| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Meeting Point | Pickup at your Oaxaca City hotel |
| End Point | Drop off at your Oaxaca City hotel |
| Duration | 6 to 8 hours (depending on traffic and your own pace) |
| Physical Level | Moderate – this experience involves short-distance hiking around agave fields and hills in the sun |
| Cultural Rating | Moderate – a good balance of cultural interactions, and engaging with a local family of mezcal producers |
| Ages | 18+ (the trip includes alcohol) – younger must be accompanied by parent/guardian |
| Group Size | Private – Max 6 people per booking |
Why We Created This Mezcal Tour
We believe mezcal becomes far more meaningful when you connect with the people, land, and work behind it, not just what ends up in the glass.
That is why we created this experience around time with a local family, walking the agave fields, and seeing how much patience, care, and knowledge go into ancestral mezcal production. Instead of simply tasting mezcal, guests have the chance to better understand where it comes from and what keeps this way of producing it alive.
Our goal is for you to leave with more than a tasting memory. We want you to come away with a deeper appreciation for Oaxaca, a stronger connection to the process, and a clearer understanding of the traditions and local knowledge behind each pour.
What Makes This Mezcal Tour Different
Many mezcal tours begin and end with a tasting. This one is designed to take you deeper into the process before the tasting ever begins. It connects you with the local people behind the bottle and gives you a window into their lives through shared experiences.
Instead of moving quickly between stops, you spend time with one local family in Santa Catarina Minas, head out into the wild agave fields, and learn how different varieties grow and mature before returning to the palenque. You also have the chance to plant a baby agave yourself, which makes the day feel more participatory and personal.
Because the experience is private, it also feels more connected and less rushed than a standard group outing. By the time you sit down to taste several varieties, you are not just noticing flavor. You have a much better sense of the land, labor, and family knowledge behind it.
What to Expect During the Day
Your day begins with pickup from your Oaxaca City hotel and a drive south to Santa Catarina Minas, where you will spend time with one local mezcal-producing family and see a side of mezcal that most travelers never get to experience.
Once you arrive, the day moves beyond tasting and into the landscape itself. You will head out with the producer in his pickup truck to the wild agave fields, where you will learn how different varieties grow, why they matter, and how much time and patience go into mezcal long before it reaches a bottle. Some agaves take decades to mature, and understanding that changes the way many guests experience mezcal from that point on.
Partway through the day, you will stop for a simple meal in the fields and have the chance to plant a baby agave of your own. It is a rare opportunity to take part in the process rather than simply observe it, and one of the moments that often stays with guests long after the tour ends.
From there, you will return to the family palenque to better understand what happens after harvest, from preparation and fermentation to distillation. By the time you sit down to taste several of the mezcalero’s varieties, you will already have a much deeper appreciation for the work, knowledge, and land behind each one. If a particular mezcal stands out, you are welcome to purchase bottles directly from the producer, but there is never any pressure to do so.
If this sounds like the kind of mezcal experience you’re looking for, you can reserve your private tour using the booking section at the top of the page.
Why Santa Catarina Minas Matters
Santa Catarina Minas is one of the few places in Oaxaca still strongly centered on ancestral mezcal production, which is exactly why this experience takes place here.
That matters because ancestral mezcal is not only about flavor. It is about process, patience, and knowledge passed down through generations. In Santa Catarina Minas, production remains tied to multi-generational methods that rely on clay pots, hand tools, and very little machinery. For guests, that means the day offers access to a rarer, more hands-on side of mezcal that is increasingly difficult to see in many other producing areas.
Instead of simply tasting mezcal and moving on, you spend time in a place where the connection between agave, family, labor, and production is still easy to understand. By the time you taste the mezcal, you are not just noticing what is different in the glass. You have a deeper appreciation for the work and tradition behind it, which gives the experience far more meaning.
Is this tour right for me?
This mezcal tour works well for travelers who want more than a tasting and are curious about the people, process, and land behind what they are drinking.
It is a good fit for solo travelers, couples, groups of friends, and adult families looking for a private experience that feels personal rather than rushed. Because the day is private, it can suit a wide range of travel styles, whether you are joining alone, sharing the cost with others, or looking for a more meaningful way to spend time together in Oaxaca.
You do not need to be a mezcal expert to enjoy the day. Some guests join because they already love mezcal. Others come simply because they want to better understand a side of Oaxaca that is easy to miss on more standard tours. As long as you are open to learning, walking in the fields, and spending time with a local family, this experience tends to stay with people long after the tasting ends.
What to Bring
What you need can vary a little by season, but this is a good starting point for most guests. Because your transport is private and secure, you can leave extra items in the vehicle when you do not need them.
- Long pants or jeans
The agave fields can have bugs and cactus. If you prefer, you can bring shorts and change once you are back at the palenque. - Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Sneakers or walking shoes work best. Please avoid sandals for the field portion of the experience. - Long sleeves or bug spray
Mosquitoes can be present in the fields, especially depending on the season. - Sun protection
Bring sunblock and a hat or cap, as parts of the day are spent outdoors. - Cash for optional bottle purchases
If you decide to buy mezcal after the tasting, the producer accepts cash only. There is never any pressure to buy, and the family is paid fairly for their time regardless. Bottle prices usually range from 250 to 1400 MXN, depending on the size and variety. - Face mask (optional)
Recommended, especially if feeling unwell or sensitive to dust and pollen, but not required.
