Tequila Fortaleza Distillery
Experience the heart of traditional tequila making at Fortaleza Distillery, a living museum of artisanal craft and generations of passion.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Tequila Fortaleza Distillery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the heart of traditional tequila making at Fortaleza Distillery, a living museum of artisanal craft and generations of passion.
"An amazing, unique experience that leaves you with a deep appreciation for traditional tequila making. "
Book Ahead! 🗓️
Tours sell out fast! Secure your spot online well in advance to guarantee your visit.
Wear Comfy Shoes 👟
You'll be walking through agave fields and distillery floors, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Traditional Tahona Crushing
Distillery Floor
Witness the ancient tahona wheel crushing agave, a labor-intensive method that imparts unique flavors.
Cavern Tasting Room
Underground Cavern
Experience an educational and interactive tasting in a unique underground cavern setting.
Agave Fields
Surrounding Distillery
Stroll through picturesque agave fields, understanding the source of this iconic spirit.
Artisanal Production
Distillery Floor
See firsthand the meticulous, hands-on process from cooking to bottling, a true testament to craftsmanship.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead! 🗓️
Tours sell out fast! Secure your spot online well in advance to guarantee your visit.
Wear Comfy Shoes 👟
You'll be walking through agave fields and distillery floors, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Stay Hydrated 💧
Mexico can be warm. Bring water or be prepared to purchase it, especially during tours.
Taste Everything! 🥃
The educational tastings are a highlight. Don't miss the chance to savor each expression.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead! 🗓️
Tours sell out fast! Secure your spot online well in advance to guarantee your visit.
Wear Comfy Shoes 👟
You'll be walking through agave fields and distillery floors, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Stay Hydrated 💧
Mexico can be warm. Bring water or be prepared to purchase it, especially during tours.
Taste Everything! 🥃
The educational tastings are a highlight. Don't miss the chance to savor each expression.
Fish Tacos are a Must 🌮
Don't skip the onsite fish taco shack post-tour; they're a delicious way to wind down.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fortaleza Distillery for its authentic, traditional tequila-making process and the immersive experience it offers. The knowledgeable guides, beautiful setting, and exceptional tastings are frequently highlighted as major draws, making it a must-visit for tequila enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Some mention the high demand and need for advance booking.
"Even better than the hype! Definitely an amazing, unique experience. Even if tequila isn't your thing, do this tour. Experience the traditional methods of making tequila and leave with a deep appreciation for Don Guillermo and Los Abuelos tequila. Shout out to Victor, excellent source of knowledge and great tour guide!"
Leon
"Incredible! Definitely worth the travel time from anywhere in Mexico. You learn the history, see the distillery and learn how the tequila is made. The tastings were even educational, fun, and interactive. It makes you really appreciate the work put into the entire process of making tequila. We got to meet the staff and they were all so kind and welcoming. Our tour guide, Estrella, was so much fun and had so much pride in her job. We had a margarita and tacos from the food stand, also really goods I will be coming back just to enjoy the land and tequila. It’s so beautiful."
Hanna Espinoza-Villaseñor
"Fortaleza’s distillery is a living museum of traditional tequila craft. From the agave fields to the cavern tasting room, the operation emphasizes historic methods preserved across generations, producing tequila that tastes rooted in place and time.
The setting is intimate; artisans are visible in their work, and the tour pace allows for meaningful questions about process and provenance.
The onsite fish taco shack is a can’t miss post tour wind down.
Victor was very knowledgeable and a great guide!"
Jonathan “Chuck” McGuire
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Many visitors opt to stay in Guadalajara and take a bus to Tequila town. From there, you can arrange local transport or taxis to reach the distillery. Plan your journey to ensure you arrive on time for your booked tour.
Once in Tequila town, taxis and local buses are available. For convenience, especially if you're not familiar with the area, consider pre-booking transport or using ride-sharing apps if available.
The distillery is located in the heart of Tequila, Jalisco. Following GPS or asking locals for directions to 'Destilería La Fortaleza' or 'Los Abuelos' should guide you there.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is typically parking available. However, be mindful of any local driving regulations and ensure you have a designated driver if you plan on tasting.
The bus journey from Guadalajara to Tequila typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the specific route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your tour in advance through the official Fortaleza Distillery website or authorized tour operators, as spots fill up quickly.
Tour times can vary, but they generally run throughout the day. It's best to check the official website for the most current schedule and book your preferred time slot.
Tour prices can vary depending on the package and what's included. Check the distillery's official booking page for the most up-to-date pricing information.
