Experience Agave
Experience Agave
5
Cultural Tours • Distillery Tours • Factory Tours • Day Trips
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Tequila tours around Mexico’s unique Tequila-producing region: group tours for people who don’t “do” group tours. Actively explore all things Tequila: the beverage, the village, and the tradition. Our tours are hands-on adventures unlike any other. Experience all dimensions of the Tequila process, from the cultivation and harvesting of agave to boutique distilleries and private tasting rooms.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
85 reviews
Excellent
83
Very good
1
Average
0
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0
Terrible
1
Hovsgol
Woodside, CA4 contributions
Oct 2019
I had the pleasure of attending a 3 day Experience Agave tequila tour in October of 2019 and I have nothing but good things to say about Clayton and his entire team. The trip was immaculately planned and organized and we really felt as if we were living the "No Reservations Jalisco" episode. We ate, we drank, we learned and we had the time of our lives! I have never had a more immersive food, drink and cultural experience in my life. We were not only taken to the most authentic and fun restaurants but Clayton and his team would be there to tell you exactly what the "signature dish" of that particular place was or if that didn't suite you they would literally go through the entire menu with you. Clayton is a spirits expert par excellence and was an invaluable resource while touring and tasting tequilas in the town of Tequila. Again, each destination was hand picked for its own unique characteristics that often foiled off of the others such that at the end of the day you really realized just how thoughtful the layout of the day was. Maximized for fun and also education. It is obvious that Clayton is a well-respected local guide as he is received with much fanfare and kindness wherever he goes. There is also just enough free time during the tours to either rest by the pool, shop or do your own exploring in the nice towns that you stay in. Grab a group of friends and make this trip happen, you won't regret it!!
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Hovsgol,
What a flattering comparison! Thank you so much. Can't wait to have you back down one of these days.
Saludos!
Written March 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nulions
New York City, NY7 contributions
Feb 2020
Had a fantastic trip with Clayton and his team visiting some raicilla tabernas on the coast. Met with some family producers and it was obvious the friendship and repore Clayton had with them. The group I was with visited fields, saw production happening live and tasted raicilla straight from a wooden still. We sat with producers at their homes, shared beers, raicilla, meals and stories with them. Definitely a great mix of fun, learning and culture. Food was authentic and excellent, the van was comfortable and we didn't have any issues along the way. Definitely not something you can pick up and do on your own.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for your visit and thoughtful review, Nulions!
Written March 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marc
43 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
I went on this tour solo and had a fantastic time. The tequila was excellent, the guide was exceptionally accommodating, as well as I learned quite a bit about the history and process of making tequila. The smaller group sizes made the tour and tasting so much more engaging. I would definitely recommend this tour to others traveling into the Guadalajara area.
Written July 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David J
Dallas, TX14 contributions
Jan 2020
Spending time in tequila never gets old, especially when you have the help of the outstanding staff at Experience Agave to help fine-tune your journey. Clayton and his team are the true experts not only in the precision planning and flawless execution but in accommodating our very specific requirements about where we wanted to visit, who we wanted to see, what we wanted to eat, etc! The expectations are always high and he once again exceeded them. We had many very special days and nights in and around the town of Tequila. If you are looking for a magical trip, visiting distilleries, tasting great food from local markets, finding treasures you didn't know you need, and visiting the best tasting room in Tequila "La Cata", you will not be disappointed with the service of Experience Agave. Thanks again for making our special weekend even more special with all the little details, anniversary cake, etc. You guys rock!!
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David,
Thank you for the kind review! It's always a pleasure to have you on tour and, as you know, you're always welcome back for more. Looking forward to your next trip down!
Saludos,
Rachel
Written February 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mike c
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico6 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Joined Clayton and crew on a one day trip to meet the 90 year old Raicilla legend El Japo. It's quite the trek out to Mal Paso (almost back around to Chimo on the bay) and one that I had put off for a long time. Clayton's knowledge and good humour made for a very enjoyable day with a group of complete strangers. The driver was also excellent as some of the Tabernas (Stills) that we visited were very off the beaten track. Lunch was casual and delicious and I know I never would have found that restaurant on my own. All in all a very informative and extremely enjoyable adventure into the wilds of Cabo Corrientes.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for your kind review, mike c!
Written March 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
June T
1 contribution
Oct 2019
Clayton and his crew of professionals created a fantastic weekend for our group, with great food, top-notch accommodations, and an awesome introduction to every aspect of what it takes to make top-shelf tequila. From the time we landed at the airport where we were met and driven to the hotel, to the end of the weekend, we had a first class experience. I highly recommend Experience Agave.
Written March 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Liz D
8 contributions
Feb 2020
I've had the pleasure of going on mezcal and tequila tours with Experience Agave but this was my first time to Raicilla country and it did not disappoint. The days were packed full of amazing raillica (obviously), great food, and beautiful countryside. If you love agave a raicilla tour is not to be missed. The tabernas are tucked away, almost hidden is some of the most beautiful country I've seen in Mexico. The distillers welcomed us with open arms, sharing the long tradition of raillia that has been passed down for generations. Our tour guide Clayton, was extremely knowledgeable with all things agave and was a great translator. I didn't know what to expect with a raicilla tour but it might be my favorite tour I've done with Experience Agave.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks so much, lizd363! Stay tuned for southern Jalisco mezcal tours, soon!
Written March 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laylee
Chico, CA49 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We (two couples) had a private tour with Damien and Edgar (our driver). They picked us up at our Airbnb so we didn’t have to Uber anywhere. We went to two private distilleries, Cava de Oro was our favorite but both were very interesting. The tastes were generous and even included food pairings by type of tequila. We had the best carnitas and chorizo for lunch, beer was available to go with. Then we ended the day in the town of Tequila with enough time to visit the jardin and sample the local drink specialty, Cazuelas. A fun day thanks to our excellent guides!
