Once upon a time in Mexico

Neil Perry heads to the highlands of Mexico to discover the secret to the world’s best tequila.

We asked Neil Perry to head to the highlands of Mexico, home of the world’s best tequila, to search for ideas to make the Gourmet Traveller 50th birthday party one to remember.

Neil Perry swinging a coa in the agave fields

Piñas ready for roasting

Tequilas ageing in the barrel room

Neil Perry with Patrón distiller Antonio Rodríguez

Neil Perry tasting tequila

Slow-roasted agave

Mariachi band Moya performs on the hacienda terrace

Mariachi band Moya performs on the hacienda terrace

Neil Perry in the Patrón agave fields

Gourmet Traveller’s Pat Nourse in the Patrón agave fields

Neil Perry in the Patrón agave field

The Gourmet Traveller Team

Gourmet Traveller is Australia’s trusted authority on food, travel and luxury lifestyle, bringing the latest news and trends to life through quality journalism, enticing recipes and evocative photography. For more than 55 years, it has been inspiring and informing Australians with the best in cooking, dining, travelling and shopping. Our critics bring the expertise of years of critical eating, drinking and writing to the table. Plus, as the country’s leading title in the luxury sector, Gourmet Traveller works closely with Australia’s leaders in the travel and hospitality industries to give our readers exclusive access. The Gourmet Traveller legacy is one of trust, prestige and relevance.