Mezcal, Culinary & Culture Tour
Embark on an unforgettable Mezcal & Culinary Adventure in the Heart of Oaxaca, Mexico - Join us now!
Warning: this is a very non-touristy experience!
This Mezcal tour, as with our wine tours, is nothing you can find on google, TripAdvisor, or from any travel agency. Our tours are based on personal relationships we have built since 2003 at our restaurant. We use and support small independent family-run producers that extend their hospitality and gratitude to us and we take you along for the experience.
We will visit personal backyard mezcal producers. Many of these families have been Mezcaleros for six generations. We have access to just over 100 family-run independent mezcaleros.
Enjoy lunch on the palenques (distillery) made by the mezcal families.
Visit the homes of the artisans of Atzompa, where they're actually making the crafts. Meet the people making crafts. And then hop down to the market filled with all the Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures (alebrijes).
If this sounds good to you, stay tuned we have more info coming out soon on this adventure.
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Are you ready to embark on an epic journey to Oaxaca?
​Get ready for a trip filled with delicious food, mouth-watering mezcal, and breathtaking sights.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Oaxaca! On Saturday, November 25th, you'll arrive in the city and check into Hotel Casa Vertiz, a charming hotel located in the heart of Oaxaca's historic center. With an unbeatable location just steps away from the main tourist zone, you'll be close to everything - delicious restaurants, authentic mezcalerias, vibrant galleries, fascinating museums, bustling mercados, unique handicrafts, convenient banks, and essential convenience stores.
On Sunday, November 26th we head to the remote village of San Cristobal Lachirioag, home to Mezcal Tosba. An hour into your drive, you'll stop at the Tlacolula Market for an early lunch and shopping before continuing on to Mezcal Tosba. This is the most famous market in Oaxaca.
Tosba was founded by two cousins from San Cristobal Lachirioag, was inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit they encountered while living in Silicon Valley. They wanted to rescue the disappearing mezcal production and bring economic opportunity to their home region. Mezcal Tosba is crafted using traditional and sustainable agricultural methods passed down by generations of farmers and mezcaleros. You'll take a tour and taste the mezcal before enjoying an early dinner.
The adventure doesn't end there, as you'll spend the night in the mountains at a hotel. Experience the unique microclimate and terroir of this Zapotec village and discover the rich culture and flavors of Oaxaca.
Monday November 27
Get ready for an action-packed Monday in Oaxaca! After a delicious breakfast, we'll embark on a journey to the mountain top village of San Lorenzo and the famous "frozen" waterfalls of Hierve el Agua. Along the way, you'll pass countless roadside mezcal palenques, where you can observe the entire mezcal-making process from the street.
Once we reach San Lorenzo, we'll make a stop at Mezcalero Isaac Garcia's small production mezcalery. Here, you'll have the opportunity to see the entire process of making mezcal, including Isaac's medicinal mezcals infused with local herbs and roots.
Before we leave San Lorenzo, we'll indulge in a delicious lunch at the famous Restaurante Doña Chica, known for their region's best mole.
Next up is the ancient ruins of Mitla, one of Mexico's most fascinating and enigmatic sacred places. Occupied as early as 900 BC, Mitla's visible structural remains date from between 200 and 900 AD when the Zapotecs were present, from 1000 AD when the Mixtecs took control of the site, and from 1200 AD. Our next stop is the small village of Matatlan, known as the world capital of mezcal. Here, you'll have the chance to see the entire process of how mezcal is made, from harvesting the agave plant to distillation. You'll be able to sample a wide variety of mezcals, including reposado, añejo, espadín, and tobalá.
We'll meet our friend Gonzalo at Mezcal Macurichos, a family-run mezcalery dedicated to protecting the cultural tradition and agricultural heritage of agave. Gonzalo and his brothers cultivate their own diverse fields of agave, planting from seed and reforesting the diminishing wild agave populations.
After a full day of exploring, we'll head back to Hotel Casa Vertiz where we'll be staying for the rest of our adventure. Dinner tonight is on your own, as all of the best restaurants are just a couple of blocks away from our hotel. Join us for an unforgettable Monday in Oaxaca!
Get ready for an enlightening day in Oaxaca! Start your day by fueling up with a delicious breakfast at the hotel or at one of the many bakeries and cafes on the block. Then, we're off to the awe-inspiring Monte Alban ruins. These ancient Zapotec ruins, located just a few miles from Oaxaca city, offer a stunning testimony to the civilization that reigned in the area for over 1,300 years. From the mountaintop, we'll explore the ancient structures of the city, including the El Patio Hundido, the sunken court, and the two ball courts. Bring a hat and plenty of water to stay cool and enjoy the beauty of one of Mexico's most remarkable archaeological sites. Visiting Monte Alban is a must-do when in Oaxaca, and a great way to learn about the history and culture of the region.
