturation cellars are also showcased, with glass jugs illustrating the resting and aging stages. This intimate look offers clarity on traditional techniques while providing plenty of photo opportunities.

Extensive Mezcal Tasting and Educational Guidance

Following the production overview, the tour moves into a 2-hour guided tasting session. Guests sample a variety of artisanal mezcales, from young and rested to aged, wild, or distilled with specific methods. The guide provides insights into categories, agave types, and denominations, helping participants understand the diverse styles of mezcal available. Tasting instructions and explanations are included, making it ideal for anyone new to mezcal or wanting to refine their palate.

Adventurous Ride on a Barrel-shaped Cart through Maguey Fields

A highlight of the tour is the 2-hour journey aboard a barrel-shaped cart that travels along maguey roads in Santiago Matatlán. During this ride, guests observe maguey plantations and participate in mezcal rituals directly in the fields. This immersive activity offers picturesque views and a chance to learn why the maguey plant is considered so noble. The leisurely ride combines scenic sights with practical insights into the agave’s role in mezcal quality.

Visiting a Pulquería and Tasting Local Cures

The tour also includes a visit to a pulquería, where guests taste pulque, a traditional fermented agave beverage. Cured meats and tepache — a fermented pineapple drink — are available for tasting, rounding out the experience with local flavors. This stop offers a cultural contrast to mezcal, highlighting other regional drinks and culinary traditions.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The price of $66.85 covers all tastings, transportation, and a mobile barrel visit. Bottled water is provided throughout, ensuring hydration during the longer stops. Not included is breakfast, so travelers should plan accordingly before the tour begins. The small group size—up to 15 participants—ensures a personalized experience, guided by knowledgeable staff, with Vladimir being a notable guide praised for clear explanations and attentive service.

Ease of Booking and Cancellation

Booking is straightforward, with confirmation received immediately. The tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changing plans. This policy is especially helpful in uncertain travel times or if personal schedules shift unexpectedly.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Oaxaca

This mal de amor mezcal experience combines production insights, tastings, and cultural activities, making it richer than standard distillery visits. The walk through agave fields and participation in mezcal rituals set it apart, giving an authentic glimpse into the spirit’s roots. The inclusion of pulque tasting adds a regional touch that many similar tours overlook.

The high ratings—a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 6 reviews—reflect the quality guides and well-organized itinerary. Reviewers appreciate how the guides explain the process in accessible ways and how the tour balances education and fun.

Who Will Love This Experience in Oaxaca

This tour suits adults of most ages interested in craftsmanship, local culture, and spirits. It appeals to those who want a hands-on experience and ample tasting opportunities. Since it involves walking in fields and production areas, those with mobility issues should consider their comfort level. Food is not included, so arriving with a small breakfast or snack is advisable.

Final Thoughts on the Mal de Amor Mezcal Tour

The 6-hour journey offers a comprehensive look at mezcal, from agave cultivation to tasting. It provides practical insights into artisan production and regional customs. The guided tour is intimate, informative, and enjoyable, especially for those wanting a deeper understanding of mezcal’s cultural importance.

While the experience emphasizes production and tasting, it also offers scenic views and unique activities like riding through maguey plantations. The price point reflects the quality of the experience, including transportation, tastings, and expert guidance. This tour is a solid choice for curious spirits enthusiasts and anyone looking to expand their knowledge of Oaxaca’s famed mezcal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, pickup service from Oaxaca City’s center is included, and transportation is provided throughout the tour.

How many different mezcales are tasted?
Participants taste more than 12 different mezcales, including varieties across different aging processes and production styles.

What is the meeting point for this tour?
The tour starts and ends at the Mal de Amor Mezcal y Cocktail Room on Hidalgo 513 in Oaxaca de Juárez.

Is food provided during the tour?
No, breakfast is not included, so it’s recommended to eat beforehand or bring a snack.

What is the tour duration?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 9:00 am.

Are there any physical requirements?
Guests should be comfortable walking in fields and production areas; the tour group is small (up to 15 people), which helps with movement and engagement.