One sip and you start seeing tequila differently. This private workshop in central Cabo San Lucas pairs nine handmade agave spirits with real food tastings and a human guide who explains what you’re tasting and why. You also get the comfort of doing this without rushing with a big group.

I really like two things: you sample six tequila varieties and three mezcal types in about 90 minutes, and the guide explains the production and how to taste so it doesn’t feel like just drinking shots. I also like the food pairings, from agave heart and dark chocolate to shrimp, cheese, and even grasshoppers if you want the full Baja flex.

One possible drawback: if you’re hoping for a super lively back-and-forth Q&A the whole time, some sessions may feel more lecture-style than chat-style. If that matters to you, come ready with specific questions about agave plants, aging, or why mezcal has that smoky edge.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Central check-in, walkable access: Meeting point is in Centro Cabo, so you can fit this around shopping and drinks without a car.
• Private, not a cattle-call: Only your group participates, which makes it easier to ask questions at your pace.
• Nine agave spirits with food pairing: Six tequilas + three mezcals, each matched with snacks that change how the spirit tastes.
• You learn tasting technique, not just labels: The guide walks you through how to smell, sip, and avoid the burn.
• History told in short segments: You get context on tequila’s role in Mexico without it turning into a textbook.
• If you like mezcal, speak up: Some guides build in bonus pours when mezcal is your thing.

Why This Private Cabo Workshop Works So Well

Cabo can be a lot of noise. This experience gives you something calmer: a small tasting room session in the middle of town, right near where you’re already likely to be. The meeting point is at Tequilera Santos Destilados Centro on Calle Mariano Matamoros, in Centro (and it finishes back there too). That’s a big deal when you don’t want to waste time driving before and after.

The vibe is also different because it’s private. You and your group aren’t stuck waiting for other people to show up, and you’re not stuck listening to one-size-fits-all commentary. You’ll have a dedicated guide who can slow down, repeat key points, and steer the tasting based on what you actually like.

This is also timed well. Plan on about 1 hour 30 minutes. Long enough to learn the basics of tequila and mezcal and try multiple expressions, but short enough that you won’t feel like your whole day is gone.

What You’ll Sip: Six Handmade Tequila Varieties and Three Mezcals

The heart of the tour is simple: six handmade tequilas and three mezcal types. That number matters because it’s enough variety to teach you what differences feel like in your glass, not just in a brochure.

Tequila and mezcal both start with agave, but they don’t taste the same. The guide explains how production choices affect flavor—things like the kind of agave used, growing regions, and the way the spirits are processed. You’ll also hear how tequila became Mexico’s signature spirit, and why mezcal sits in its own family of traditions.

In practice, the tasting often feels like moving through flavor lanes:

• you’ll notice softer, sweeter notes versus more intense or herbal edges
• you’ll pick up how aging (and how it’s made) can shift taste and finish
• you’ll recognize mezcal’s smoky profile versus tequila’s more straightforward sip

One fun bonus: several people mention dessert shots or a final extra pour. It’s not guaranteed in the basic overview, but it does seem to happen often enough that you should treat it as a potential perk.

Food Pairings That Make the Spirits Taste Like Something

This is where the tour gets surprisingly smart. The tasting isn’t just “here’s alcohol, good luck.” Each pour is paired with snacks designed to bring out flavors and smooth edges.

You can expect pairings that include:

• agave heart
• dark chocolate
• shrimp, seafood bites, and cheese
• meat and other savory elements
• and, for those who want it, grasshoppers

Grasshoppers deserve a quick reality check. If you’re curious and want the most uniquely Mexican moment, go for a small bite. If you don’t, you can still enjoy the rest of the session—this is not a forced stunt.

The bigger value is how the guide uses snacks to teach tasting. Sweet (like chocolate) can highlight fruit or caramel-like notes. Savory bites help reset your palate and keep you from getting stuck in one flavor mood. That makes the difference between “I drank a lot” and “I learned how to taste.”

If you’re the kind of person who usually skips food pairings on tours, don’t. This is the part that helps everything else make sense.

How the 90 Minutes Flow in the Tasting Room

The session starts at the Tequilera Santos Destilados Centro meeting point in central Cabo. The location is practical: it’s walkable from a lot of hotel and shopping areas, so you can show up without turning the tour into a logistics puzzle.

