If you want to combine an itinerary in Uruguay full of wineries, this is the right post for you. We wrote down all the tips on the best wineries in Uruguay that you need to visit.
From the spectacular beaches of Punta Del Este and Joseph Ignatius, at historic Sacramento Colony, o Uruguay there's a lot to explore from end to end. During the various attractions, the pause to enjoy the gastronomy is practically indispensable. And the break should not only be for filling spoons of the famous dulce de leche, but also for getting to know the most incredible wineries in Uruguay.
It's about a good glass of wine that we're going to talk about today. Or rather – not one – several of them. We embarked on the traditional Wine Route in Uruguay, which is recognized worldwide for the grapes that perfectly harmonize with the country's delicious meats.
Separate your glass and let's get to know the Uruguay wineries!
In this post you will see:
- Uruguayan wines
- The Wine Route and the wineries in Uruguay
- Map of Wineries in Uruguay
- Wineries in Uruguay – Montevideo Region
- Wineries in Uruguay – Punta del Leste Region
- Wineries in Uruguay on the Border with Spain
- Where to stay when visiting wineries in Uruguay
- Uruguay Travel Insurance
Uruguayan wines
Uruguayan wines are internationally recognized for pairing well with meats. Among the strains, or varieties of grapes, that have stood out, is Tannat.
This type of grape has an intense, serious and austere character. Its cultivation was so successful that Uruguay became the world's largest producer of this type of grape. So here's the tip, you have to try it when you're there!
The Tannat grape is rich in resvaratrol, a very beneficial substance for health, which helps to reduce bad cholesterol and fight cancer. In other words, taking a trip to the vineyards of Uruguay is a matter of health! Salud!
The Wine Route and the wineries in Uruguay
Most of Uruguay's wineries are located in Canelones and Montevideo. About 40 minutes away from the city, it is possible to start the route and stop at each one of them to taste wines, meats, empanadas and other Uruguayan delicacies.
#AnotaADica: Breaking the Wine Route script into two days is a good idea. Thus, it is possible to calmly walk the path that connects them.
The Uruguay Winery Route can start and end in Montevideo, the Uruguayan capital, or you can go on to discover other wineries close to Punta del Este, specifically in the Maldonado region.
The good news, for the Gauchos, is that on the border with Spain – much further away from the main cities in Uruguay – there is also a winery that deserves to be included in the list, in the Riviera region.
We write about each of them below.
Map of Wineries in Uruguay
Wineries in Uruguay – Montevideo Region
1 – Pizzorno Family Estates
Founded in 1910 by Don Próspero José Pizzorno, the winery remains under the control of the family that bears the same name. Now managed by a young innovator, Francisco Pizzorno, just 25 years old. Under his command, the property is preparing to open an inn in September.
Located in Canelones, 20 km from Montevideo, the winery is one of the most secular and traditional in the region. Among the highlights is the iconic Tannat made by carbonic maceration. It's worth the stop and the tasting.
Packages range from 30 dollars for a classic tasting with 4 wines or with lunch for 35 dollars per person. If you want something more exclusive, Pizzorno offers the premium tasting, including a helicopter flight through the vineyard for US$350 per person.
The winery also offers accommodation, Pizzorno Lodge & Wine, with daily rates from R$ 360 with breakfast included.
2 – Bodega Spinoglio
One of the wineries that impresses not only for its structure – but also for its incredible landscape. She is beautiful from the entrance to the tasting time.
The property still has well-preserved old machines. The house wine is named after Valle de Las Lágrimas. It is even sold in the south of Spain.
He blends three red winery guard grapes. To complete, it is worth keeping an eye out to find out when the couple Diego and Alejandra Spinoglio, who run the property, will launch the inn. They have a project to build four rooms inside old concrete vats of 50 thousand liters each. Ever wonder?
Packages range from 30 to 70 dollars per person, all lasting 2 hours. There is also the possibility of lunch paired with wines.
3 – Viña Varela Zarranz
A colonial mansion and giant French oak barrels make the passage to the winery seem like a journey back in time. There are 130 years of history of this winery in Uruguay.
The property offers tours that show several counterpoints between the old and the modern, such as the beautiful and modern tasting room that contrasts with the old barrels that came by ship decades ago.
The winery is familiar and sophisticated. It also has a winemakers course that can be taken by tourists. Mariana, the wine tourism administrator on site, presents everything with mastery. Worth the stop.
Packages range from 30 to 75 dollars per person, lasting 2 to 3 hours depending on the guided tour chosen. There is also the possibility of lunch paired with wines.
4 – Vineyard of the Winds
One of the most rustic wineries on the Uruguayan wine route, but also one of the most welcoming.
At the reception, the couple responsible for the winery welcome visitors with delicious homemade empanadas. Afterwards, they tell about the soil, the plantation and the history of the place. The place is still in front of a church built by Oscar Niemeyer.
Returning to the wines, there they are made in an innovative method, using their own technique. The result is original flavors that are successful.
5 – Marichal Winery
Bodega Marichal carries a tradition that begins with its construction, in 1938. Since then, the place has been managed by four generations of the family.
On the guided tour of the winery, we visit vineyards, go through the winemaking process at the winery and end with a great wine tasting accompanied by the famous Uruguayan empanadas.
The restaurant is another highlight. They offer a lunch with roasted meats and fresh salads. It is also worth accompanying the sommelier and winemaker Lorena, who teaches a class on wines during the tasting.
The winery produces a high range of grapes that go beyond Tannat, and pass through Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
6 – Establishment Juanicó and Deicas Family
Establecimiento Juanicó and Deicas families is one of the most imposing wineries in Uruguay and one of the oldest in the country. It is one of those places where the stop is mandatory.
The structure is super well preserved leading to another very interesting time travel.
