Mezcal gets way more interesting when you taste it on purpose.

This 2-hour tasting in Quintana Roo is built for your senses: you’ll sample five different mezcals from varying regions and agaves, learn the stories behind mezcal, and get classic pairings—then follow each pour with artisanal Mexican chocolate. It’s part lesson, part tasting flight, and part snack tour, all in a small group setting.

I especially like that it connects the drink to the details that actually change flavor. Two things I really enjoyed are the way the tasting moves through different agave types (so you understand why they taste different) and the chocolate pairing rhythm, which keeps your palate fresh after each glass.

One possible drawback: since this is alcohol-focused tasting with only water included, it’s not the best fit if you prefer a non-alcohol experience or if you’re trying to keep things very light.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Five mezcals, one guided flight: You’ll taste 5 distinctive options instead of one generic pour.
• Chocolate after every mezcal: The pairing isn’t just at the end, so flavors reset and comparisons get easier.
• Traditional snacks plus water: You’re not left eating nothing while you learn.
• Agave variety = flavor differences: The tasting is framed like wine grapes, with agave types changing the outcome.
• Shamira brings the story: A passionate guide uses visuals and storytelling to make mezcal history feel human.

Entering the Zona Nove Tasting Room (and Finding It Fast)

Your biggest “logistics win” is arriving a few minutes early. The meeting point is at the tasting room in ZONA NOVE, and the instruction is simple: ring the bell to come get you. When you arrive, look for a big white wall with an aluminum gate; the bell is on the left, and your guide will be at the main door about 5 minutes before the start time.

The address is C. 9 sur, between C. 6 y 4 Sur, Colonia La Veleta, C.P. 77760. Parking is available on the street outside the building, which makes this easier than some Tulum activities that hide behind complicated pickup systems.

If you’re visiting around this neighborhood, you’ll likely find it convenient to walk or grab a short ride—either way, aim for punctual. This tour is only 2 hours, so the schedule doesn’t have a lot of wiggle room.

The Two-Hour Flow: How the Tasting Really Works

This experience is paced like a flight, not like a random bar crawl. You’ll taste five mezcals, and after each glass you’ll get an artisanal Mexican chocolate pairing. Between pours, traditional snacks help you clear out the previous flavor so you can compare what’s next.

The guide also sets the stage as you go. You’ll learn about mezcal’s history and legends, including how people used it in special ceremonies long ago. The tour also explains production processes and the cultural background tied to mezcal across Mexico.

You’re using your senses the whole time—smell, taste, and then “what did that change?” questions. That’s why the format works: you’re not just drinking. You’re training yourself to notice differences as they happen.

Five Mezcals From Different Regions and Agaves

Here’s the core idea of the tasting: you’ll experience mezcal from different regions and different agaves. The description frames it in a way that clicks fast: like grapes in wine, agave variety shapes flavor and aroma.

The tour doesn’t treat mezcal as one single thing. Instead, it emphasizes that there are many types of agave, and each one gives mezcal its own character. That matters because mezcal can taste smoky, fruity, spicy, herbal, or more earthy depending on what’s been chosen and how it’s made.

You’ll also hear how artisanal production works under strict standards and a denomination of origin. Even if you’ve had mezcal before, this helps you understand why two bottles can feel like different drinks rather than “same thing, different label.”

If you like comparing flavors systematically—sweet vs. dry, smoke level, herbal notes—this format will feel satisfying. It turns a casual drink into a structured tasting experience.

The Traditional Pairings: Fruits, Snacks, and Water Reset

Pairing mezcal the traditional way is more than “chips with alcohol.” In this tasting, the mezcals are paired with traditional snacks and fruits, designed to balance the experience and keep each sample readable.

After each mezcal, you’ll also get chocolate. That’s a smart pairing choice because chocolate can soften harsh edges and create a new flavor bridge between sips. You’ll notice how the sweetness and cocoa notes change how you perceive smoke, warmth, and any herbal character in the mezcal.

Water is included, and it’s there for a reason. Between samples, water helps you stay sharp. This isn’t one of those tastings where you get drunk off a theme; it’s paced for you to actually taste the differences.

One practical note: come with an appetite, but don’t expect a full meal. The snacks and pairing bites are part of the tasting design, not a substitute for dinner.

Why the Mezcal Story Matters (Not Just the Sip)

The guide spends real time on the “why” behind mezcal. You’ll hear legends and history tied to indigenous production, including the idea of mezcal being produced by hand and consumed in special ceremonies. There’s also context around who traditionally drank it—priests, warriors, and nobles—meaning it wasn’t just casual everyday drinking in the telling you’ll hear.

Even if you skip history books, the storytelling helps you understand why mezcal is treated like culture, not just alcohol. When you know the ceremonial role and how production is passed down, the tasting starts to feel more grounded.

One review highlights that the tour didn’t feel rehearsed—it felt like it came from the heart, with great visual aids. That matches what you want in a tasting: someone who can explain without sounding like a script.