Next, we'll head to the Pottery houses in Santa María Atzompa. Here, you'll witness 4 generations of women working together to create beautiful pottery. Santa María Atzompa is a small village known for its pottery and home to about 500 residents. With a long tradition of pottery-making, the craftsmanship of the local artisans is world-renowned. In addition to the beautiful pottery, Santa María Atzompa is also famous for its delicious food.
After a morning of exploring the ancient ruins of Monte Alban and marveling at the craftsmanship of the pottery artisans in Santa Maria Atzompa, we'll make our way back to the vibrant city of Oaxaca. Our next stop is the November Market, where we'll delve into the local culture and discover the unique handicrafts and souvenirs that the city has to offer.
The 20 de Noviembre Market in Oaxaca is a vibrant and colourful market with a central location, located just one block from the Zocalo. This market is known for its variety of food stalls, where you can sample many Oaxacan specialties. The market has everything from produce, cheese, meats, fish, flowers, artisan goods, hair brushes, electronic accessories, and leather goods. Be sure to take the time to explore the market, and try some of the local delicacies. Don't forget to barter with the vendors for the best prices! Visiting the 20 de Noviembre Market is a great way to get a glimpse into the culture and gastronomy of Oaxaca, and to experience a true slice of life in the city.
Get ready for a culinary adventure at Les Desantes, one of Oaxaca's most renowned and celebrated restaurants! With its reputation for excellence, Les Desantes promises an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment you step into the restaurant, you'll be enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere, as the aroma of delicious food wafts through the air. The menu is a celebration of the local flavors and ingredients.
Begin your day in Oaxaca with breakfast at the hotel or at one of the nearby cafes, bakeries or food carts. There are some amazing breakfast tamales and burritos on the corner!
Miahuatlán de Porfirio Díaz is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico. This charming town and municipality is located in the south-eastern region of the country, and is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful natural landscapes.
The town's name, Miahuatlán, is derived from the Nahuatl language and means "Place of the Corn Tassel." During the Aztec period, the town was known as Miahuapan Miahuatlán, "Canal of the Corn Tassel".
Today we will be visiting three amazing palenques, meeting master distillers Victor Ramos, Gregorio Hernandez, and Felipe Cortez. Palenques are small distilleries located in the heart of Mexico, where the production of mezcal takes place. The master distillers we will meet are some of the most respected in the mezcal industry, and they will take us through the different stages of mezcal production. We will also enjoy authentic an authentic lunch during our tasting and tour.
We will start our journey by visiting Victor Ramos' palenque. Victor's mezcal is widely renowned for its complexity and flavor, and he has been producing mezcal for over 25 years. We'll learn about the different agaves used in mezcal production, and the process of harvesting, roasting, milling, and fermenting the agaves to create the perfect product. We'll also have the chance to sample some of Victor's products and learn about his history and experience in the mezcal industry.
Next, we'll visit Gregorio Hernandez's palenque. Here we will learn about the traditional methods of distilling mezcal, and the importance of using copper stills to create the perfect product. This visit will also include a tasting of Gregorio's products, as well as a chance to hear his stories and his experiences in the mezcal industry.
Finally, we'll move on to Felipe Cortez's palenque. Here, we will learn about the importance of wood-fired ovens in mezcal production, and the traditional methods of production that have been used for centuries. We'll have the chance to sample Felipe's products and learn about his passion for mezcal, his history and his experiences in the industry.
Get ready for an unforgettable evening in the stunning city of Oaxaco Centro! After a day of exploring, take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets and take in the beauty of the city.
But the real highlight of the night is yet to come - we're headed to the Gastromic Center for a culinary adventure like no other. Here, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a dine-around experience, where you can sample the best dishes from over 20 of the city's top restaurants.
From traditional Oaxacan cuisine to modern fusion dishes, this is your chance to savor the flavors of Oaxaca and discover new culinary delights. With so many delicious options to choose from, this is a night you won't soon forget. So come with an empty stomach, and be prepared to indulge in an epicurean feast in Oaxaca Centro.
We will start the day off in Oaxaca Centro with a delicious breakfast at Caterina, a cozy and inviting spot known for its authentic Mexican cuisine. Enjoy dishes like chilaquiles and molletes in the bright and airy atmosphere, complete with natural light and warm wood accents.
After we will head over to the palenques of Santa Catarina Minas, a mezcal town renowned for its unique technique of distilling mezcal in clay pots. This ancient method imparts a distinct flavor and aroma to the mezcal, making it stand out from others distilled in copper or other metal. Clay pot still will be a new experience for us on this trip.
Get ready for a truly unique experience in the mezcal town of Santa Caterina Minas! Our first stop is at Lalocura, where we'll have the opportunity to meet master distiller Eduardo "Lalo" Ángeles himself.
