Visiting the distilleries take 2

[3libras]

Seeing as no one was replying under the other thread, maybe I'll have better luck here. :-)

Hi all. My partner and I are considering a trip to Guad and Tequila, Mexico in May of 2009. We are both avid tequila drinkers and so were wondering about visiting the distilleries there. Do all of them do tours? How do you go about booking them? Are there costs for doing the tours? From those of you who have visited them, which do you recommend? I read some of the other threads in the distillery section, so that's given me a little idea. Ideally, we would probably want to hit as many places as we could, and think we'll be there for 2-3 days or so.
Anyway, I'm mostly looking for suggestions, ideas, comments for planning. So if anyone is able to give me input, I'd most appreciate it. Thanks much.

[MrAgave]

I meant to post on your last thread, just got busy with family and the holiday...

I usually go by myself or with Tapatia, and have scheduled visits with brand owners and just stopped in to some as well. The larger distilleries have tours throughout the day, so ask the hotels where you are staying if you want to find out the exact availability. Most are happy to show you around and have you sample some Tequila.

Some of the other members do the Blue Agave Tour, but that is once a year and scheduled with many people.

I've been trying to update my distillery map, just have been extremely busy.

[Piña]

Well, heres my take on this issue. Funny, Ive been there with my fiance.

We went to Guadalajara/Tequila last march. As far as Tequila is concerned, I HIGHLY recommend LA FORTALEZA. You can get to them by starting out at the Sauza Museum in the central plaza. If u want to set up a tour (we did), u can email them (info@losabuelos.com). They are old fashioned all the way. Me and my fiance got a totally private tour. just her and me, through the whole factory. Ive met the owner a few times, great guy.

Also, for a BIG distillery tour, you cant beat Casa Cuervo. Its off the main plaza as well, you dont have to make an appointment, they do tours on the hour or so all day. They also have different leveles of the tour, and they are all decently priced (15, 25, and 30 dollars)...

Theres also Herradura in Amatitan. But I think La Fortaleza and Casa Cuervo will keep u busy for a whole day.

For other distilleries and their requirements, check out:
http://www.tequilasource.com/guadalajara/tours.htm

Hope this helps!

[blagave]

I went through Herradura and Jose Cuervo and both of them you just showed up...I think both had a small fee or suggested a tip to the guide. Both of our tours were our group only, which allowed us to go at our own pace.

I used a friend of a friend, who is a tour guide and he drove us to and from the distillers and anywhere else we wanted and it worked out great.....I would suggest getting a guide if you want to see and do more in a more comfotable way.

[bpacifica]

Just got back and did a highlands trip one full day. Contact David Ruiz @ TequilaTours.com.
Superb. Also have to visit La Cofradia in Tequila.

[deedub]

Adriana and I are taking a full week to explore the small tequileras in Los Altos de Jalisco this January. We have travelled extensively through the Lowland areas, but this year will dedicate our time in Los Altos. I'll keep notes and will post suggestions and recommendations in February.
If you are in Tequila be sure to take the time to visit La Cofradía - a very modern distillery in a very beautiful setting. Cuervo is an over-commercialized push, and a visit to their courtyard and gift shop (which you don't have to pay for) should be enough for anyone.

[3libras]

Thanks for all the replies so far. Another question. I assume you're able to buy bottles at most distilleries? And assuming that, do many of the offer shipping outside of Mexico? Thanks again.

[bpacifica]

To my knowledge, no one will ship alcohol out of Mexico.

[bn087]

They can ship out of Mexico, but usually its very expensive. Freight charges, taxes...etc.

Also, here in Texas...to receive alcohol from Mexico, you need a special license to import alcohol, or receive exports...I'm not to savvy on the laws.

[blagave]

Originally Posted by 3libras

Thanks for all the replies so far. Another question. I assume you're able to buy bottles at most distilleries? And assuming that, do many of the offer shipping outside of Mexico? Thanks again.

I had to ship the majority of bottles home in a friends truck loaded with old doors and wood, I took the more expensive bottles back with me on the plane.

I asked every store and distillery if they would ship and they all looked at me as if I was muy locol, so unless things have changed in the last few years, I don't think anyone will ship.

Maybe you can box up your own bottles and take it to the post office / shipper and they can ship. I ship and receive from Mexico all the time and the shipping is not to bad....it just takes a bit longer because of custom's. I certainly, wouldn't chance shipping anything of any value though.