Tour to Hacienda Herradura Tequila
![Tour to Hacienda San José del Refugio: The Origin of Tequila Herradura](https://panoramex.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/HERRADURA2.jpg)
Departure from Guadalajara
Tour to Hacienda Herradura Tequila kicks off in the bustling city of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco and the epicenter of many Mexican traditions. Here, tourists board a comfortable tour bus available every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The excitement begins as they leave the city and head into the heart of tequila country.
The Journey to Amatitán
The journey to Amatitán, home of Hacienda San José del Refugio, takes about an hour and a half. During the trip, passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the blue agave fields, the iconic plant of the region and the essential raw material for tequila production. The tour guide shares fascinating details about the history of tequila, the importance of agave, and the production process.
Tour to Hacienda
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Tequila Itinerary | |
Hour | Activitie | Description |
9:00 | Pick up service previded in GDL | It begins at 9:00 AM with the collection of participants at strategic points in Guadalajara. The luxury tour bus picks up passengers at central and convenient locations, ensuring a comfortable start for everyone. During pickup, guides offer a brief introduction to the day’s itinerary and some interesting facts about Tequila and the production of this iconic drink. |
9:30 | Departure for Tequila | At 9:30 AM, the bus leaves for the Hacienda de Tequila Herradura. The trip takes approximately 1 hour. During the journey, our guides interact with visitors, sharing information about the history of the region, the tequila production process, and the cultural and economic importance of blue agave. |
10:45 | Arrival to Amatitan | The first stop of the tour is at the Hacienda San José del Refugio in Amatitan Jalisco. The Hacienda is surrounded by extensive fields of blue agave, a stunning landscape and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors have the opportunity to walk among the agave plants and learn about their cultivation and harvest. |
11:00 | Tour of Distillery | Tequila Production Process: Visitors tour the facilities and observe each stage of the production process, from the cooking of agave piñas in masonry ovens to fermentation in wooden tanks and distillation in copper stills. Guides explain how each step influences the flavor and quality of the final tequila. |
11:50 | Tequila tasting | To conclude our visit to Tequila Herradura we will begin a tasting of Herradura tequila, whether white, reposado or añejo. The guides teach participants how to taste tequila correctly, appreciating its unique aromas and flavors characteristic of Tequila Herradura. |
12:30 | Agave Fields and rest stop | In this place we will appreciate the imposing landscape of mountains and volcanoes surrounding the valley covered with blue agave plantations used for the production of tequila. At the place you can buy one of the characteristic prepared drinks of the Amatitan region. |
13:30 | Tequila Historic Center tour | Recharged, the tour heads to the historic center of Tequila for a guided walking tour. |
14:00 | Free time for lunch on your own | Your local expert will offer options from a local restaurant. The food is on your own so the menu can include a variety of typical dishes from the region, such as tacos, enchiladas, guacamole, beans and rice, accompanied by refreshing drinks and, of course, more tequila for those who wish to continue exploring its varieties. |
16:00 | Return to Guadalajara | The group meets again at the designated meeting point and boards the bus for the return trip to Guadalajara. The return journey offers an opportunity to relax, share experiences with other participants and enjoy the views of the Jalisco rural landscape. |
17:30 | Drop off in Guadalajara | The bus arrives back to Guadalajara, concluding the tour. Participants are dropped off at the same collection points where they boarded in the morning. |
Arrival at the Hacienda
Upon arriving at the hacienda, visitors receive a warm welcome. Hacienda San José del Refugio, dating back to the 19th century, features colonial architecture that reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by vast agave fields, the hacienda provides a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for immersing oneself in the history of tequila.
Exploring the Agave Fields
Tour to Hacienda Herradura Tequila begins with a visit to the expansive agave fields, where visitors learn about the cultivation and harvest of this plant. A jimador, a specialist in agave harvesting, demonstrates how the agave piñas (the heart of the plant) are extracted for tequila production. Tourists can try their hand at cutting a piña, gaining an appreciation for the hard work and skill involved in this process.
Tour to Hacienda Herradura Tequila
The Herradura House
After exploring the agave fields, the tour continues to Casa Herradura, where the magic of distillation happens. Here, visitors are guided through each stage of the tequila production process. From cooking the agave piñas in masonry ovens to fermenting in large wooden tanks and distilling in copper stills, every step is explained in detail.
![Tour to Hacienda Herradura Tequila](https://panoramex.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Casa-Herradura.jpg)
Hacienda San José del Refugio is one of the few distilleries that still uses traditional production methods, ensuring the high quality and distinctive flavor of its tequila. Visitors can also see the oak barrels where the tequila ages, developing its rich flavors and aromas.
Tequila Tasting
One of the most anticipated parts of the tour is the tequila tasting. In a room designed specifically for this purpose, an expert guides visitors through a tasting of Tequila Herradura. From the young and vibrant blanco to the mature and complex añejo, each type of tequila has its unique flavor profile. The guide explains how to appreciate the different aromas, flavors, and textures, providing a full sensory experience.
Tequila Museum
The hacienda also hosts a tequila museum, where visitors can learn more about the history and evolution of this iconic beverage. The museum features a collection of historical artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that narrate the story of tequila from its pre-Hispanic origins to its current global recognition.
![Tour to Hacienda Herradura Tequila](https://panoramex.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Tour_Tequila_Herradura-3.jpg)
Gift Shop
Before concluding the tour, visitors have the chance to visit the hacienda’s gift shop. Here, they can purchase bottles of Tequila Herradura, including special editions and exclusive reserves not available elsewhere. The shop also offers a variety of tequila-related products, such as tasting glasses, books, and artisanal souvenirs, perfect for taking a piece of this unique experience home.
Return to Guadalajara
After a day full of discoveries and experiences, visitors return to Guadalajara, carrying not only bottles of tequila but also unforgettable memories of Hacienda Casa Herradura. The journey back offers a final opportunity to enjoy the stunning landscapes of Jalisco and reflect on the rich cultural heritage and meticulous craftsmanship behind every bottle of Tequila Herradura.
The tour to Hacienda Herradura is much more than a simple visit to a distillery; it is a deep dive into the history, culture, and passion that define Tequila Herradura. From the departure in Guadalajara to the return, every moment of the tour is designed to educate, entertain, and inspire visitors. It is an experience that celebrates not only the excellence of tequila but also the cultural richness of Mexico and the hardworking spirit of its people. If you want to sight up for a next day tour to Lake Chapala you can reserve with your guide.
Whether for tequila connoisseurs or those simply looking to learn more about this iconic drink, the tour to Hacienda San José del Refugio is an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the Mexican soul.