Finca 18 Puerto Vallarta Tequila Tour + Chocolate Pairing

Finca 18 gives you something most Puerto Vallarta tequila outings do not: a look at agave growing and small-scale distilling in the countryside. On this 12-acre ranch, guides explain the work from nursery and field to cooking, distillation, and bottling. The family has roots in the area going back more than 150 years.

I like the small group size, capped at 10, and the tasting itself, which goes well beyond quick shots. You get five or more agave spirits, chocolate pairing, guacamole, cooked agave, and ranch-made dehydrated snacks. The main drawback is the location. Finca 18 sits outside central Puerto Vallarta, so the ride can take close to an hour from the Romantic Zone.

• A working 12-acre ranch: See agave plants, the nursery, ovens, and distillery equipment.
• A serious tasting session: Sample five or more agave spirits in a guided, sommelier-style class.
• Chocolate pairing included: Local chocolate adds a sweet contrast to tequila, mezcal, raicilla, and other pours.
• A family-run setting: The ranch has more than 150 years of family roots in Puerto Vallarta.
• Small groups matter: With no more than 10 people, questions and conversation are easier.
• Plan your ride: The experience ends where it starts, outside the main hotel zone.

Why Finca 18 Feels Different From a City Tasting

Many tequila tastings in Puerto Vallarta take place in town, inside a shop, bar, or restaurant. Finca 18 asks you to leave the city behind and head toward Ixtapa, where the setting becomes part of the lesson.

That extra distance has a payoff. You see agave in the ground rather than only a bottle on a shelf. You walk around an old ranch, hear about the family connection to the property, and visit a distillery that is still building its identity. This is not a large factory with a polished production line. It is a small operation focused on artisanal agave spirits.

I especially like that the experience begins with a welcome cocktail, fresh fruit, and cold filtered water. That sounds simple, but it makes the arrival feel relaxed rather than rushed. The ranch dogs also tend to be part of the welcome, with Luna and the other friendly dogs becoming unofficial hosts.

The tone is friendly and personal. Depending on the day, you might meet Mario, Greg, Alex, Emily, or Javier. The guides are central to the experience because much of the value comes from their explanations and willingness to answer questions.

Arriving at the 12-Acre Ranch

Finca 18 is located at Carr Las Palmas KM 18 in Ixtapa, near El Colorado. The exact travel time depends on where you are staying, but the trip from the Romantic Zone has taken some people about an hour. That makes the tour less convenient than an activity in central Puerto Vallarta, yet the countryside setting is one of its main attractions.

You can use a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided when you book. The tour is offered in English. Since the activity returns to the same meeting point, you need to arrange both directions unless the provider has helped with a private transfer.

Several people have used Uber for part of the journey. Another practical option is to take an Uber to the airport and meet a pre-arranged transfer from there, if that service is available for your booking. One useful return tip is to get dropped at the pedestrian bridge near the airport, cross the road, and request an Uber from the other side. This can avoid airport pickup fees.

Do not treat transportation as an afterthought. A cruise passenger may need extra time to leave the ship, reach the ranch, and return to the port. The experience itself lasts about two hours, but the full outing can take much longer once you add the drive.

Welcome Cocktail, Fruit, and a Gentle Start

On arrival, you receive a welcome cocktail, fresh fruit, and cold water. The cocktail is often one of the most enjoyable small touches because it sets up the tasting without beginning with a strong pour.

This is also your chance to sign the required liability waiver and get comfortable before the walking portion. You may have time for photographs and additional cocktails or appetizers later, but the included snacks are meant to support the tasting, not replace a full meal.

That distinction matters. The ranch serves guacamole, cooked agave from its ovens, and dehydrated snacks made on site. These are interesting accompaniments and good palate breaks, but you should eat a proper meal before arriving if you are expecting lunch.

Walking Through Agave From Nursery to Distillery

The tour follows the basic path of agave spirits. You visit the agave nursery and fields, then learn how the plants are selected and grown. From there, the guides explain cooking, extraction, fermentation, distillation, and bottling.

The walk gives you useful context for the tasting. Instead of hearing only that a spirit is made from agave, you see the plants and the equipment connected to the process. The property itself is attractive and peaceful, with old ranch buildings and open space that make a good backdrop for photos.

Seasonal timing can affect what you see. At some times of year, the production process may not be active, so there may be no live cooking or distilling during your visit. The presentation still covers the stages in detail, but anyone hoping to watch a full batch being made should keep this limitation in mind.

The guides also explain the difference between agave spirits. The tasting can include tequila, mezcal, raicilla, and Finca 18’s own small-batch expressions. That wider focus is important. You are not simply comparing brands of the same drink. You are learning how different plants, methods, vessels, and aging choices shape the final flavor.

The Five-Plus Pour Tasting

The tasting is the heart of the visit. You receive at least five pours, and some sessions have included six or seven. The spirits are presented in a guided class rather than handed over without explanation.

The order and details can vary, but the aim is to compare different styles side by side. You learn how a blanco or unaged spirit differs from a reposado, how mezcal brings a different character, and how other agave-based drinks fit into the larger picture.

I like the educational approach because it gives you a way to taste with purpose. You can pay attention to aroma, texture, sweetness, smoke, and finish instead of simply deciding which shot feels strongest. The guides explain what you are drinking and why it tastes the way it does.

Finca 18 is also working with small batches, so bottles may not taste exactly the same from one production run to another. That can be a plus if you enjoy craft spirits and changing releases. It can be less appealing if you want a standard product that tastes identical every time.

Some pours named by people who enjoyed the tasting include Mi Compa, Mezcal, and Madera. The selection available on your visit may differ. Bottles, extra pours, beer, and wine are available to buy, subject to what is in stock.