They produce wines that are successful among Brazilians. One of the best is the Prelude, which is worth a try. Don Pascual, made by them, is the best-selling Uruguayan wine in the country.
The guided tour is very nice, made by Pedro – a gaucho specialist in the subject. The packages range from 30 to 90 dollars per person, if you prefer, they also offer a transfer for 30 dollars.
There is also the possibility of lunch paired with wines at the Bodega restaurant.
7 – Artisan Winery
For those who like modern wineries, Bodega Artesana is an excellent option. The bodega's secret lies in producing high quality wines on a small scale.
The bodega is known for producing grapes Movie zinfancenary and a lot of naturedel, typical of California soils. Despite being a more complex grape to grow in Uruguayan soil, the place delivers an exceptional wine. It is also worth tasting the Tannat grape jelly – here's a tip.
Bodega Artesana offers two packages of guided tours. Tasting of 3 wines from the winery from 30 dollars. The other option is the lunch paired with wines from 50 dollars per person. The restaurant also offers a children's menu.
8 – Moizo Family Winery
Moizo is a mix of styles. While it's family-friendly, the owners are business-minded visionaries. This all makes the experience even more exquisite.
The winery is beautiful and well preserved. There, they hold several Tannat grape weddings and festivals with lamb and the harvest festival. The tip is to also try the tannat liqueur at the winery.
9 – Bouza Winery
Bodega Bouza is one of the best known wineries in Uruguay, especially among Brazilians.
It is huge and maintains a very modern winemaking technique. They carry out various quality controls that start at production and go all the way to bottling. They also have their own laboratory to carry out quality tests on the grapes. It's a show apart.
10 – Lucca Winery
One of the oldest wineries in the country, founded in 1945. It is located in the El Colorado region, at the end of the wine loop. The property is characterized by an artisanal management, cultivating a wine of high value.
11 – Bodegas Carrau
Bodegas Carrau brings 266 years of family winemaking tradition that traveled from Catalonia, Spain, to Uruguay. It is only 17 km from the city center and has a beautiful surroundings.
In a colonial mansion full of green surroundings and vineyards, it is one of the most awarded establishments in the world for its high quality wines.
Wineries in Uruguay – Punta del Leste Region
12 – Whale Stop
Close to Punta del Este, one of the only wineries worth visiting is Alto de La Ballena. In addition, it is one of the rare wine estates that lie between the countryside and the sea in the country.
The region makes the wines fresher and lighter. Opened in 2000, the property is modern and produces limited edition Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah wines.
Wineries in Uruguay on the Border with Spain
13 – Cerro Chapeu Winery
Far from the main Uruguayan cities, but just across the border with Spain, is Bodega Cerro Chapeu. The project is innovative and that is why it is worth mentioning. They have a process made by an architectural project that works by gravity.
It's worth knowing if you can, we didn't make it this time but we wanted to. They have a Tannat recognized all over the world.
***Flávio traveled at the invitation of the Ministry of Tourism of Uruguay.
Where to stay when visiting wineries in Uruguay
When visiting wineries in Uruguay, the ideal is to stay in Montevideo. The city has many accommodation options for all profiles and budgets.
Downtown Montevideo
Downtown Montevideo can be an option, the region is close to some tourist attractions in the city, but at night it is quite deserted.
See some options hotels in Montevideo:
- Hotel América ($): 3 stars, with breakfast and parking.
- Hotel Orpheo Express ($): 3 stars, close to the main streets of the center. With breakfast included and paid parking separately
- Holiday Inn Montevideo ($$): 4 stars with pool and breakfast included and paid parking separately
- Albegue El Viajero($): is one of the most charming and darlings of the city
- Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa – Our review
>> Find here more accommodation options in the Center of Montevideo
Punta Carretas
Punta Carretas It is a great neighborhood to stay, unlike the center the region is very modern and urbanized. It has good dining and shopping options.
Some accommodation options in the region:
- Charruas Hostel ($): shared rooms with breakfast paid separately
- Cala di Volpe Boutique Hotel ($$): 4-star on the edge of town, breakfast and parking included
- Sheraton Montevideo Hotel ($$$): 5 stars overlooking the Rio de la Plata with breakfast included
>> Find here more accommodation options in the Punta Carretas region
Pocitos and Diving
For those who want to enjoy the beach air and walk along the shore, Pocitos and Buseo are great regions to stay.
Some accommodation options in the region:
- My Apartments by My Suites ($$): with a small kitchen, wi-fi. No breakfast and paid parking separately
- Ermitage Hotel ($$) great value for money, by the sea. Parking included and breakfast included
- Destino26 Hostel ($): with breakfast included and great review, super well located
>> Find more accommodation options in Pocitos here
Carrasco
The Carrasco neighborhood, on the other hand, is a more luxurious neighborhood and away from the center. Great region to find 5 star hotels to enjoy the city's climate, but it has few accommodation options.
Some accommodation options in the region:
- Sofitel Casino Carrasco ($$$): 5-star hotel, built in an old casino, has a swimming pool and spa. Paid breakfast
- Pedro Figari Boutique Hotel: 4 stars, close to the beach
- Hotel Bahamas ($): 3-star hotel with breakfast included
>> Find more accommodation options in Carrasco here
Did you like our Uruguay Wineries tips? Tell us here. And if you have any questions, leave it in the comments and we'll help you!
Uruguay Travel Insurance
Buying travel insurance for Uruguay is an excellent tip to ensure a smooth trip and avoid worries. Having the assistance of insurance gives you the peace you need to enjoy your destination and know that you have support if you need it. Also enjoy our Insurance Promo discount coupon. - SEE PRICES
Our columnist Rodrigo also took a tour of Uruguay's wineries and told us about his experience, as well as talking about some of the country's tourist attractions. It is worth checking!
