Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – If you had told my 20-year-old self that one day I would be sipping tequila with appreciation, discussing the nuances of agave, and declaring mezcal my new favorite spirit, I would have laughed.
My first encounter with tequila happened in Tijuana when I was 20 years old. Like so many first tequila stories, it didn’t end well. It ended with one of the worst hangovers of my life, lasting several days, and me swearing off tequila forever.
For nearly three decades, I kept that promise. What I didn’t realize at the time was that not all tequila is created equal. The tequila many of us are introduced to outside of Mexico is often a far cry from the beautifully crafted spirits produced using traditional methods here.
That all changed when I attended a Spirits Of Mexico Tasting with Vallarta Tequila Tastings.
Rather than simply sitting through another tasting where someone pours samples into tiny glasses while reciting facts, I found myself on a fascinating journey across Mexico. Corinna guided us through the country’s rich spirit-making traditions using maps, photographs, videos, stories, and, of course, generous tastings. Every region, every bottle, and every sip had a story behind it, making the entire experience feel less like a class and more like traveling through Mexico without ever leaving my seat.
One of the biggest surprises for me came when Corinna passed around pieces of roasted mature agave. I had never tasted agave before and expected it to be bitter. Instead, it was naturally sweet, reminding me of a roasted sweet potato. It gave me an entirely new appreciation for the incredible plant that serves as the foundation for so many of Mexico’s iconic spirits.
Throughout the tasting, Corinna explained how traditional tequila is made and why quality matters. Many of the large commercial brands found in the United States rely on industrial processes designed for speed and volume. Some use large industrial ovens or diffusers to rapidly process the agave instead of allowing it to slowly cook using traditional methods that preserve the complexity, sweetness, and character of the plant. Like so many things in life, taking shortcuts often comes at the expense of quality.
Listening to Corinna speak, it quickly became obvious that this isn’t simply a business – it’s a passion. That passion began more than 17 years ago with Corinna and her husband, Lobo. They started hosting tequila tastings on the patio of their home, sharing their love of Mexican spirits with friends and visitors. Word spread quickly, and before long, they had completely outgrown their patio.
Four years ago, Vallarta Tequila Tastings moved into its current location in Versalles, where guests from around the world continue to discover that tequila is so much more than a party drink. It is history, agriculture, craftsmanship, culture, and family tradition poured into a glass.
Then life took an unexpected turn.
Today, it is impossible not to notice the joy she brings to every tasting. She tells stories with warmth and humor, answers questions with incredible depth of knowledge, and somehow makes two hours fly by. At no point did it feel like information was being forced upon us. Instead, every story, every photograph, every sample, and every video added another layer to the experience. You leave not only having tasted exceptional spirits but also understanding the people, regions, traditions, and craftsmanship behind them.
By the end of the evening, I found myself doing something I never thought possible – I was genuinely enjoying tequila. Even more surprising, I discovered that mezcal has become my new favorite spirit. Sometimes all it takes is the right teacher to completely change your perspective.
Whether you’re already a tequila enthusiast or someone whose only tequila memories involve poor college decisions like mine, Vallarta Tequila Tastings offers an unforgettable experience. It’s educational without being overwhelming, entertaining without being gimmicky, and interactive from beginning to end. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Mexico’s incredible spirits, the agave plant, and the generations of artisans who continue to preserve these traditions.
After more than 17 years of sharing Mexico’s rich spirit culture, Corinna is preparing for the next chapter. She is currently searching for a new home for Vallarta Tequila Tastings, ideally a restaurant-style location in the downtown area with an apartment above it. If you happen to know of a property that fits that description, she’d love to hear from you.
As for me, I never thought I’d give tequila a second chance.
I’m certainly glad I did.
Have a Healthy day!
Heather
Heather Gray, FDN-P, is a master certified health practitioner, best-selling author, speaker, stand-up comedian, and host of the Renegade Health Boss podcast. A proud Puerto Vallarta resident, she shares her passion for health, resilience, and personal transformation while enjoying the adventure, community, and fresh perspective she found in Mexico.