If you like tours where the guide connects flavors to place and people, you’ll probably get a lot out of the time spent on origins and legends.

Fine Mexican Chocolate: The Pairing That Changes How You Taste

This is not a chocolate corner with one generic bite. You’ll try fine Mexican cacao, paired with each mezcal glass. The tour also mentions international award-winning Mexican chocolates, which signals that this isn’t just “sweet filler.”

The biggest value of the chocolate component is timing. Having chocolate after each mezcal helps you reset your palate and creates a clear comparison point. Instead of tasting mezcal, then later tasting chocolate, you’re experiencing pairing logic step-by-step.

This is also where the tour can surprise you, even if you’re a chocolate fan. Cocoa can highlight different notes—smoke can feel smoother, fruit can feel brighter, and certain agave profiles can come across more rounded.

You might also see additional products available to purchase after the tasting. One review mentions handmade pottery and chocolates sold on-site afterward, which is a nice way to keep the experience going without turning it into a shopping obligation.

The Guide Matters: Shamira’s Storytelling and Visual Aids

A big reason these tastings work is the guide’s ability to make differences feel clear. Several reviews point to Shamira’s passion for mezcal and chocolate and her friendly, accommodating approach.

What stands out in the feedback is that the experience feels personal and genuine. Shamira uses visual aids and tells stories in a way that keeps you engaged, and she’s also described as highly knowledgeable about the different varieties.

Even if you consider yourself a casual drinker, the explanations help you participate. You’ll understand what you’re tasting and why it’s supposed to taste that way, which makes the final “so what do I remember?” moment much easier.

Small Group, Real Conversation, No Rush

This is a small group tasting limited to 8 participants, and that matters more than people think. With fewer people, you get better spacing for questions and you’re less likely to feel like you’re watching over someone else’s shoulder.

The tour is 2 hours, which is long enough to cover five tastings plus pairing bites, but short enough that you’re not stuck somewhere for half a day. You get a complete experience, then you’re free to continue exploring.

Languages are English and Spanish, so you should be able to find comfort whichever you’re more fluent in. Wheelchair accessibility is listed as available, which is a helpful detail if that matters for you.

Price and Value: Is $102 Worth It?

At $102 per person for a 2-hour guided tasting, the price might look steep if you think of it as “just drinks and chocolate.” But when you break down what you’re actually getting, it’s more reasonable.

You’re receiving:

• 5 different mezcals (not one or two)
• traditional snacks and water
• artisanal Mexican chocolate after each glass
• guided explanation of production, history, legends, and cultural background

In other words, you’re paying for a structured tasting experience with pairing and interpretation. The small group limit helps too, because it increases how much attention you’ll get while you taste.

If your goal is to understand mezcal instead of just sampling it, the cost makes sense. If your goal is only to sip and snack with minimal learning, you might feel like you’re paying for more explanation than you asked for.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)

This tasting is a great fit if you want an intro that’s actually informative. You’ll enjoy it most if you like:

• comparing flavors across different agaves
• learning through food and pairing
• guided storytelling that connects culture to what’s in your glass
• chocolate that’s clearly part of the tasting plan

You may want to skip or consider another option if:

• you don’t drink alcohol much and want a low-alcohol or non-alcohol experience
• you’re the type who gets bored with guided explanation and prefers a self-guided stop
• you’re short on time and need something less structured than a 2-hour session

If you’re visiting Tulum and want one “worth it” activity that feels local and thoughtful, this hits the mark.

Should You Book This Mezcal and Chocolate Tasting?

I’d book it if you want a clear, step-by-step way to learn mezcal without turning it into a heavy lecture. The pairing format—mezcals first, chocolate after each pour—makes the learning easier because you can taste the differences while your palate is still fresh.

You should also book if fine Mexican cacao and thoughtful food pairing matter to you. This isn’t just sweet chocolate on the side; it’s part of the tasting design, and that’s what makes it memorable.

If you only want a quick drink with minimal explanation, then you might feel the tour is more structured than you need. But for most people who love food, drink, and a good story, it’s a solid choice.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Artisanal Mezcal & Fine Chocolate Tasting?

The experience lasts 2 hours.

How many mezcals will I taste?

You’ll enjoy 5 different mezcals during the guided tasting.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The tour includes a guided mezcal tasting featuring five mezcals, artisanal chocolate pairings, traditional mezcal snacks, and water.

Is the tasting guided, and what languages are offered?

Yes, it’s a live guided tour, available in English and Spanish.

What’s the group size?

It’s a small group limited to 8 participants.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at the tasting room in ZONA NOVE (C. 9 sur, between C. 6 y 4 Sur, Colonia La Veleta, C.P. 77760). Ring the bell on arrival and wait by the main door; your guide will be there about 5 minutes before the starting time.

Is parking available?

Parking is available on the street outside of the building.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair accessibility is listed as available.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.