Written March 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CoriOD
Carlsbad, CA1 contribution
Feb 2023
I have been on four 3-day tours with Experience Agave to Tequila and the Highlands over the past 6 years. Kami, one of the tour guides, is one of a kind. Her knowledge of the tequila process and history is extensive and she has taught me something new each time. The tours Experience Agave provides are amazing. Always a pleasant driver that picked us up and dropped us off at airport and spends the days driving us around. The hotels during the tour have a boutique atmosphere and are walking distance to town squares. The restaurants are always delicious. And the distillery tours are an incredible experience. Touring all aspects of the tequila making process and learning how every distillery is different in their own way. All high-end tequila distilleries. I am ready for my next experience.
Written March 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BryceLT
Austin, TX2 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We had an amazing vacation on our second trip to the tequila producing regions of Jalisco Mexico.
In June 2018 we did a custom trip with Clayton Szczech’s company, Experience Agave. We visited 5 tequila distilleries (2 in the highlands and 3 in tequila valley) a brewery and Clayton’s bar, La Cata, that’s in Tequila Mexico. I couldn’t have asked for a better team than Clayton and Estrella, who was assisting him.
This time, February 2020, we joined a preplanned trip (4 days) through Experience Agave for the highlands tour. We visited 4 distilleries and we added an extra day to visit Guadalajara on our own. Kami led this tour and we were blessed to have Estrella with us again. Kami is a wealth of knowledge and it was fun learning from her.
Both trips have been full of good times, great tequila, excellent food and building relationships. The trips are educational for all levels of experience. They are all inclusive. You are responsible for your flights and souvenirs while EA takes care of the ground transportation, hotels, food, drinks, tours and tequila tastings. Their level of access and the relationships that they have with the distilleries and the distillers is the best in the tour industry.
I highly encourage anyone looking for that unique vacation to book it with Experience Agave!
In June 2018 we did a custom trip with Clayton Szczech’s company, Experience Agave. We visited 5 tequila distilleries (2 in the highlands and 3 in tequila valley) a brewery and Clayton’s bar, La Cata, that’s in Tequila Mexico. I couldn’t have asked for a better team than Clayton and Estrella, who was assisting him.
This time, February 2020, we joined a preplanned trip (4 days) through Experience Agave for the highlands tour. We visited 4 distilleries and we added an extra day to visit Guadalajara on our own. Kami led this tour and we were blessed to have Estrella with us again. Kami is a wealth of knowledge and it was fun learning from her.
Both trips have been full of good times, great tequila, excellent food and building relationships. The trips are educational for all levels of experience. They are all inclusive. You are responsible for your flights and souvenirs while EA takes care of the ground transportation, hotels, food, drinks, tours and tequila tastings. Their level of access and the relationships that they have with the distilleries and the distillers is the best in the tour industry.
I highly encourage anyone looking for that unique vacation to book it with Experience Agave!
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear brycelt,
Thanks so much for your thorough review! It was a pelasure having you and Nicole back for a second tour.
Until next time,
Experience Agave
Written March 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nae1985
Brisbane, Australia28 contributions
Hi, does the day tour from Guadalajara go to Fortaleza distillery?
JaimeCaruthers
Mexico City, Mexico51 contributions
Nae1985, our standard day tours do not visit Fortaleza. The four distilleries we choose from are listed on our Website. Our four-day package tours generally do, and our custom tours can and often do. Thank you! We hope to see you in Tequila Country!
Eileen2812
Glastonbury, CT
I'm planning to book a tour. Before I do, any recommendations on hotel/accommodations close by?
JaimeCaruthers
Mexico City, Mexico51 contributions
Hi Eileen2812,
It sounds like you are planning on joining one of our day tours, since our 4-day package tours including lodging.
The Hotel Morales in Guadalajara's historic city center is a great value at high quality. If you can afford something higher end, we recommend the Villa Ganz or Casa Fayette. We hope to see you soon!
-Clayton
What is the standard gratuity for a day tour guide?
JaimeCaruthers
Mexico City, Mexico51 contributions
Hello William,
Gratuities are completely optional of course. Some guests opt not to tip, and some are quite generous - approaching the price of the tour itself. It is completely up to you, should you choose to tip.
Yana S
Los Angeles, CA123 contributions
Hello,
I'm going to Guadalajara in January. Staying in Tlaquepaque. I would love to experience Tequila tour with the guide Clayton J. Szczech.
Is there a way to get the contact information of this guide by any chance?
Thank you!
Yana
JaimeCaruthers
Mexico City, Mexico51 contributions
Hello Yana,
Thanks for your interest in Experience Tequila! Please contact us via the Website as soon as possible. Whether or not Clayton is available to attend you personally, all of our guides are extremely knowledgeable and completely professional. January _is_ right around the corner, and dates are already scarce, so please don't delay!
We look forward to hosting you in Tequila Country!
Saludos,
Experience Tequila
Hola,
¿Quisiera saber si los tours que organizan son todos los días? Específicamente, quisiera un tour a tequila para el 20 de diciembre. ¿Cuál es el costo para dos personas, saliendo desde Guadalajara?
Muchas gracias,
Joan
JaimeCaruthers
Mexico City, Mexico51 contributions
Hola Joan,
Toda la información sobre nuestros Day Tours (tanto públicos como privados) se encuentra en el sitio de Web de Experience Tequila.
Los precios son de US$125/día en adelante.
Espero verlos pronto en diciembre!
Saludos,
Clayton J Szczech
Experience Tequila