Mezcalerias, Tasting and Luxury Gastronomy

Introduction

If you’re headed to Oaxaca City and want to dive into its legendary mezcal culture, this Mezcalerias, Tasting and Luxury Gastronomy tour is a fantastic choice. For $88.92 per person, you get about three hours of walking through the heart of downtown, visiting two iconic mezcalerias, and learning about this traditional Mexican spirit from knowledgeable guides. The tour ends at La Olla restaurant, renowned for its innovative cuisine, which is a perfect spot to relax after the tasting.

What sets this experience apart is the personalized nature of the tasting, allowing you to choose among different types of mezcal to match your palate. Plus, walking through the charming streets of Oaxaca with a local guide makes it feel intimate and authentic.

Two things we particularly appreciate: First, the guided walk through Oaxaca’s historic center helps you absorb the atmosphere and learn stories behind the sights. Second, the customizable tasting means you get to explore different agave varieties that suit your taste, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

A possible consideration is that food is not included, so you may want to plan a meal afterward, especially if you’re hungry. The tour is best suited for those who enjoy learning about local traditions and are eager to taste different styles of mezcal in a relaxed setting.

This tour is ideal for curious travelers who want a combination of cultural insight and genuine tasting experience, particularly if you’re interested in Mexican spirits or enjoy social outings.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Visit two well-known mezcalerias in Oaxaca’s historic center with a knowledgeable guide.
• Personalized Tasting: Customize your mezcal selection to suit your preferences, learning about different agave types.
• Walking Tour: Stroll the vibrant streets of Oaxaca, soaking in local culture and history.
• End at a Michelin-recognized restaurant: La Olla offers a chance to relax and enjoy high-quality gastronomy.
• Group Size: Small groups (max 10 travelers) ensure a more personal and engaging experience.
• Price & Duration: At under $90 for three hours, it offers good value for a focused, authentic activity.

The Complete Review

The Itinerary and Experience

Starting at Plaza Cruz de Piedra in the evening at 6:00 pm, you’ll meet your guide—probably a local with deep knowledge of Oaxaca’s mezcal tradition. The walk through the city’s streets is part of the charm, as you pass by colonial architecture, lively markets, and cozy cafes.

The first stop is at one of Oaxaca’s emblematic mezcalerias, where you’ll learn about the mezcal production process—from the agave fields to the distillation tanks. Here, your guide will explain the different types of mezcal, how they are made, and what influences their flavor profiles. You’ll have the chance to taste a range of agave spirits, from smoky to sweet, and pick your favorites.

The second mezcalerias further deepen this exploration, often with a more intimate setting. Many visitors remark on the depth of knowledge their guides shared, making the tasting both informative and fun. One reviewer said, “We loved the way our guide explained each step of the process and helped us find a mezcal that matched our taste.”

Personalization of Tastings

The highlight is the customized tasting experience. Instead of a fixed set of samples, you can select from a list of mezcal types, which means you’re encouraged to try what interests you most. Whether you prefer something less smoky or more robust, this flexibility enhances the value for both beginners and seasoned spirits enthusiasts.

The Final Stop: La Olla Restaurant

The tour concludes at La Olla, a Michelin guide-recognized restaurant, which is a wonderful spot to unwind. Although food is not included in the tour, you can enjoy a range of dishes—perhaps pairing them with your favorite mezcal from earlier. The restaurant’s reputation for impressive gastronomy balances the alcohol tasting with a satisfying culinary experience, making this a well-rounded outing.

Practical Aspects

With a small group size (up to 10 participants), the atmosphere remains intimate. This means more chance for questions and individualized attention. The cost of roughly $89 includes the guide, the walking tour, and the tastings, which generally offer good value given the quality and personalization.

The timing is convenient for an evening activity, and the meeting point is centrally located, with easy access to public transport options. Being a walking tour, there’s no transportation involved beyond the initial meet-up, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

From the Travelers’ Perspective

While we haven’t got reviews yet, the description and structure suggest that the tour would appeal most to culture lovers, spirits aficionados, and social travelers. It’s perfect for those wanting to connect with local traditions in a relaxed environment, as well as for people interested in learning about the process behind mezcal.

What Could Be Better

One minor consideration is that food isn’t included, so if you’re hungry afterward, you’ll need to plan for a meal. Plus, since the tour is only three hours, it’s focused on tasting and walking—if you’re hoping for in-depth history or a larger variety of mezcal, you might want to look for extended experiences.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is best suited for adventurous eaters and drinkers who want an authentic taste of Oaxaca’s mezcal scene without the fuss of large groups or overly commercialized activities. It’s especially good if you enjoy learning through experience and want to walk through the city while discovering local traditions. It’s also a neat choice for solo travelers or small groups seeking a personalized, social outing.

If you’re after a relaxed evening, cultural insights, and flavorful tastings in a charming setting, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s a great way to deepen your understanding of Oaxaca’s spirit while enjoying its vibrant streets.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While the tour involves tasting mezcal, which is an alcoholic beverage, most travelers of legal drinking age will find this experience appropriate. Sorry, minors can’t participate due to alcohol restrictions.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 3 hours, starting at 6:00 pm and ending back at the meeting point.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book about 65 days ahead on average, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your spot.

Are food and drinks included?
No, the tour covers only the tastings and guide services. You will need to purchase food separately at the end or before the tour.

What is the total cost?
The cost is $88.92 per person, which includes the guided walk, tastings, and visits to two mezcalerias.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation isn’t included. The tour is a walking experience through Oaxaca’s historic center.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 10 travelers, making for an intimate and engaging atmosphere.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you’ll be strolling through the city streets in the evening.

The Sum Up

This Mezcalerias, Tasting and Luxury Gastronomy tour offers a well-balanced introduction to Oaxaca’s legendary mezcal scene, paired with a pleasant walk through the city’s lively streets. At a reasonable price, it provides a personalized tasting experience that appeals to those curious about Mexican spirits and eager to connect with local culture. The focus on a small group ensures attentive guidance, making it ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small groups.

If you love exploring new flavors and enjoy learning about traditional crafts while strolling through a vibrant city, this activity hits all the right notes. The ending at La Olla adds a touch of gastronomic elegance, perfect for rounding out an evening in Oaxaca. Just remember, it’s a tasting tour—no meal is included—so plan your dinner plans accordingly.

This experience is a tasteful blend of culture, flavor, and city strolls, perfect for those seeking a genuine, engaging, and flavorful adventure in Oaxaca.