What’s Included
Your experience includes the essentials needed to enjoy the day comfortably and gain a deeper understanding of ancestral mezcal production.
- Pre-tour preparation information
Helpful details sent in advance so you know what to expect and how to prepare. - Local English-speaking guide
A specially trained local guide who facilitates the day and helps you engage more fully with the experience. - Private transportation
Private vehicle transport to and from Santa Catarina Minas, plus the pickup truck ride out into the agave fields. - Translation with your mezcalero
Support communicating with the producer and family throughout the experience. - A simple meal in the fields
A meal is included during the day. Alcoholic drinks are not included with meals, outside of the mezcal tasting itself. - Mezcal tasting
Taste several varieties produced by the mezcalero you visit, with the context of the land and process behind them.
What’s Not Included
A few costs are kept separate from your booking so the experience can support local partners directly and remain flexible on the ground.
- Local Payment of 1000 MXN (≈$50 USD) per person
Paid directly to your guide at the start of the tour. - Travel insurance (or a signed Liability Form)
Compulsory for all guests. We recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. - International flights
Flights to and from Oaxaca are not included. - Additional transportation
Any transport outside of the included itinerary is not covered. - Accommodation in Oaxaca
Lodging before or after the experience is not included. - Alcoholic drinks outside of the mezcal tasting
The tasting is included, but any additional alcoholic beverages are not. - Gratuities
Tips for your guide or local hosts are not included. - Personal spending money
Bring extra cash if you would like to purchase mezcal, souvenirs, or other items during the day.
Ready to Reserve Your Date?
If this feels like the kind of mezcal experience you’re looking for, you can reserve your date with a deposit using the booking section at the top of the page.
Because this is a private tour, availability can be limited by guide, transport, and host family scheduling. If you are already planning your Oaxaca dates, it is a good idea to book early and secure the day that works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this tour take place in Santa Catarina Minas?
Santa Catarina Minas is one of the few places in Oaxaca still strongly centered on ancestral mezcal production, which is exactly why this experience takes place here. The village is known for a slower, more hands-on production style that relies on older methods, including clay pots and very limited machinery. For guests, that means a deeper understanding of the people, labor, and process behind the mezcal, not just the finished drink.
What makes this different from a standard mezcal tasting?
This is not a quick tasting stop or a palenque-hopping day. You spend time with one local family, head out into the agave fields, learn about the different varieties before tasting, and even plant a baby agave yourself. By the time you taste the mezcal, you have much more context for what you are drinking and why it matters.
How much walking is involved?
This tour involves a moderate amount of walking. You will spend part of the day in the agave fields, with short-distance hiking on uneven terrain and in the sun. We classify the physical level of this tour as moderate.
Do I need mezcal knowledge to enjoy it?
Not at all. Some guests join because they already love mezcal, while others come simply because they want to better understand a side of Oaxaca that is easy to miss on more standard tours. As long as you are curious and open to learning, the experience is designed to be accessible and meaningful. The locals you’ll meet who are making the mezcal are the heart and core of the experience.
How far is Santa Catarina Minas from Oaxaca City?
Santa Catarina Minas is about one hour south of Oaxaca City. Once you arrive at the family’s home, there is also a short pickup truck ride of around 10 minutes out to the agave fields.
Can I buy mezcal during the tour?
Yes. If you find a variety you love, you are welcome to purchase bottles directly from the producer. There is never any pressure to buy, and the family is paid fairly for their time regardless. If you think you may want to purchase bottles, bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted and there are no ATMs nearby. Bottles generally range from 250 to 1400 MXN, depending on size and variety.
What if I don’t usually drink much?
That’s completely fine. This experience is about much more than drinking. Guests often remember the time in the agave fields, the family connection, the production process, and planting their own agave just as much as the tasting itself. Even if you drink lightly, the day can still be very worthwhile.
Is this tour suitable for older travelers or mixed-age groups?
Yes, it can be a great fit for older travelers or mixed-age groups, especially because it is private and moves at a more personal pace. That said, this experience does include one to two hours walking in the agave fields on uneven terrain in the sun, so a reasonable level of mobility is important.
If someone in your group has mobility challenges, our Artisanal Mezcal Tour or Pechuga Mezcal Tour may be a better fit, as they involve less walking while still offering a meaningful mezcal experience.
Our other mezcal tours
Need a Place to Stay in Oaxaca?
To make planning a little easier, we’ve included an interactive accommodation map below where you can compare hotels and short-term stays in and around Oaxaca City.
Enter your travel dates and number of guests to explore options from trusted platforms such as Booking.com, Hotels.com, and VRBO, along with reviews, prices, and availability. We’ve also marked the center of Oaxaca City to help you choose a stay that keeps you closer to many of the cultural experiences and historic areas guests often want to explore.
