Tequila Orendain Distillery Tour
Tequila Orendain Distillery Tour from Guadalajara A new day begins in one of the most vibrant and cultural cities in Mexico. After having enjoyed a beautiful experience during the Guadalajara City Tour our next destination is the most famous magical town. At 10 am, the participants of the Tequila Orendain tour meet at the iconic monument of La Minerva, one of the most well-known landmarks in the city. La Minerva, a majestic statue representing the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, is a perfect meeting place, easily accessible and emblematic. From here, they board a comfortable air-conditioned bus, prepared for the approximately 60-kilometer trip to Tequila, Jalisco.
The Road to Tequila
The journey to Tequila offers a breathtaking view of the Jalisco landscape. During the tour, the tour guide provides a rich narrative about the history of the region, highlighting its importance in the production of tequila, a drink that has gained worldwide fame. Fields of blue agave, an essential plant for the production of tequila, stretch along the road, providing a spectacular panorama of blue and green hues. This landscape has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its beauty and cultural relevance.
Arrival in Tequila, Jalisco
We will arrive at the Magical Town of Tequila, a charming town that seems to have stopped time. Tequila is known not only for its famous drink, but also for its rich history and colonial architecture. Visitors are greeted with a warm welcome and have a moment to stroll through the town’s cobblestone streets, admiring its colorful facades and visiting local shops offering artisanal products and, of course, various varieties of tequila.
Orendain Tequila Distillery Tour
Next stop is the Orendain Tequila Distillery, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the region. Founded in 1926, this distillery has maintained a tradition of quality and excellence in tequila production. The guided tour of the distillery begins with a detailed explanation of the blue agave cultivation process. Visitors learn about traditional and modern planting and harvesting techniques, as well as the care needed to ensure the best quality agave.
Tequila Orendain Distillery Tour
Tequila Production Process
As the tour progresses, participants are taken through each stage of the tequila production process. The first stop is the cooking area, where agave piñas are cooked in masonry ovens, a traditional method that helps convert starches into fermentable sugars. Next, they visit the grinding areas, where cooked piñas are crushed to extract the agave juice, also known as must.
The next stage is fermentation. Visitors observe huge tanks where the must is fermented, turning sugars into alcohol. During this part of the tour, the guide explains how natural yeasts play a crucial role in developing the unique flavors of tequila.
After fermentation, the fermented must is distilled. Visitors have the opportunity to see the copper stills, where the liquid goes through two distillations to purify and concentrate the alcohol. The first distillation produces what is called “ordinary,” and the second distillation further refines the tequila, producing the clear, pure liquid that is known as blanco tequila.
Tequila Tasting
One of the most anticipated parts of the tour is the tequila tasting. In a room specially designed for tastings, visitors have the opportunity to try different varieties of tequila produced by Orendain. Under the guidance of an expert taster, they learn to appreciate the subtle differences between blanco, reposado and añejo tequilas. The taster also offers tips on how to taste tequila correctly, highlighting the importance of aroma, flavor and aftertaste.
Tequila Orendain Distillery Tour
Free Time in Tequila
After the visit to the distillery, tour participants have free time to further explore the town of Tequila. They can visit the Main Plaza, where the iconic Temple of Santiago Apóstol, a church built in the 17th century, is located. There are also numerous restaurants where they can sample the local cuisine, including dishes such as birria, tortas ahogadas and pozole.
Return to Guadalajara
At 4pm, the group meets again at the designated meeting point in Tequila to board the bus back to Guadalajara. During the return trip, there is an opportunity to relax and enjoy the views of the Jalisco landscape at sunset. The tour guide is also available to answer any additional questions and share more stories and anecdotes about the region and its rich cultural heritage.
Arrival in Guadalajara
The Tequila tour concludes around 6pm with arrival at La Minerva in Guadalajara. Participants bid farewell, taking with them not only memories of a fascinating and educational day, but also a new appreciation for the art and tradition behind tequila production.
This Tequila Tour takes you to the birthplace of the most recognized drink in the world, the oldest and most famous distilleries in Mexico as well as the Agave Landscape and to taste some delicious cantaritos with Tequila Orendain. Tequila offers a complete experience that combines education, culture, and tasting. From the moment they leave Guadalajara until they return, participants are immersed in the rich history and tradition of one of Mexico’s most iconic beverages. A visit to the Orendain Tequila Distillery not only provides a detailed look at the tequila production process, but also celebrates the dedication and effort it takes to create a quality product. At the end of the day, visitors not only have a better understanding of the tequila process, but also a deep appreciation for the cultural legacy of Tequila, Jalisco.