Sip Happens: A Tequila Tale
There are certain places in the world where time seems to slow down - where every step feels like an invitation to savor life a little more. Tequila, Jalisco, is one of those places. Now, I don’t mean the drink you’ve probably seen served at every college party or 2-for-1 special at your local bar. I mean Tequila, the picturesque Mexican town, and the birthplace of the legendary spirit.
If you’re anything like me, the name might immediately conjure up images of sun-soaked fields, rustic distilleries, and a hearty glass of the good stuff. So, when I had the chance to spend a day in Tequila with my boyfriend and my visiting mum recently, I didn’t hesitate for a second.
Here’s a look at what my journey through this charming town was like, complete with a delicious lunch, a distillery tour, and of course, plenty of agave.
Living in Puerto Vallarta - and owning a car - helps for trips like this. The trip itself isn’t far, but the time can seem lengthy due to traveling the winding mountain roads. The three of us woke up early, and we were on the road by 8 AM for a three-hour drive. We arrived in Tequila and were all so enamored with how charming and vibrant the town is. It’s the perfect, picturesque start to a day. The moment we arrived, I was struck by the stunning views. Tequila is framed by the rolling mountains dotted with the greenish-blue hues of agave plants stretching as far as the eye can see. The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and it was clear that we were in for an adventure.
What better place to begin our trip than right in the heart of the town, at Plaza Principal? This area is the beating heart of Tequila, with its cobblestone streets and charming colonial-style buildings lining the square, and the majestic Parroquia Santiago Apostol - an absolutely gorgeous 18th-century church - standing guard. A lively sense of community permeated the air. Locals were chatting on benches, children ran around playing, and colorful umbrellas dotted the cafes and restaurants.
We walked around for a bit, admiring every nook and cranny before settling into one of the outdoor lunch spots with a perfect view of the plaza. We took our seats at Portales del Cielo and ordered some traditional Jalisco fare. I went with birria (a rich, flavorful stew made with slow-cooked goat or beef), paired with freshly made tortillas, while my travel companions opted for tacos al pastor and pozole. Everything was bursting with flavor. The salsa had just the right amount of kick, and the lime squeezed over the top of everything made it feel like the perfect bite. And the best part? Three meals and three drinks came in at an equally lovely price of just 580 pesos.
As we sipped on refreshing agua de jamaica (hibiscus water) and people-watched, we took a moment to appreciate the atmosphere - the three of us leisurely watching the world go by and smiling at the undeniable beauty around us. There’s something rather magical about a town square in Mexico: the steady hum of conversation, the laughter of children, the smell of fresh food filling the air. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you could spend hours and never get bored. But there was more to see, so after finishing our meal, we were ready to explore.
We’d purchased our 700 pesos a-piece tickets for the Jose Cuervo tour from roadside ticket sellers as we drove into town, and it was time to begin at the distillery. Jose Cuervo is one of the most famous tequila makers in the world, and a must-visit when in Tequila. It’s easy to see why people flock to it! The massive production facility seemed like stepping into a world that was equal parts tradition and craftsmanship.
We were greeted by a guide who was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about tequila. Our tour started with an overview of the history of the distillery and the Cuervo family’s involvement in the production of tequila since the 18th century. It’s impressive to think about how long this company has been making tequila - since 1795! And that’s just commercially. Who knows how long the family has been mixing up batches just for themselves!
The Cuervo family and their distillery have essentially shaped the tequila industry as we know it today, and they do so with incredible attention to detail. Moving through the distillery itself is quite remarkable, as you get to see the entire process unfold. From the baking of the agave hearts (or piñas) to the fermentation and distillation processes, every step feels like an art form. And I’ll admit, I was more than a little impressed by the massive copper stills and the elaborate machinery that somehow works its magic and turns raw agave into the tequila known and loved by so many all over the world.
But of course, no distillery tour would be complete without a tasting.
We were led into a cozy room, surrounded by shelves of Jose Cuervo bottles, where our guide explained the different varieties of tequila: blanco, reposado, and añejo. My favorite part? Watching my mum tasting the tequila straight from the source. No mixers, no salt, just the pure, unadulterated spirit. It was a lot of fun learning about the noticeable differences between blanco being smooth and clean, reposado offering a subtle oak flavor from its aging in barrels, and añejo giving you a deeper, richer taste. But…it was even more fun watching my mum (and her taste buds) do a little happy dance!
We then made our way to the agave fields, and let me tell you, seeing the plants up close is a whole different experience. Agave plants are like nature’s version of a superhero. They’re robust, resilient, and able to thrive in the harsh conditions of a Mexican summer.
Our guide explained that each agave plant takes around 8-10 years to reach maturity. Standing among those tall, spiky plants gave me a newfound respect for them. The rich color of the agave was mesmerizing, and it was easy to see why it’s such a crucial part of the landscape here. I couldn’t help but feel incredibly lucky to be in such a special place.
We drove out (in our tour bus made to look like a tequila barrel) a little further into the countryside, where the landscape opened up to reveal even more endless fields of agave under the bright sun. The sight of those fields, stretching out like a green ocean, was breathtaking. It was hard to believe that each of these plants plays a part in creating one of the world’s most famous spirits.
We took a leisurely stroll through the fields, our guide explaining more about the cultivation of agave. She explained how the plant’s sugars are carefully harvested at specific times and rates of speed. It was fascinating to learn about the complexity and depth involved in making tequila.
By now, the sun was beginning to dip behind the hills, casting a golden light over the agave fields. It was the perfect moment for some photos, and I couldn’t resist snapping a few shots and having a few snapped of me, as well. There’s something so serene about being out in nature, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a place that has been producing something so beloved for centuries. It felt like I was connecting with something ancient and timeless, which, in a way, I suppose I was.
As the day drew to a close, we made our way back into the town center. Tequila at sunset is a sight to behold. The sky turns shades of pink and orange as the day winds down.
We stopped for one last drink at a local bar, cantaritos (a tequila-based drink served in an earthy clay cup with grapefruit, lemon, orange, and lime juices mixed with salt, tajin, and chamoy) before calling it a day.
Looking back on our trip, I can’t help but think about how much Tequila has to offer. From the rich history of tequila production to the incredible natural beauty of the agave fields, it’s a place that invites you to slow down and savor life. Whether you’re a tequila connoisseur or someone who’s simply looking for a unique experience, Tequila has a way of making you feel like you’re part of something truly special.
So, if you ever find yourself in Jalisco, do yourself a favor and take a trip to Tequila. It’s a day you won’t soon forget.
Cheers!