Please double-check the currency displayed, as it may vary depending on your device settings or the platform you’re viewing.
Supporting Local Projects Through Our TRiP Foundation
For every TRiP taken with WSE Travel, we donate 2% of the total sales price to an environmental or community-based project in the country you are visiting.
It is one of the ways we aim to ensure that travel has a more positive impact on the places and people that make these experiences possible. When you join this experience, your booking helps support not only local hosts and guides but also wider efforts to protect and strengthen the destination itself.
This is part of our wider commitment to Travel Responsibly & Impact Positively (TRiP), which sits at the heart of how we design our experiences and partnerships.
To learn more about the projects supported through this experience, please visit our Mexico TRIP projects.
Cancellation & Rebooking Policy
All tours, services, and experiences booked through Where Sidewalks End are subject to our Terms and Conditions, which are modeled after the policies used by many travel services such as flights, hotels, and tour operators.
At Where Sidewalks End, a reservation is more than a transaction. It is a direct commitment involving local professionals who rely on this work as a primary source of income. This includes guides, artisans, drivers, and other local partners who reserve their time specifically for your experience.
In many of the destinations where we operate, labor protections and fair wage commitments are upheld by local laws, and we are both ethically and contractually required to honor those commitments. Once a booking is confirmed, the service providers connected to your experience are financially compensated for reserving their time, even in the event of cancellation. This helps ensure fair and dignified treatment for everyone involved in delivering your experience.
If You Need to Cancel or Reschedule
All bookings are subject to the following terms:
More than 14 days’ notice
Your payment will be placed into a Lifetime Deposit (Safety Deposit Box). This can be:
- used for a future date
- transferred to a friend or family member
Refunds are not available unless Where Sidewalks End cancels your booking due to reasons beyond your control.
7-14 days’ notice
A 50% rebooking fee will apply. This helps offset the compensation obligations to your dedicated team of local guides and service providers, who have reserved their day exclusively for your private tour and may not be able to secure alternate work on short notice.
Less than 7 days’ notice
The full cost of the tour is retained to pay the locals contracted in full. As this is a private experience, your local team’s time is fully dedicated to your booking. A new team will be hired for any future rebooking.
These policies are a compassionate extension of our official Terms & Conditions, designed to support both our guests and the ethical standards of responsible tourism.
Travel Insurance or Liability Waiver Required
Because life can be unpredictable, and because we are required to uphold our commitments to local partners, all guests must either:
- provide proof of comprehensive travel insurance, or
- sign a Liability Waiver Form at the start of their trip
We highly recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance, trusted by many global travelers for its flexible and affordable coverage.
Travel insurance can help protect you from financial losses related to:
- illness
- missed flights
- emergency cancellations
- non-refundable bookings
If you choose to travel without travel insurance, you will be required to fill out a Liability Waiver Form at the beginning of your trip.
Thank You for Traveling Responsibly
We deeply appreciate your understanding and support of ethical tourism. Your booking directly sustains local communities and helps preserve cultural traditions in meaningful and lasting ways.
If you have any questions or need help rescheduling, please contact us. We’re always happy to assist.
Ryan Carter (verified owner) –
This was honestly the highlight of our trip to Oaxaca. Octavio and Conejo were incredible. Conejo welcomed us to his home and palenque and gave us an in depth tour of Mezcal and all the love and hard work that goes into every bottle. Most of all, we felt like we were apart of his family— we had lunch together in the fields that his wife prepared, got to meet his wife and kids, and of course sampled many types of high-quality Mezcal. This is an authentic and genuine taste of Oaxaca and we highly recommend this experience to all that visit.
Robert –
Amazing, and a great tour in the world of mezcal. Octavio and Conejo were a fantastic duo and I cannot wait to come back .
Sara –
Amazing experience – so authentic! As the saying goes “a day you learn something new, it’s a good day “ This was a great day.
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Anand (verified owner) –
Absolutely fabulous—great interaction with the family— recommend it highly!
Tess (verified owner) –
Loved this experience! Our host Laura was so fun and knowledgable and we loved spending time with the Mezcalero and his family. Highlight of our trip!
Tim L (verified owner) –
I’ve been on some commercial mezcal tours and ones that spurred more questions than answers. This one was a great experience for learning about the different agaves and tasting different outcomes. With a master distiller showing us the way!
Heather T –
What an incredible day filled with laughs, delicious Mezcal, knowledge, and a deep appreciation for the Mezcal process. From start to finish we felt at home and well taken care of. Victor picked us up from our hotel in Oaxaca City and drove us an hour to meet Conejo and his family at his home. We then spent about an hour learning about each agave in a fun interactive light hike. Once we were done planting our baby agaves we enjoyed a homemade lunch and of course some delicious Mezcal followed by a tour of the entire distillery process at Conejo’s palenque. I would recommend this experience to everyone traveling to Oaxaca with an appreciation for Mezcal.
Imogen Nolan (verified owner) –
And Victor and Conejo were amazing! What a great guide and host.
Ben –
Amazing tour and trip! Thank you to Victor for guiding us and thank you to Conejo y su familia for showing us around! ¡Gracias a todos!
Imogen Nolan (verified owner) –
What an amazing experience and introduction to mescal. Would recommend to anyone who wants an authentic, in depth but ultimately fun experience.
Aynul Dharas (verified owner) –
Absolutely a memorable trip. Victor was an amazing/informative guide.
Minka –
This was exactly the experience we wanted and was even better than expected. Antonio, his wife, and children were all wonderfully charismatic and extremely generous with their time, skills and knowledge. The passion of our guide Vixtor was apparent from the moment we started our car ride. Don’t forget to eat a sizeable breakfast so you can enjoy your tastes of mezcal freely. No notes. A perfect tour. Just book it.
Javid –
A very special experience with Victor and Antonio. Spectacular views and mezcal and very authentic the whole way thru. Great to be in a family setting and to be immersed in the experience. 12/10 we will be back !!
bijan –
This has been an absolutely incredible experience, visiting an ancestral mezcal palenque and being taken into the property of a true master (3rd and 4th generation) mezcal master. Victor took incredible care of us, his English is incredible, and even the hour ride into the town was fascinating as he told of us the history of mezcal, and how it has related to Mexico and Tequila through history. His passion shows, and the authenticity of this experience cannot be overstated.
Truly an incredible experience, and if you plan to come, make sure you check a bag as you will be wanting to take a bottle or two home.
James McMahon –
Educational and entertaining. We were a mixed group of Americans and a Mexicans. Both languages excellently managed. Highly recommend.
Adolfo Ramos –
Increíble experiencia, muy interesante conocer el proceso de elaboración del mezcal ancestral, la atención no pudo ser mejor, muy recomendable
Susan McMahon (verified owner) –
This was a wonderful and educational experience! The mescal was excellent and I now know why it tastes so good! Highly recommended this to anyone wanting to know about ancestral processing.
Mayra Ramos –
Fue una experiencia increíble, una explicación muy detallada y completa de todo el proceso de elaboración del mezcal, una atención muy amigable, lo recomiendo muchísimo
Héctor Darío Ramos –
Excelente experiencia, las personas que comprenden el tour son extraordinarias, cálidas, y con excelente trato, información nutrida. Y todo muy entendible.
Brennen McMahon –
Such a great tour. Was very interesting to learn about the different variety of agave and then being able to taste all the differences right there at the farm. Our guide and the farmer were very accommodating, and wonderful to talk with. Would definitely come back!
Keara Farrelly (verified owner) –
Had a great tour with Conejo and Victor! A beautiful and friendly day in the fields learning about mezcal.
Clint Carby (verified owner) –
The BEST guide, Mezcalero, and Palenque!! It is hard to describe how amazing this experience was, from the start our guide Laura was extremely knowledgeable about Mezcal and Oaxaca in general. The drive to the balance is breathtaking and Conejo made you feel at home at his Palenque. We spent the first few hours hiking up a hillside talking about 11 different agave species that grow wild on his land, the reproduction process of each and how many Kgs it takes to make 1 liter of Mezcal. We had an awesome authentic lunch with Conejo then went back to the Palenque to learn about the process of making Mezcal. After that we tasted all of the Mezcals that he had available and weee able to buy as many as we wanted. FYI, he does take credit card so you don’t have to guess about how many pesos to bring. I would recommend this experience to anyone that loves Mezcal and wants to learn more about the entire process from the play to the finished product.
Glen –
Very educational and a lot of fun. It was very engaging and I would recommend taking this tour. I learned a lot.
Gordon (verified owner) –
Fantastic tour. Our guide Victor was knowledgeable and friendly. Conejo and his family were welcoming and amazing! Highly recommended!
Natalie Moreno (verified owner) –
This was one of my favorite experiences that I’ve had in Oaxaca. From riding in a back of a pick up truck to eating lunch at the campo to learning about each spices conejo grows was an absolute blast! I would do this tour again!! Thank you to Victor who explained the process of agave distilling, growing, and harvesting! He was a great interpreter and answered all of our questions in detail.
Nick Armstrong –
Wow! Our tour guide Victor was great! He really knows the family and the mezcal process which really helped my understanding and his English was perfect. The tour starts with an indepth walk through the wild agave area the family owns and the perfect depth of information across 9 different wild species. Followed by a great lunch in the field with Conejo the master mescalero. He’s so funny and a delight to be around. The overview of the process was like nothing I’ve ever seen. This is truly a family operation from Conejo, to his wife and his 4 great kids. The tasting at the end was a really cool walk through. This mezcal is not smoky due to their u liqueur process which i appreciated. When we purchased our bottles to go, they were hand bottled, labeled, and sealed by the family. Such a great, intimate experience and my highlight of my trip to Oaxaca. Thank you Victor, Conejo, Rochelle, Gabriel, and the rest. We will be back!!!
ronaldo –
Victor is great. The tour Conejo polenta was wonderful.
