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

Contramar - the perfect place to enjoy a mid-day meal featuring world-famous seafood with amazing service and a memorable ambiance

San Ángel Inn - serves modern cuisine surrounded by centuries of Mexican history

Galleries

Kurimanzutto - a small, modern art gallery exploring a wide range of exhibitions that highlight works by world-renowned Mexican artists

Gallery OMR - a contemporary space featuring artistic works throughout Mexico and beyond that also opened Lago, a workspace-restaurant where you can have lunch and see the exhibit

Labor - contemporary space representing artists who create projects that question the status quo and reflect on the relationship between art and life

Bars

Limantour - located in Polanco and know for its upscale cocktails, this trendy spot has a classic yet modern touch

Handshake - feels like a 1920s speakeasy and serves classic cocktails

Ticuchi - known as a culinary powerhouse by Chef Enrique Olvera, this bar in Polanca offers a beautiful cocktail list in a dark atmosphere

Bertha’s San Miguel Favorites

Hotels

Matilda - a chic boutique hotel in a modern setting

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

Restaurants

Hortus - located in front of the Plaza of San Miguel, you can sit outside and enjoy the view then head inside and order dinner off the Mediterranean-inspired menu

Atrio - rooftop restaurant offering an incredible view of the town

The Restaurant - Chef Donnie Masterton’s preparation of “world class comfort food” offering a restaurant, bar, and DJ booth with Asian and Mexican influences. His food is also featured at Casa Dragones at pairing dinners

Bars

Bekeb - an artisanal mixology bar in a beautiful setting where you can enjoy the sunset and try drink specialties from Fabiola Padilla, who Bertha considers one of Mexico’s new promises in terms of mixology

Obsidian - the bar in Casa Dragones that is soon to open mixology experiences on Fridays and Saturdays and is covered in 4,000 obsidian tiles that are gathered and crafted from the agave fields

Locations to further experience Casa Dragones in San Miguel

Casa Dragones - the newly renovated headquarters showcases its trademarked blue facade and jungle-like corridor that leads you into the inner courtyard and Obsidian bar. Check out the rooftop for private events and group dinners and keep your eye out for the tequila around town! Reservations must be made in advance.

Dôce 18 Concept House - visit the Casa Dragones tasting room here known as “the world's smallest tequila bar.” This intimate space seats up to six people and is available by reservation only.

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 [email protected]; to arrange a private event at La Casa Dragones contact Indagare at [email protected].