Tequila Serves Up A Shot Of Romance

Tequila – the town, not the drink - is a hot spot to celebrate and Mundo Cuervo: The Agave-Blue Magical Town is where you need to be. If you’re in search of a warm, tequila-drenched and romanceworthy destination, the small historical city of Tequila, Jalisco, will take you a step back in time with an enchanting agaveblue romance experience highlighting the local culture, history, and traditions characteristic of this pueblo mágico or magical town. With an average summer temperature of 75 degrees, Tequila is a perfect summer destination to enjoy in Mexico. Fly into the city of Guadalajara (transportation from the airport to the hotel is included if you choose a package offer) and explore the city in a succulent culinary journey through Tequila.

Start with an excursion aboard the antique all-you-can-drink Jose Cuervo Express tequila train from Guadalajara to Tequila, where you can indulge in a tequila tasting and accompanying bites as you roll through parts of the city enjoying scenes of everyday life. The interiors of the train are elaborately furnished so you can travel in comfort.

Follow that up with an exploration of the agave fields on foot or on horseback. Your tour teaches you everything about the agave harvest, how the baby agave plants are harvested, known as ‘hijuelos’ or ‘little children’, by the women of Tequila, and how the fully mature plants are carved by the jimadores before sending the pineapple-shaped core to the factory for its making into tequila. The endless fields of agave crop at the foothills of the volcano it is situated on are a sight to behold, especially at sunrise or sunset.

The tequila agave is native to the states of Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit and Aguascalientes in Mexico. This robust, spiky plant, perfectly adapted to the sandy soil and dry lands of Mexico, reaches maturity and is harvested after seven years of growth. Historically the cultivation, and annual replanting of the agave blooms, is left to the women of Tequila. After the bloom stalk sheds its flowers, small perfect plants called bulbils form where blooms detach. They are the back-up plan for reproduction because conditions are so dry that it’s rare for some agave to grow from seed in the wild.

It is only natural after that experience to close up with a tour of Latin America’s oldest distillery, La Rojeña, where you can blend your own Reserva de la Familia celebratory tequila bottle, a perfect keepsake from your getaway. The Master Tequila Blending Experience gives you the opportunity to craft your own blend, combining aromas and flavors to create your personal and special tequila and take it in your own demijohn (a large-bodied, small-mouthed, long-necked bottle).

For your fill of art, history and culture, head for a tour of the Juan Beckmann Gallardo Cultural Center, which celebrates Mexican pride and identity with exhibits of modern and pre-Columbian art, as well as traditions such as the charrería equestrian heritage of Mexico, declared National Patrimony. The Hacienda el Centenario, the newlyconstructed events center which combines elegant green gardens, a colonial architecture central gazebo, and dinners served under the open blue skies of Tequila or in luxurious beautifullyappointed salons spells romance in every way.

After the day of exploration, tuck away for some deep relaxation at the colonial-style hotel El Solar de las Animas for spa treatments and sunset cocktails at the infinity pool as the church bells sound in the late afternoon sun. The Hotel is based on a Creole colonial house and is typical of Mexican architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. Enjoy state-ofthe-art technology and comfort blended in perfect harmony with the elegant colonial décor. Amenities include three restaurants and bars, two pools, a spa and a gym. Their chef tantalizes the palate by bringing long-lost culinary traditions to your dining experience. Another stay option is Hotel Villa Tequila, which features an old farmhouse, designed in the style of the homes of the 19th century. Quiet and tucked away from the bustle of the town, this property reflects the longing for the past, a faithful witness of the quiet and traditional life that locals lived. With a discreet facade, its interiors surprise with details of great style and tradition, which preserves some of its original furniture. Amenities include two bars, a restaurant and a pool.

For gifts to take home to friends and family made from agave plants, pick up some hand-bound books made of agave paper, agave-fiber slippers, sweet agave honey and natural agave soap that can be packed away to share the Tequila love back home. And if you are planning on when to visit next then National Tequila Day in July would be perfect!

Another fantastic time to visit is in December during the culinary festival called Fogones y Metates (‘Ovens and Fans’ in Spanish), which brings together women from all over the region of Jalisco to share and preserve centuriesold culinary traditions, many of them using native ingredients such as black corn, which are unfortunately becoming extinct. Thanks to the historical memory of the women of Tequila, and the effort of Mundo Cuervo’s foundation, both the recipes and the unique ingredients are positioned to survive for future generations to enjoy. Preserving centuriesold culinary traditions and local ingredients is seen as a legacy to behold as part of the local cultural heritage and numerous activities to cherish the local culture are available. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, no doubt, and one that will have you truly valuing your time spent in this magical town.

(Images: Ruksana Hussain)

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