David P. –
We had a great time on the farm learning about the mezcal process and tasting!
David –
We had a great time on the farm learning about the mezcal process and tasting!
Josie –
Our group had a wonderful time exploring beautiful rolling hills where the agave is harvested. We learned about all about the ancient process of production for mezcal and the unique taste based on which agave plant was used. The family was very welcoming and made the learning process fun.
Ann Goeson –
Outstanding experience. Very friendly and knowledgeable folks.
Natalie Johnston –
Victor was a wonderful guide in this experience. He has a lot of knowledge about the mezcal making process and he has a great relationship with the family which made things comfortable and fun. It was very informative and it was great to be in a small, family owned operation. Víctor is very knowledgeable about the process and added his sense of humor.
Jaime Leon –
Victor was a fantastic guide! His personal relationship with Conejo made all the difference. It feels like family being here. Incredible craft and a true master!
David Martin –
A great tour with much education into the process of the production of mezcal. A wonderful experience with a great family business.
Faith Martin –
What an amazing experience. We do not usually book tours when we travel because they lack personalization. However, this experience was everything! Víctor was an amazing tour guide. This tour was highly personalized. What a valuable tour, we learned about the whole process. We highly recommend! What a life changing experience.
Ismael –
Fantastic I drank a lot, I would come here just to drink with this family. Highly recommend this tour
-SD, CA USA
Malia –
Amazing! Don’t second guess just book please! It was great to see the process and be able to see the different types! Very knowledgeable!
Kiara Acurio (verified owner) –
Nos encantó pasar el día con conejo, sus millones de perros y sus hijos. Fue educativo, divertido y delicioso. Probamos todo tipo de mezcales, paseamos por campos de maíz y agave, acariciamos cachorritos y comimos delicioso compartiendo un momento de lo más orgánico con conejo, su hijo y Octavio. Muchísimas gracias por este día mágico.
Dereck Maher –
My wife and i booked this mazcal tour and Antonio and his wife Raqual blessed us with showing us their agave farm and treated us like family. Made us feel literally part of their family. And as for our tour guide Laura is an absolute legend in the game she was very personable and knowledgeable of the whole process from start to finish. Its an absolute must to do this mezcal tour. One of a kind. We will definitely be bringing all ourloved ones to this tour.
Madison Maher (verified owner) –
I had the most incredible mezcal tour with Laura as our guide! She was so knowledgeable, fun, and passionate about sharing the traditions of mezcal. We even got to plant baby agaves, which was such a special hands-on experience. I learned so much about the different types of agave plants and the entire mezcal-making process from start to finish.
On top of that, we were served a homemade soup made with vegetables grown right there on the farm — it was absolutely delicious and made the day feel even more authentic.
If you’re in Oaxaca, this tour is a must-do. Thank you Laura for making it such an unforgettable experience!
Daria Petrovic (verified owner) –
Once in a lifetime experience! Our guide, Laura, easily picked us up in Oaxaca Centro and shared information about Mezcal and the host family we were visiting on the way. Upon arrival, Conejo and his family members were immediately warm and inviting as they showed us to the agave fields. We were even lucky enough to be there on the day a 15 year old agave plant was being harvested, and we were able to get involved in the process by cutting the agave ourselves! This was followed by a warm meal inclusive of our dietary restrictions, Mezcal tastings, and an overview of the ancestral distilling process back at the house. Overall, this full day experience was well worth it!
Jeremy P –
Thank you for providing my friends and I with an amazing ancestral mezcal tour. We traveled with Tavo to visit Palenque el Conejo last Friday. Tavo and Conejo filled the day with tons of education and loads of fun. My friends and I really had very little knowledge of the mezcal production process when we began the day, but by the end of the day we could name multiple varieties of agave and recognize our favorites during our final tasting. Throughout the day, Tavo was warm and friendly on the long drives and answered all of our questions. Conejo and his family were so welcoming and open when we visited their palenque that our group agreed this was a very memorable experience.
I hope to return to Oaxaca in the years ahead and will definitely return on the tour with WSE to continue my mezcal education. I will also sing your praises to any of my friends and colleagues who are planning a trip down.
Alexandra W –
Do yourself a favor and book this tour ASAP! Such a special chance to connect with people and Oaxaca culture. We loved the mezcal and the delicious meal, and all of our curiosities answered :) the mezcal is unlike anything we have ever had. Huge thank you to our wonderful guide, Victor, and to the family of Palenque Conejo !
Jake Lisak (verified owner) –
As a professional, this has been one of the best tours I have ever taken. Victor and Conejo were so kind and incredible. Everyone should check this out!
Alexandra –
This was such a fantastic experience! We feel very grateful to have seen, firsthand, the care and dedication that goes into the process. Thank you to all! Could not recommend more!
Jake L (verified owner) –
Absolutely outstanding! As a professional, this has been one of the most educational presentations I have ever had. I will be recommending this to everyone!
