Photo Bodega el Llegado

Wineries and Wine Tasting

Uruguay produces incredible wines. Uruguay is a country of small-scale, family-owned wineries with a European winemaking tradition.

Although Uruguayan wines have gained international recognition in recent years, most of the wines are consumed domestically, so the best way to sample the varieties unique to Uruguay is to visit one or more of the local wineries!

Owner of Bodega El Llegado in Carmelo Uruguay

Bernardo, the owner, generally receives visitors for tours and tastings.

Most Uruguayan bodegas are owned and operated as family businesses, some dating back multiple generations.

When you visit a traditional family-owned winery, you will have a beautiful experience next to the vineyards, learn about the elaboration process, visit the wine cellar, and taste exquisite wines accompanied by picadas (cheeses, cold side dishes and bread) or a gourmet meal.

Some wineries are very small and offer simple, intimate tastings, while others are premium well-organized experiences. Our experts can help you customize your tours to offer you an exclusive wine experience tailored to your interests.

Wine tasting at Bodega El Llegado, Carmelo Region. Photo El Legado.

Carmelo Wine Region, an hour’s drive north of Colonia del Sacramento, has been called the Uruguayan Tuscany. Winery visits in Carmelo are more like long social visits than the quick tastings of bigger wine regions. With true Uruguayan hospitality, the owners will gladly share their passion for wine and family stories with you... read more

Carmelo Wine Region

Charming Carmelo, in western Uruguay an hour’s drive north of Colonia del Sacramento, has been called the Uruguayan Tuscany. Uruguay exports only about 10 per cent of its total, tiny wine yield, meaning that your winery visits may be the only way we'd ever get to taste most of these wines.

Carmelo hosts eight boutique wineries and is Uruguay’s largest wine-producing area outside of Montevideo and Canelones; Carmelo is characterized by small, family-run wineries. Irurtia is the largest, producing 100,000 bottles of fine wine each year, whereas El Llegado produces just 3,000 bottles per year.

Visiting a winery and tasting the wines is a leisurely activity - we suggest visiting only two per day, three if you are really motivated. Winery visits in Carmelo are more like long social visits than the quick tastings of bigger wine regions. Tastings are generally owner-led and fees include generous wine pours (usually full glasses) and a picada snack plate.

Each vineyard is very different one from the other - though what they have in common is that the person guiding you around and serving you wine will be the owner or principal wine-maker... and they all have a story. With true Uruguayan hospitality, the owners will gladly share their passion for wine and family stories with you.

Canelones Wine Region, the largest and most important wine region in Uruguay, is home to over 60% of the country's wine production. Within an hour of Montevideo, the region beckons with many vineyards accepting visitors for tastings... read more

Canelones Wine Region

Canelones, the largest and most important wine region in Uruguay, is home to over 60% of the country's wine production. With a mild Atlantic climate and rolling hillsides, Canelones offers refreshing coastal breezes and clay soils suited for wine production. Canelones winemakers are not slow to point out the similarities between the climate in Canelones and that in Bordeaux France. There are many different varieties planted here (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, etc.), however, the region is renowned for being the home of Tannat.

Within an hour of Montevideo, Uruguay’s Canelones wine region beckons with more than 80 vineyards, many accepting visitors for tastings. Popular wineries open to visitors include: Juanicó, Bodega Marichal, Pizzorno Family Estates and Bodega Artesana, Bodegas Carraú and Bodega Bouza,

In addition to tours of the vineyards, production areas and caves, as well as tastings paired with hor d'oeuvres, many of the wineries also offer restaurants serving gourmet meals.

Maldonado Wine Region is a growing hot spot for Uruguayan wine. The drive through the hills offer some of the most picturesque landscapes in Uruguay, a journey that will bring you through rolling landscapes, olive-growing areas, cow pastures, orchards, as well as terraced vineyards... read more

Maldonado Wine Region

Maldonado is a growing hot spot for Uruguayan wine. The drive through the hills offer some of the most picturesque landscapes in Uruguay, a journey that will bring you through rolling landscapes, olive-growing areas, cow pastures, orchards, as well as terraced vineyards.

The soil in this region boasts better drainage and a mix of granite, crystalline rocks, and sandy soils. With higher hills and cooler climate with a stronger maritime influence, cooler temperatures and wind reduce the humidity and can help make more aromatic wines with higher acidity and better vine health.

In Maldonado, the flagship winery is Bodega Garzón, the largest producer in Maldonado, and one of Uruguay’s leading exporters, founded by Argentine billionaire Alejandro Bulgheroni. Garzón was crowned New World Winery of the Year 2018 by the Wine Enthusiast. Viña Edén is one of the newest facilities, including tours with electric vehicles and an exquisite, modern restaurant with picture windows offering a spectacular view of the landscape.

Tannat grapes in vineyard at Bodega Bouza

Tannat wine is considered an important part of Uruguay's national heritage.

Although wineries will typically make a variety of blends, the signature wine of Uruguay is made with rare tannat grapes, a variety originally brought from France that has adapted superbly to the Uruguayan soil and climate.

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We have a deep respect for local people, communities and cultures. In addition to must-see sites, we can also recommend unique and boutique sites that allow you to experience the true heart and soul of the culture.

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