Lalocura's clay pot distilled mezcales have gained a devoted following among chefs, writers, and mezcal enthusiasts, who flock to the palenque daily to spend time with Lalo, taste his more than 20 expressions of mezcal, listen to his stories and share a photo of his colorful dining room table covered in empty veladoras on Instagram.
Before founding Lalocura in 2014, Eduardo Ángeles honed his craft as the fourth-generation master distiller of his family's brand, drawing on a lifetime of experience working under his late father, Don Lorenzo, as well as his degree in agricultural engineering, and his own unique philosophy. This is an experience that no mezcal lover should miss, as you will get to taste and learn about the unique clay pot distilled mezcal and meet the master distiller himself.
Next on our tour, we'll be heading over to meet Antonio Carlos Martinez, also known locally as Conejo. He's a third-generation mezcalero from Santa Catarina Minas, Oaxaca, and the first in his family to own his own palenque. Over the last three years, his palenque has grown from one tina to four, paralleling his local popularity in the mezcal space. He is known as a fun, light-hearted, welcoming mezcalero who offers an unforgettable tasting room experience. It's very apparent that he is extremely connected to his community, his workers, his family, and his faith.
Enjoy a simple but amazing lunch from his wife and mother, and get to meet his children. It's a unique opportunity to experience the personal side of mezcal production and to meet the people behind it. Conejo's mezcal rarely makes it north of the border by means other than a suitcase until now, and this is your chance to taste it and meet the man behind it.
Our last stop on today's adventure is to meet Maestra Rosario Ángeles Vásquez, a first generation mezcal distiller from Santa Catarina Minas. Despite coming from a family with no history of mezcal production, Rosario decided to pursue her passion and build her own palenque. Her decision was met with controversy, both within her family and the community, but she was determined to make her dream a reality.
In just three months, Rosario had her palenque built and was ready to begin her first distillation. Unfortunately, her first distillation coincided with the start of the pandemic, but she was undeterred. Now 10 distillations into her career, Rosario is continuing to pursue her passion and is producing some of the most sought-after mezcal in the region.
Rosario is an inspiration to us all, and a reminder that anything is possible when you have the passion and dedication to make it happen. We are so grateful for the chance to meet her and learn about her story.
Today is a day you won't want to miss! We're starting off with a delicious late breakfast at the highly-rated Fonda San Diego Restaurant in the Mercado, where we'll be meeting Don Carlos Leon and his daughter from Casa Don Ausencio Leon.
After breakfast, we're heading to Tlacolula for a one-of-a-kind mezcal adventure at Don Leon's new distillery, Casa Ausencio León Ruiz y Sucesores S.R.L. M.I. This family-run business has been producing mezcal for over a century, passed down from generation to generation. From humble beginnings, the distillery has grown to become a major player in the mezcal industry.
We'll be visiting two small palenques that work closely with Don Carlos Leon, giving us the opportunity to explore the agave fields, witness the tahona crushing process, see the fermentation tanks and roasting pits in action. Both Palenques are a totally different experience.
After our tour of the palenques, we'll head to the new distillery for a tour, taste the mezcal, and have an early dinner in the countryside.
This is our last night of our adventure, so feel free to explore the magical and historic city of Oaxaca Centro on your own.
As we embark on our final journey back home. But before we say goodbye, let's make our last half day in Oaxaca one to remember!
Start your morning with a delicious traditional breakfast at one of the local cafes or bakeries. Then, it's time to do some last-minute shopping and pick up some souvenirs to take home and remember your time in Oaxaca by. Visit the local market, artesanal stores and take a stroll around the city.
As your departure comes close gather your belongings and head to the airport. But before you leave, take one last look at the beautiful city of Oaxaca and all the memories you've made on this incredible adventure. Say goodbye to Oaxaca, but know that you'll be back for more mezcal, gastronomy and culture in the future.
Are you ready for an adventure like no other? Imagine exploring the vibrant and rich culture of Oaxaca with exclusive access to the regions hidden gems. From savoring authentic Mexican cuisine at the city's top restaurants, to discovering handmade artisanal crafts, to backyard mezcal producers that you couldn't find on your own. this trip is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. But hurry, with only 10 spots available, this opportunity won't last long!
Travel like VIP with well-known restaurateurs Marcus & Jamie Guiliano. You'll enjoy the luxury of all the perks of these famous industry insiders. Get ready to indulge in the region's finest food and drink, immerse yourself in the local culture, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to explore Oaxaca like a VIP. Book your spot now for only $3499 per person. Trust us, this trip will sell out fast, so act now to secure your spot on the adventure of a lifetime!
Antonio Carlos Martinez
Rosario Ángeles Vásquez