Tijana Petrovic (verified owner) –
My husband and I had a fantastic time on the tour with an incredibly knowledgeable guide (Victor) and a sweet, friendly host family! We tried many delicious mezcals and had our minds blown by the variety of flavors. The property is also absolutely breathtaking!! Would definitely recommend this tour.
Wyatt –
Fantastic experience! Highly recommend. Victor picked us up in Oaxaca Centro and Started with an Excellent tour of a wild agave field. We learned so much about the wide variety of agave plants that natively grow in Oaxaca. Followed by a detailed overview of the distilling process with a lovely family multiple generations into the process of creating Mezcal. Trying the different Mezcal really opened my eyes to the possibilities of the drink.
Kasia (verified owner) –
What an amazing way to spend a day! We chose this tour because it sounded more chilled out and more educational than others we found online that hopped from palenque to palenque and we were not disappointed.
Victor is a lovely and very knowledgeable guide with excellent English, so not only were all our questions answered but we could also have some banter along the way.
We can’t thank Canejo and his family enough for allowing us an access-all-areas peek into their palenque and for spending an entire day with us out in the field. Learning about the different varieties of agave was very interesting and planting our own babygaves a really lovely touch. We were never rushed and never bored. Canejo’s packed lunch was delicious and we were kindly treated to some refreshing nieve from a passing trader, which was a lovely moment to share.
Overall a beautiful day we’d definitely recommend to anyone visiting Oaxaca. Thank you for a wonderful experience!
Tanya Shah –
Wonderful day trip with local family at Agave farm and their house
WSE did wonderful with planning our day!
We highly recommend WSE to people who are interested in learning more about Mezcal!!
Udit Multani (verified owner) –
The tour was wonderful, we had a really great time with Victor and Conejo tasting mezcal.
Tracy (verified owner) –
The tour was amazing. We learnt so much from Victor. It was a privilege to spend time with Conejo and his family and learn how much goes into what they produce. The lunch was delicious and planting the baby agave was very special. We brought along our 6 year old daughter and she loved the experience. The organisation was amazing and the team very helpful and responsive from the start. Victor also took photos and videos along the way to share with us which was a lovely touch. I highly recommend.
Maarit Tillman (verified owner) –
We spent the day in December with on WSE ancestral mezcal tour and the day was fantastic. We are a family of four with kids aged 11 and 13 and the kids had a wonderful time too. Our guide was great in giving us information about mezcal and other aspects of life. We loved meeting conejo and his family.
It was great to see a local Palenque. We had great time at the fields, learning about agave, planting baby agaves and tasting mezcal. The food we were served was absolutely delicious!
I highly recommend this tour and it is suitable with kids too. Laid-back, fun, very educational and definitely not something everyone gets to see.
Joan Westfall (verified owner) –
This was a superb tour! Though they describe the experience well, it is 10 times better in person. We learned so much, and had a blast doing it! As others pointed out, having the connection of choosing and planting our own baby agave was very special. Our mezcalero Canejo was so fun and it was obvious he knew what he was doing and took great pride in it, as did his whole family. Highly recommend!
Jonathan (verified owner) –
We did this Mezcal Tour in September 2024, on a trip to Mexico, staying in Oaxaca for a few days. We were picked up at 9am and returned home around 3pm – a good day out. Victor was our knowledgable, friendly, and, engaging guide. The insight into Conejo’s Ancestral Mezcal distillery process was incredible and it was amazing to get to see the family, and to see the relationship Victor had with them. We went for a short walk to see the agave plants, planted our own little agaves, had a delicious meal cooked by Conejo’s wife, then an explanation of the distillation process before Mezcal tasting. I would highly recommend this amazing day out when staying in Oaxaca!
Jill Gentile (verified owner) –
So happy we did this tour with WSE travel! It is absolutely worth it. Our guide, Victor, was incredibly generous, attentive, and engaging, and his connection with the meszalero and his family made for an especially pleasurable and rare experience. The tour of the farm, the lessons on the various agave plants & on the distillation process, wandering the farm, lunching with the family — it was a true insider experience filled with laughter and warmth. And of course, remarkable mezcal tastings too! don’t hesitate. It’s a great tour, with amazing guides, and creates an unforgettable 5* + experience!
Bryan Sohl –
We did the Mezcal tour April 15, 2024. Victor was our guide. Victor was great with communication and setting up the pick-up. We traveled about 45 min-60 min through the countryside to the Agave Farm and Mezcal production site. The Mezcal brand is Leeshu. Upon arrival at the farmhouse we went into the fields and were introduced to probably 11-12 different types of agave plants. Some cultivated and some wild. And we had a fun quiz later on our ability to identify the different types of agave. We then returned to the farmhouse / mezcal production site. There we were educated upon the roasting, fermenting and distilling process. This is a small family operation in a village known for certain mezcals (not the smokier ones). During the whole tour we were invited to taste probably a dozen different mezcals. Some one agave type only, some blend of different agavess, some VERY INTERESTING blends. We were provided a nice picnic lunch made by the farm matriarch. We had a great guide. The farmer and mezcal producer was very engaged with us and very proud to show us his skills and art. Oaxaca is wonderful. And this tour only added greatly to the magic of Oaxaca. I would do it again for sure. 5 stars .
