Tequila Country

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Tequila
The name says it all.

The name Tequila is famous all over the world and is closely associated with a favorite drink of many travelers to México, the Margarita.  This is the very heart of tequila country and the roots of this city are closely bound to the giant industry that has grown from the popularity of it's namesake.   

As you approach Tequila the landscape begins to turn blue from the vast fields of Agave, the plant from which tequila is distilled.  There are dozens of tequila distilleries in this area, both large and small, famous and not so famous.  Most of the distilleries offer tours although these tours are presented with varying degrees of professionalism.  The distilleries of Sauza and José Cuervo are located nearby and they both offer tours.  Tours can be booked at a small booth in the town square.

Tequila is a small unassuming town that for the most part looks like many other small towns in this area.  The town square, with the massive church in the background offers visitors a great photo opportunity.  How many people do you know who have had their picture taken in Tequila?  Adjacent to the town square is a small museum, dedicated to the history of the Sauza brand, and promotion of their tequila.   

Hacienda San José del Refugio

Like Tequila, the small town of Amatitán is closely associated with the production of tequila.  In fact, one of México's great tequila haciendas is located here.  San José del Refugio is the home of Herradura tequila, one of the highest quality tequilas produced in México.  This magnificent hacienda should be on your "must do" list, if you have the time.  The San José del Refugio hacienda is the only tequila distillery where the entire production process, right down the bottling, is completed in one location.  

A tour of San José del Refugio is like taking a step back in time.  The original installations where the tequila was produced, beginning in the 1870s, have been preserved.  The methods used in the past are explained during the tour as well as the ultra modern, incredibly clean, present day operation.  This is a truly unique tour and it finishes with a tasting session while you view a video on the history of this incredible family run operation.  This very active hacienda, to this day, serves as the home of the original family.  

A tour of San José del Refugio is highly recommended and takes about two hours, once on site.
To schedule a tour to San José del Refugio, home of Herradura Tequila, call (33) 3613-9585.

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