Tracy Iseminger
You can’t make a trip to Guadalajara without visiting the world’s oldest tequila distillery, Casa Herradura. They’ve produced super-premium 100% agave tequila at the Hacienda San Jose del Refugio since 1870.
Transportation to Casa Herradura
Take the train! The whole family can go this way, and you don’t have to worry about getting lost or enjoying their signature margarita. You can sit back, relax and enjoy the quick 90-minute train ride in comfort.
The Tequila Herradura Express experience begins with an exclusive journey inside a customized luxury train to La Hacienda San José del Refugio at Casa Herradura, a magical destination that for more than 146 years has produced one of the finest tequilas in the world. Guests will enjoy contemporary accommodations including comfortable seating, immaculate views and superior food and beverage on board.
Your ticket on board includes a full day experience. You depart the Guadalajara station at 9 am and enjoy a guided tour, lunch and entertainment at the Hacienda arriving back in the Guadalajara station at 7:30 pm.
The Tradition of Casa Herradura
Taking a walk through the grounds and listening to the passion of Ruben Aceves, Global Brand Ambassador, you know that quality and tradition always come first. Casa Herradura is renowned for being the tequila industry’s foremost innovator for more than five generations and their passion shows. Take a peek at our tequila tasting notes before the tour, so you’ll be an expert!
Casa Herradura Tradition
It all starts with growing the agave in the perfect soil, replanting the agave babies and harvesting at seven years of age or more.
Next up is slowly cooking the agave hearts in traditional clay ovens, this turns the starch to sugar so it can then be fermented.
The natural fermentation process works with the airborne wild yeast created by the agave plantations and fruit trees surrounding the Hacienda including:
- Guamuchiles
- Tamarind
- Mango
- Lemons
- Limes
- Pomegranate
- Arrayan
- Grapefruit
- Guava
- Coconut
All the tequila is aged in 55-gallon oak barrels, mainly from American White Oak but the premium selections use imported.
The old factory tour including the ghost story was my favorite part.
The opportunity to walk around the grounds and explore the last real Tequila-producing hacienda on the planet was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. They loved answering questions and had a passion for walking you through Casa Herradura’s history including how technology and innovation have helped with their process.
Casa Herradura is always setting the standard in the industry and have been credited with the introduction of the world’s first-ever reposado and extra-añejo tequilas in 1974 and 1995, respectively.
Take the time to walk the grounds and enjoy everything the Hacienda has to offer. It is remarkable that this property has been around since 1870 if only the trees could talk. You honestly don’t realize how much history is waiting for you as you walk through the entrance to Casa Herradura.
With a tour steeped in tradition, you’ll leave with a new love for Tequila Herradura as you board the train on your way back to Guadalajara.