Nathan Aguilera (verified owner) –
This is a must-do when visiting Oaxaca! We went with a group of friends and it was amazing to to get an overview of the entire process from planting to production. Also, the tasting at the end was great to be able to identify which mezcals everyone liked best.
The best part was meeting Conejo (the mezcal producer) and his family– you understand this is a labor of love and not some big commercial process. You’ll even be invited to plant and name a mezcal plant!
This isn’t one of those quick tourist trap tours where they are just trying to sell you alcohol at the end of the tour. This is a chance to meet a small batch local producer and learn more about their sacred traditions.
Shawn Davis (verified owner) –
This is a very special tour – unlike the typical group tour that hits multiple sites in a day so you can check the boxes. This tour allows you to slow down and focus in on one destination, one family, one palenque. I was a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa many years ago and find that in my travels I am always searching for experiences that remind me of those priceless days when I became part of a small community. This experience with Conejo and his son definitely brought me back to those days. Victor, who drove me out to Conejo’s place, serving as a translator when needed, was an excellent guide. It felt like hanging out with a friend for the day. If you are lucky enough to meet Conejo’s mom, Maximina, you’re in for a real treat. I found her near the house with her granddaughter and daugher-in-law, shucking a mountain of recently harvested corn. She is a real firecracker, as we say! Get her talking and dare to poke fun – she enjoys it and will bright your day and find a place in your heart.
stephanie cedeno (verified owner) –
this was such a special experience! We learned so much about the mezcal process but was made this truly unique is engaging with Conjeo and his family, and learning about him and his story. I absolutely would recommend this tour!
Aryn (verified owner) –
Five Stars are not enough!! I would rank this tour a 10 if possible!
Conejo and his family are absolutely amazing and are so knowledgeable. He has a great personality and a sense of humor. I found it very unique to learn about the difference between Wild Agave and Farmed Agave and how that impacts the sugar and taste of the Mezcal. Most tours I researched were very basic in the sense of only focusing on the tasting room and general facts about Mezcal. However, on this tour, we did a small hike and were actually able to plant our own baby Agave of our choice.( I hope to return back in 9 years to be able to taste my own Mezcal when it comes time to harvest). Everything was timed out well and we weren’t rushed at all. One huge point that I really appreciated was how Victor and Conejo worked together and translated everything perfectly. Conejo would explain everything step by step with pauses and Victor then cued in perfectly to translate. I never left lost or that he only translated half of what was said. Last but not least the MEZCAL!! I nearly bought every bottle that was for sale. I drink a lot of Mezcal back in the States and never had any that were this smooth or had so many unique profiles in each bottle. How they process the Mezcal and the pride in doing so really reflects in the final product and just for that I would refer everyone to learn and taste from Conejo’s family.
Ryan Brown (verified owner) –
I’ve been on quite a few mezcal tours over the years and this one was by far the most in-depth and authentic experience I’ve had. It was incredible to see how ancestral mezcal is produced by Canejo and his family, and the incredible amount of hard work and passion that goes into it. Getting out to see the wild agave fields and learn about so many different types of agave plants and the mezcal they craft with them was definitely the highlight, and hearing about the traditions and history shared by the family. I enjoyed actually walking around the fields and spotting the types of agave, which doesn’t happen on a lot of mezcal tours, before getting to plant our own agave which Canejo’s son will grow up to harvest. Of course, I also looooved the mezcal, and tasting the varieties I’d never even heard of before. If you’re looking for a mezcal tasting experience or tour that is not just simply about drinking, and one that leaves you with memories and intimate knowledge about mezcal, this is the tour.
Laura (verified owner) –
This was an amazing tour, one of the best we did in Mexico. It far exceeded our expectations. Learning about the plant up close, the different varieties and seeing first hand the love & care that go into mezcal production is amazing. The opportunity to plant our own agave was a nice touch, as was the swim at the end! The guide Victor was equally wonderful, and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. If you’re thinking about booking this, do it.
Rick Eaton (verified owner) –
This was an absolutely great tour and so much more than we expected. If you want to immerse yourself in a true cultural experience, do not think twice about booking this tour. Every aspect was fun and enjoyable from the hike through the hills learning about agave to the tour of the palenque learning about the process of making Mezcal- and of course the tasting of the absolutely delicious Mezcal itself. The local family is wonderful as was our excellent guide Victor. Overall a wonderful time.
Cutler (verified owner) –
This tour was fantastic. Toured an agave farm and learned about a bunch of different kinds of agaves, then the farmer showed us his family’s distillery they’ve been using for generations and explained the whole process, then we got to taste several different kinds of mezcal. If you like mezcal, highly recommended.