You’ll check in and meet your guide. Then the pacing usually goes like this:

1. a short introduction to tequila and mezcal (what they are and how they differ)
2. a guided tasting sequence with explanations between sips
3. food pairings that act like flavor “controls” so you can notice changes
4. a final round that may include an extra pour for some groups

You’ll get a mobile ticket, and you don’t need to hunt for paper confirmation. Service animals are allowed, and the venue is near public transportation. Most travelers can participate, but you should treat this like a food-and-alcohol tasting: if you’re not comfortable with sampling spirits, skip it.

One practical tip: take your time with each sip. The point isn’t speed. If you rush, you’ll miss the changes the snacks are meant to reveal.

Guides Like Juan Andres and Luis Turn It From Drinking Into Learning

The standout theme across the best sessions is the guide style. People mention guides like Juan Andres (often jokingly called Johnny Cash of Mexico) and Luis, and the common thread is how they mix storytelling with clear tasting instruction.

It’s not just history for history’s sake. The guide helps you understand how to drink so tequila and mezcal don’t automatically become a “chase it with something” event. You’ll get practical pointers on how to taste—how to approach aroma, how to sip, and how to notice flavors instead of fighting burn.

That matters because tequila tastings can go two ways:

• either you get a boring lecture and a sad lineup of shots
• or you get a guided lesson where each pour has a reason

This leans hard toward the second option, especially when the guide has that playful energy people mention—humor, patience, and a willingness to explain again when something clicks late.

If you’re especially into mezcal, say it early. Some groups report that mentioning mezcal can lead to extra attention or bonus pours.

The Real Value: Is $40 a Good Deal in Cabo?

At $40 per person for about 90 minutes, the math mostly comes down to what’s included. You’re paying for:

• multiple alcohol samples (six tequilas + three mezcals)
• pairing snacks (sweet and savory)
• and a private guide time slot, not just a self-guided stop

In Cabo, buying a few cocktails can hit this price fast. But cocktails don’t teach you the differences between tequila and mezcal or how aging and agave choices affect flavor. This experience gives you structured tasting, with food pairing built in.

Also, it’s private. Even if the total number of tastings feels similar to a bigger group tour, private time usually changes how much you actually get out of it. You can ask questions, and the guide can tailor explanations to your interests.

So yes, it’s a fair price for what you get—especially if you like learning how to taste rather than just collecting souvenirs.

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Not Love It)

This works best if you:

• want a short, educational activity without a full-day commitment
• like tequila and want to understand what you’re tasting
• enjoy food pairings and don’t mind trying something adventurous like grasshoppers
• appreciate private, guided time more than big-group social energy

It’s also a good fit for couples and small groups because the pace is calm and you can talk without competing with a crowd.

You might skip it if you’re looking for a party vibe, because this is a tasting workshop first. You’re not here to dance. You’re here to taste and learn.

Tips to Get the Most From Your Tequila and Mezcal Tasting

Here are a few smart moves that match how the best sessions run:

• Arrive ready to taste, not just to “power through” alcohol. Let the snacks do their job.
• Ask about the differences between tequila expressions and mezcal types early, so you know what to listen for while tasting.
• If mezcal is your main goal, tell your guide at the start. Some groups get extra attention because of it.
• Don’t be afraid to try a small bite of grasshopper if you’re curious. If not, you’ll still have plenty of other pairings.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The Centro area is easy to walk around, and you’ll likely tie this into nearby shopping.

And one more practical thought: since this ends back at the same meeting point, plan the rest of your evening around being close by. You’ll finish feeling curious (not just tipsy), so it’s a good lead-in to dinner or an easy stroll.

Should You Book This Santos Destilados Tequila and Mezcal Experience?

I’d book it if you want an afternoon-sized activity that’s genuinely hands-on: nine tastings, food pairings that change how things taste, and a guide who mixes explanation with personality. The central location makes it easy to slot into a Cabo day without adding transportation stress.

I’d hesitate if you dislike structured tastings, want nonstop conversation, or don’t want to sample alcoholic beverages. In that case, a standard bar stop might feel more your speed.

FAQ

Where does the tequila and mezcal tasting start?

The tour starts at Tequilera Santos Destilados Centro, Calle Mariano Matamoros, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico.

Is this a private experience?

Yes. This is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

How long is the tasting?

It runs about 1 hour 30 minutes.

What’s the price?

The price is $40.00 per person.

What drinks are included?

You’ll taste six handmade tequila varieties and three types of mezcal.

Are food pairings included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included with food pairing.

Is transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included.

What language is it offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

Do they serve grasshoppers?

Grasshoppers are included as a pairing option for those willing to take a bite.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

Is the tour accessible for everyone?

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation.