Mezcal & Mole by a Certified Sommelier

Discover Authentic Oaxaca Flavors with a Certified Sommelier

This mezcal and mole tour in Oaxaca City offers a 1 hour 30 minutes journey into the heart of local gastronomy, priced at $80.85 per person. Led by a professional sommelier, the experience focuses on seven handcrafted mezcales and seven vegetarian moles, all sourced from single-family producers, ensuring an authentic taste of Oaxaca’s culinary heritage. With a small group maximum of six guests, this tour maintains an intimate environment, fostering personalized explanations and discussions.

The tour departs from Mezcal y Mole in Barrio de Jalatlaco, with the tour ending back at the same meeting point. Its limited size means you get plenty of individual attention, making it ideal for those eager to deepen their understanding of mezcal and mole. The price, while modest for such a specialized experience, includes a welcome mezcal cocktail and printed menus with notes to revisit the flavors later.

Small-Group Experience with Expert Guidance

This tour is designed for a maximum of six participants, which helps keep the atmosphere cozy and allows the professional sommelier to give detailed insights into each pairing. The guide’s expertise shines through in their explanations of the different agaves used for the mezcals—Espadín, Tobalá, Cuixe, Tepeztate, Jabalí, and Papalometl—and their connection to Oaxaca’s traditional production methods.

Guests are encouraged to ask questions and discuss their impressions, making it a dynamic and engaging tasting. The host’s knowledgeable yet approachable style receives high praise in reviews, with many noting the host’s ability to make the session both fun and educational. The small size also fosters social interaction, often resulting in new connections beyond the tasting.

The Unique Pairing of Mezcal and Vegetarian Mole

The core of this experience revolves around pairing seven different mezcales with seven distinct vegetarian moles. Each pairing is carefully curated to highlight the diversity of flavors present in Oaxaca’s culinary tradition. The vegetarian mole options are crafted to complement each artisanal mezcal, allowing guests to notice how different agave types influence the taste of each dish.

The pairings showcase traditional recipes that are ancestral and handmade, emphasizing the local family origins of each mole. The tasting takes place in a mountain-view room, adding a scenic backdrop to the flavor exploration. Guests appreciate the detailed explanations about each mezcal’s characteristics, making the tasting more meaningful.

Comprehensive Learning About Oaxaca’s Mezcal and Mole

Led by certified sommelier Arturo–or the designated guide–guests learn about the **varieties of agave used in production, such as Jabalí and Papalometl, and how they influence the flavor profiles of the mezcales. The guide explains the distillation process and the cultural significance of mezcal and mole in Oaxaca’s gastronomy.

Beyond just tasting, participants gain an understanding of Oaxaca’s culinary heritage and production techniques. Many reviews highlight how the guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm enhance the experience, making complex topics accessible and engaging for all levels of familiarity.

Scenic Mountain-View Setting and Convenient Location

The tasting takes place in a mountain-view room at Mezcal y Mole, adding a relaxing and picturesque atmosphere for the session. The venue’s central location in Oaxaca City makes it easy to reach by public transportation or local taxi. Since the activity ends back at the starting point, it’s convenient to continue exploring the city afterwards.

The venue provides everything needed, so guests only need to bring their excitement to taste and learn. The availability of service animals and easy access for public transit make the tour suitable for a variety of participants.

Focus on Vegetarian and Vegan Options

This tour features all vegetarian moles, accommodating vegans and vegetarians with ease. The focus on plant-based dishes allows guests to fully enjoy the diversity of Oaxaca’s mole recipes without concern for meat ingredients.

The vegetarian moles are described as authentic and carefully prepared, ensuring a genuine taste experience that aligns with Oaxaca’s culinary traditions. Guests interested in plant-based cuisine will find this aspect especially appealing.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

Booking this tour includes a free cancellation option, with a full refund available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. The policy ensures flexibility for those with unpredictable schedules or changing plans.

Since the experience depends on good weather, it may be canceled or rescheduled if conditions are unfavorable, with options for a full refund or a different date. The maximum of six travelers ensures a personalized experience, but it’s important to cancel early to secure a spot.

What Sets This Tour Apart in Oaxaca

The combination of a small group size, local family-sourced mezcales and moles, and a professional sommelier makes this tour distinctive. Guests don’t just sample drinks and dishes but gain insights into Oaxaca’s cultural and culinary identity.

The pairing of seven mezcales with seven moles offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s flavors. Many positive reviews emphasize the knowledgeable host and the interactive nature of the experience, making it more than just a tasting but an educational journey.

Who Will Most Appreciate This Experience

This tour is ideal for anyone curious to learn about Oaxaca’s culinary traditions, especially mezcal enthusiasts and food lovers seeking a personalized and informative experience. The small group setting and expert guidance suit those who prefer a relaxed, conversation-rich atmosphere.

Since all the moles are vegetarian, it’s also perfect for vegans and vegetarians wanting to explore Oaxaca’s plant-based culinary excellence. Travelers who value local, family-produced products will especially enjoy the authenticity of this tasting.

Final Thoughts on the Oaxaca Mezcal & Mole Tour

The $80.85 price offers good value for a focused, expert-led tasting that deepens understanding of Oaxaca’s iconic foods and drinks. The small-group size, scenic setting, and comprehensive explanations make this experience stand out.

It’s well-suited for those who want an educational yet relaxed introduction to Oaxaca’s culinary craftsmanship. While the all-vegetarian focus might limit some, it ensures a delicious, inclusive experience. This tour is a delight for curious food and drink lovers eager to connect with local traditions in a meaningful way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegans?
Yes, all the moles served are vegetarian, making it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians alike.

What is the duration of the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Mezcal y Mole in Barrio de Jalatlaco, Oaxaca City.

How many people are in each group?
A maximum of six guests ensures a personalized experience.

Do I need to bring anything?
No, the venue provides all necessary materials, and only your excitement to taste and learn are needed.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What agaves are used in the mezcales?
The tour features Espadín, Tobalá, Cuixe, Tepeztate, Jabalí, and Papalometl.

Is the tour accessible for public transportation?
Yes, the venue is near public transit options.

What sets this tour apart from others in Oaxaca?
Its small size, local family-sourced mezcales, and professional guidance create an authentic and educational experience.

Is there anything I should be aware of regarding weather?
Yes, this activity is weather-dependent; poor weather could lead to cancellation or rescheduling, with full refunds available.