Frank (verified owner) –
This mezcal tour was more than we could ask for. Our tour guide Jose was very courteous and made sure our party understood the entire process. The mezcal master welcomed us and provided a knowledgeable tour. I would highly recommend this experience if you want to learn more about mezcal and have fun doing it this is the tour for you
Barbara (verified owner) –
A really fun, engaging and insightful experience. The Oaxaca Sacred Mezcal tour was a wonderful time! Victor and Conejo gave us an amazing and interactive experience – we couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to mezcal in Oaxaca :)
George Button (verified owner) –
The Mezcal Experience far exceeded my expectations or any other tour I’ve been on, absolutely a 10/10 day. Conejo (owner of the palenque himself) was extremely hospitable. He seemed genuinely happy to take the time to show us the land and to share the history and culture of the community, the agave/maguey, and the mezcal. He even shared a home cooked meal with us under the shade of a tree in his field. As a tourist, the opportunity to share a day (and many laughs) with these kind and generous locals was very memorable. Our guide Victor was also extremely knowledgable about the region and the mezcal industry as well as being a great translator and always ready with an ice cold bottle of water when the heat of the day started to get to us. It was HOT and dusty and full of spiky hazards but the tour is well planned and includes a stop at a swimming pool on the way back to Oaxaca to soak and reflect (a very nice touch). I came back with a ton of knowledge about the art and culture of Mezcal production (especially the ancestral method that they practice on Conejo’s Palenque) that I am excited to share with my community at home (most likely until they cant stand it any more lol). Highly recommended!
Rebecca Viale (verified owner) –
We had such a great time with WSE on our Palenque tour! It was way more informative than other tours that I have been on where they only try the mezcal and don’t explain anything. Our tour guide Victor was extremely friendly and clear. We absolutely loved being able to plant our own agave plants and will definitely be back to visit them. The day was hot so don’t forget your sunscreen! The food was so delicious and the pool was extremely refreshing after a day of walking around. Everything about this tour was perfect, I highly recommend it while in Oaxaca!
Marleen Munkelberg (verified owner) –
It was not just a tour, it was kind of a journey and the life of Mezcal. The day was long, but great in every minute. We got a lot of information about the spirit in this country, the different types of agaveplants and how to produce on an old way! Highly recommend to everyone who don‘t wants to do just a normal Mezcaltour!
Franz Schäfer (verified owner) –
What a nice and true mezcal experience here in Oaxaca. We couldn’t be happier that day to learn from Conejo himself about how to grow and produce ancestral mezcal.
From seeing his actual farm, to have a family cooked lunch + mezcal under a tree at the farm and plant your own maguey to tasting so many kinds of mezcal and see how a small destillery produces small batches of this amazing spirit.
I tried to kindly wrap up this awesome full-day tour WSE Travel has to offer.
I will show this spirit to as many people as I can back home because it’s not well known in europe.
Maxime Senior (verified owner) –
If you’re interested in learning about mezcal, this tour covers it all! I’ve taken many mezcal tours, and this one is very unique. This isn’t a simple mezcal tasting, but a full experience to learn about the production process from start to finish. I loved the time that we spent with the family behind the mezcal brand.. from walking their land and learning about agave, to being at their palenque to learn about distillation, to being in their home and tasting the mezcales. Such an amazing experience and where I genuinely learned so much! I’d do it over and over again!
Kristel Flores (verified owner) –
This exceded my wildest expectations for what a tour of this type could be. Having been to whiskey distillery tours in Scotland and another tour to taste Cachaça in Brazil, I expected to learn very little and be pushed to buy alcohol. This was the exact opposite as this was about a shared experience learning about this sacred spirit, the life of this family and their mezcal farm. We spent the day hiking around the beautiful hills getting to know the different varieties of agave and learning about the process of making artisanal mezcal. This was an opportunity of a lifetime to share in the passion of a third generation mezcal producer. It wasn’t just educational, as we had fun planting our own agave plant and tasting through the families’ lineup of amazing mezcals. Don’t waste your time with one of those four stop mezcal tours when you can take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity to share in the heritage and culture of Oaxacan mezcal.
Gabriel Glasier (verified owner) –
This tour was so much more than we could have ever expected. Upon arriving, we were met by the smiles of the kids of the mezcalero. We instantly realized that we were not at some mezcal production facility, but at the home and farm of a small batch mezcal distiller. Soon after, we were introduced to the maestro mezcalero Conejo himself and we began the adventure of exploring the farm, learning about the individual maguey plants, and eating a lunch on the farm. Our guide Victor and Conejo then had us pick out our own maguey that we got to name and plant ourselves. Next we headed back to the house to see the process of how the mezcal is distilled from roasting the maguey to the final product which we then got to taste. We expected to get a surface level understanding of what mezcal is and we ended up with a masterclass on artisanal mezcal. I would take this tour again not only for the education but because we had such a great time. Plus the mezcal was stunning!
Luna Rodriguez (verified owner) –
I had a wonderful experience with WSE Travel. This tour will give you a complete overview of how the mezcal business and production work. Not only do you get to see the distillation process but also you will first stroll around the agave fields and then by the end of the visit at the palenque, you will taste several of the amazing mezcals! My favourite part – planting a baby agave! It is certainly the best mezcal tour in Oaxaca!