Why Add the Chocolate Pairing

The chocolate pairing is the best add-on for most people who enjoy tasting rather than simply drinking. The sweet, bitter, and roasted notes in chocolate can bring out new qualities in agave spirits, especially when a pour has smoke, oak, spice, or caramel notes.

The pairing is described as award-winning chocolate, and it is presented as part of the tasting experience. You also get guacamole, cooked agave, and dehydrated ranch snacks to clear and refresh your palate.

I would choose the chocolate option if you are curious about flavor combinations or if one person in your group is less interested in tequila. It gives the tasting another angle and makes the session more social. It is also a smart choice for a birthday or other special occasion.

Do not expect the food portion to be a full meal. One practical tip is to eat before you arrive. The snacks are tasting accessories, not substantial lunch fare.

A Family Ranch With Real Character

The family connection gives the tour a stronger sense of place. Finca 18 is not presented as a generic drinking stop. You hear about a family with more than 150 years of roots in Puerto Vallarta, then walk through a property where the past and the new distillery work side by side.

The operation is also a startup in the process of developing its range of agave spirits. That means you may see a young brand still testing ideas and building its collection. It also means the visit can feel more personal than a highly commercial tequila attraction.

The staff are a major part of that atmosphere. Greg is often involved in hosting and explaining the craft, while Mario has led walks around the property. Alex, Emily, and Javier have also been singled out for their warm service and clear explanations.

The dogs add charm, but they are not the reason to book. The real draw is the combination of field, ranch, distillery, and tasting. Still, if you like friendly animals, Luna and the other dogs may make the welcome even more memorable.

The Gift Shop and Buying Bottles

The tour ends back at the meeting point, where you can browse bottles and gifts. Extra pours, beer, and wine are also available for purchase.

This is a useful stop if you want to take home something connected to the visit. One person chose a reposado, while other bottles may include different small-batch agave spirits. Availability can change, so do not arrive with a specific expression guaranteed.

I appreciate that the purchase comes after the educational portion. You have time to decide what you actually liked instead of buying a bottle before you know the differences. The experience is not built around pushing sales, and the gift shop gives you an option rather than an obligation.

Remember to think about airline and customs rules if you are flying home with bottles. Those rules are outside the tour price and vary by destination.

Is $89.41 a Fair Price?

At $89.41 per person, Finca 18 is not a cheap drink stop. The value depends on what you want from a tasting.

If you only want a few tequila samples in town, you can likely find a less expensive option. Finca 18 includes more: a welcome cocktail, a guided property walk, an explanation of the distillery, five or more pours, chocolate pairing, guacamole, ranch snacks, water, and access to a family-run setting.

The price makes more sense if you value instruction and atmosphere. You are paying for the small group, the time with the guides, the ranch visit, and the chance to understand how agave spirits are made. It is also a good fit for a special occasion where the setting matters as much as the drink.

The value drops if you dislike long transfers, want a full meal, or prefer a large commercial tour with a busy schedule and plenty of entertainment. One negative experience described the tour as less worthwhile than another city tasting. That is a fair warning: this is a quieter, more focused experience, not a party excursion.

Who Should Book This Experience?

I would recommend Finca 18 to adults who enjoy spirits, food pairings, local production, and small-group activities. It suits couples, families with adult children, friends, solo visitors, and people marking a birthday or anniversary.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want to see agave plants in the field.
• You want more than a standard tequila sampling.
• You enjoy asking questions in a small group.
• You like family-run businesses and rural settings.
• You want to compare tequila with mezcal, raicilla, and other agave spirits.
• You are willing to arrange a longer ride outside central Puerto Vallarta.

It is less suitable if you have trouble walking. The experience includes movement around the ranch, and the activity is not recommended for people with walking difficulties. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate.

The maximum group size is 10, although larger private parties have also arranged visits. If a quiet, personal setting matters to you, confirm the group details when booking.

Booking Advice and Cancellation Rules

The experience is often booked about 17 days ahead, so I would reserve early if your dates are fixed. A mobile ticket is accepted, and the tour is conducted in English.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that 24-hour window, the payment is not refunded and changes are not accepted. Cutoff times use local Puerto Vallarta time.

Build transportation time into your day, especially if you are visiting from a cruise ship or have an evening flight. The tour returns to Finca 18, so make sure you know how you will get back before you set out.

The Bottom Line: A Good Choice for Curious Drinkers

Book Finca 18 if you want to understand agave spirits in the place where the plants grow and the bottles are made. The strongest parts are the small group, the family ranch, the thoughtful tasting, and the chocolate pairing.

Skip it if you want a central location, a hearty meal, or a loud party atmosphere. The ride is real, and production may not be running during your visit. For people who value craft, conversation, and a peaceful setting, the distance is a reasonable trade.

FAQ

Where does the Finca 18 tour begin?

It begins at Finca 18 Agave Spirits Distillery at Carr Las Palmas KM 18, Ixtapa, Centro, 48280 El Colorado, Jalisco, Mexico.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the Finca 18 meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The scheduled experience lasts about two hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $89.41 per person.

Is transportation included?

The supplied tour details do not list transportation as an included feature. You need to plan how to reach Finca 18 and return from the meeting point.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of 10 participants.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

What drinks are included?

You receive a welcome cocktail and five or more tasting pours of agave spirits. Extra pours, beer, and wine are available for purchase.

Is the chocolate pairing included?

The experience includes an award-winning chocolate pairing. It is presented with the agave spirits tasting.

Is the tour suitable for people with walking difficulties?

No. The activity is not recommended for people who have trouble walking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.