In resort towns across Mexico, the hospitality industry is celebrating all things agave, the sacred native succulent that provides the nectar for tequila, mezcal and other spirits.

Agave spirits were the second-fastest-growing category by revenue and volume in the U.S. in 2022, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

Now that visitors to Mexico are more interested in agave spirits, hospitality pros are expanding programs that educate guests about the tradition and craft of distilling them. Many hotels and restaurants offer experiences designed to teach while tasting.

At Vista Encantada Resort (part of the Hacienda Encantada Resort) in Cabo San Lucas, nightly guided tequila tastings and cocktail classes are available at the outdoor Museo del Tequila. Steered by tequila sommelier Consuela Cervantes, we tasted four types of tequila and enjoyed locally sourced accents such as roasted pineapple and hibiscus salt to enhance the pairings. The resort offers this friendly, entry-level program 10 times each week for $30 per person.

By Lisa Futterman