While tours are the primary way to experience the distillery, it's best to confirm directly with the distillery if any other access options are available. Booking a tour is the most common and recommended approach.
Tours typically include a guided walk through the distillery, an explanation of the traditional production process, and an educational tasting session. Some packages may include additional experiences.
🎫 🥃 Tequila & Tasting
Fortaleza is renowned for its commitment to traditional, artisanal production methods, using the tahona wheel and copper stills. This results in a pure, additive-free tequila with a distinct flavor profile rooted in its origin.
Fortaleza produces a range of tequilas, including Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and special limited editions like the Winter Blend. Each offers a unique taste experience.
Yes, an educational tasting session is typically a core part of the distillery tour, allowing you to sample different Fortaleza expressions and learn about their nuances.
Yes, you can often purchase bottles of Fortaleza tequila directly at the distillery. It's a great opportunity to buy bottles that might be harder to find elsewhere.
The 'still strength' blanco refers to a tequila bottled at a higher proof directly from the still, offering a more intense and pure agave flavor. It's a favorite among many enthusiasts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an onsite fish taco shack that is highly recommended for a post-tour meal. It's a popular spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
The onsite food stand is known for its delicious fish tacos, offering a casual and tasty option to complement your tequila experience.
Tequila town itself offers various restaurants and eateries if you wish to explore more dining options before or after your distillery visit.
It's generally not permitted to bring outside food and beverages into the distillery premises. It's best to check their specific policy or plan to dine at their onsite offerings.
The onsite food stand offers reasonably priced tacos, providing good value for a delicious meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged throughout the distillery grounds, allowing you to capture the beautiful scenery and production process.
The agave fields, the traditional distillery buildings, the tahona wheel, and the cavern tasting room all offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with the distillery beforehand if you plan to use a drone to ensure compliance with their regulations.
While generally permitted, be mindful of other guests and avoid intrusive photography. Always respect the privacy of staff and any areas that might be marked as off-limits.
Capture the rustic charm of the distillery, the vibrant blue of the agave plants, the hands-on craftsmanship, and the unique architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to note that the core of the tour involves learning about and tasting tequila. Parents should be mindful of this and ensure their children are supervised and entertained appropriately. The educational aspect of seeing a traditional craft in action might appeal to older children interested in agriculture or food production. Consider booking a morning tour to allow for other family-friendly activities in Tequila town afterward.
🥃 Tequila Aficionados
+2The educational tasting is a highlight, offering insights into the nuances of each expression. Many aficionados also appreciate the opportunity to purchase rare or single-barrel bottlings directly from the distillery, which can be difficult to find elsewhere. Engaging with knowledgeable guides and witnessing the passion behind the brand will undoubtedly deepen your respect for Fortaleza.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Guadalajara
After your tour and tasting, enjoy lunch at the famous fish taco shack onsite before exploring Tequila town itself. You can then catch a bus back to Guadalajara in the late afternoon or early evening. This allows you to experience the distillery's magic without needing an overnight stay.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artisanal Process of Fortaleza Tequila
+1The heart of Fortaleza's artisanal approach lies in the use of a tahona, a large stone wheel, to crush the cooked agave. This ancient technique, powered by a mule or tractor, gently extracts the agave juice, preserving more of the plant's natural flavors compared to modern roller mills. The fermentation process utilizes wild yeasts found naturally in the environment, further contributing to the unique character of each batch. Finally, the tequila is distilled twice in copper stills, a crucial step that refines the spirit and prepares it for bottling.
+1This dedication to tradition is evident in every bottle. From the hand-labeling of bottles to the meticulous attention to detail at every stage, Fortaleza embodies a commitment to preserving the authentic spirit of tequila. This approach has earned it a reputation among enthusiasts as one of the finest additive-free tequilas available, a true reflection of its heritage and the passion of its makers.
+1A Visit to the Fortaleza Distillery: What to Expect
+1The tour itself is highly educational and engaging. Knowledgeable guides, like Victor or Estrella, lead you through the entire production process, from the cooking of the agave in traditional brick ovens to the iconic tahona crushing and the final distillation in copper stills. You'll witness firsthand the meticulous, hands-on craftsmanship that goes into each bottle, a stark contrast to mass-produced spirits. The experience is often described as intimate, allowing for meaningful interactions and questions.
The highlight for many is the educational tasting session, often held in a unique underground cavern. Here, you'll sample various Fortaleza expressions, learning about their distinct flavor profiles and the nuances imparted by the traditional production methods. Beyond the tequila, the distillery grounds are beautiful, and many visitors rave about the onsite fish taco shack, a perfect spot to relax and savor the flavors after the tour.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit