Mexico Travel Tips & Tequila with Casa Dragones CEO

This week Melissa is joined by a remarkable force in the world of tequila, Bertha Gonzalez Nieves, Mexico's first female master tequila distiller and the co-founder and CEO of Tequila Casa Dragones, an esteemed small-batch tequila distillery based in San Miguel de Allende. Bertha's influence and expertise are widely recognized.

Her accolades are numerous, as she has been named one of the 50 most powerful women in Mexico by Forbes and hailed as one of Mexico's top young businesswomen by Revista Expansion. Bertha worked as an executive at Jose Cuervo International for a decade before launching Casa Dragones, and today the luxury label – recognized worldwide – focuses on handcrafted, small-batch production and sustainable processes.

Melissa also shines a spotlight on San Miguel de Allende, offering a glimpse into the allure of this enchanting place, so if you're planning a trip to San Miguel Allende, you'll want to stay tuned for Melissa's recommendations for restaurants, shopping, and hotels.

If you want more information on the tequila, restaurants, galleries, and hotels mentioned in this week’s episode, click on the links below:

Casa Dragones Tequilas

Joven - made for sipping and pairing with food, the joven is smooth with a hazelnut-hinted finish and is best served neat.

Añejo - featuring notes of fig and roasted almonds with a round finish, the añejo is perfect to sip after dinner.

Reposado - rested in oak casks with notes of apricot and butterscotch, the reposado is best served neat or with one ice cube.

Blanco - crisp and smooth with a bright aftertaste, the blanco is perfect for sipping on the rocks.

Bertha’s Mexico City Favorites

Lunch

Galleries

Bars

Bertha’s San Miguel Favorites

Hotels

Restaurants

Bars

Locations to further experience Casa Dragones in San Miguel

Melissa’s San Miguel Destination Hack

Shopping

Dôce 18 Concept House - a great place to shop at popups; the brands here represent the best in Mexican fashion, art, and design

El Nuevo Mundo - stop here for local handcrafted goods, home decor, jewelry, accessories, and more

Restaurants

Áperi - featuring creative cuisine and a great atmosphere, Melissa recommends trying the delicious tasting menu here

Moxi - located in Hotel Matilda, Michelin star Chef Vicente Torres presents a high-class menu with Mediterranean influence

Luna Tapas Bar - located on the rooftop at the Rosewood Hotel, this spot is great for a cocktail while enjoying the sunset

Cumpanio - a bakery/restaurant near Casa Dragones, Melissa recommends the chicken sandwich for lunch and taking back some of their famous breads

Tacos San Francisco - a small but famous taco truck

Hotels

Rosewood San Miguel - sprawling, luxury hotel that meshes colonial Mexico with cosmopolitan flare

Live Aqua - contemporary hotel on the northern edge of town that captures the historical and cultural charm of San Miguel in its design and features 153 rooms with 5 bars and restaurants

Matilda - a chic boutique hotel in a modern setting

Casa Arca - part of the Dôce 18 Concept House in a bright setting with modern decor

For more information on pairings, daily tastings, dinners and private events at Casa Dragones, check out their website at www.casadragones.com or email Concierge@CasaDragones.com; to arrange a private event at La Casa Dragones contact Indagare at productions@indagare.com.