Uncorking Adventure: The Rise of Wine Tourism in Uruguay

Uruguay’s new Mapa del Vino offers wine enthusiasts a journey through stunning hills and along the country’s sparkling Atlantic coastline, marking the locations of numerous wineries and attractions like Casapueblo, an art museum and hotel located in the Punta del Este region.

For many years, Argentina and Chile have dominated the South American wine scene, particularly in terms of vineyard tourism and international shelf presence. However, a unique grape called tannat is helping Uruguay emerge in the oenophile spotlight.

Sophie Le Baux moved from Europe to Montevideo a decade ago to establish Baco, a South American wine bar. Upon tasting Uruguay’s national grape, tannat, she was initially dismayed. “I thought, ‘Ugh, this is so hard to drink. How can I open a wine restaurant here?’”

Many locals shared her sentiment, equating the wine’s rustic nature with poor quality. “There was little incentive to create high-end wines for export,” explains Santiago Deicas of the renowned Familia Deicas winery.

Fast forward to today, tannat is winning international accolades, and Uruguayan winemakers are increasingly recognized on best-in-class lists while the newly formed tourist route, the Mapa del Vino, highlights around 95% of Uruguay’s boutique wineries. With the country’s compact size, it’s an excellent backdrop for a week-long road trip filled with history, breathtaking landscapes, and, of course, exquisite wine.

The Rising Star: Tannat

Like Uruguay itself, tannat has long been overshadowed by more famous neighbors. Small and relatively unnoticed, Uruguay has not attracted many tourists compared to Brazil and Argentina. Tannat, which originated in southwest France, was once primarily a blending grape in various parts of Europe and the U.S. However, Uruguay has successfully crafted it into a notable single varietal wine.

Tannat has gained status as Uruguay’s national grape, thriving in the country’s variable coastal climate. "It survives well even in rainy years, and pairs perfectly with asado [barbecue],” notes Deicas. Although it faced criticism for its initial harshness, younger winemakers are now transforming tannat from a coarse drink into a smoother, more sophisticated red wine through various techniques.

Soledad Bassini, co-creator of the Mapa del Vino, emphasizes that the rise of tannat has “put Uruguay on the map in the wine world.” With growing tourist interest, she found a need for an official guide to showcase local wineries.

A Journey Through Uruguay’s Wine Regions

Traveling cross-country from the Rio de la Plata to the coast with Brazil, visitors are welcomed by centuries-old towns, vibrant Montevideo, and picturesque Atlantic beaches, all while enjoying wine tastings along the way. Most vineyards are located in Colonia, Canelones, and Maldonado provinces.

Begin the journey in Carmelo, Colonia, where European immigrants like the Zubizarretas settled in the 19th century. After savoring lunch at Bodega Zubizarreta, delve into the area’s rich wine history, including remnants of Jesuit-initiated vineyards from the 18th century. Exploring Carmelo, with its quaint Art Deco center and family-owned vineyards, is a delightful experience.

For accommodations, consider staying at El Legado winery or enjoy local cuisine at El Quincho, which offers a contemporary outdoor dining experience paired with local wines.

Historic Wine Centers and Coastal Gems

Familia Deicas, one of the first wineries to truly harness tannat, is located in Canelones province, a historical wine region 150 miles from Carmelo. In the 1980s, the Deicas family recognized the region’s clay-rich soil’s similarity to grapes from Bordeaux, propelling them toward high-quality wine production.

Visitors can explore various family-run vineyards in Canelones with easy day trips from Montevideo. Notable spots include Pisano for tastings of sparkling tannat, and Bodega Bouza for comprehensive tours, tastings, and delicious meals centered around Uruguay’s renowned beef.

End the Mapa del Vino journey in the upscale coastal region of Maldonado, home to luxurious beach resorts such as Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio. Here, guests can experience wine tastings atop scenic granite cliffs at Alto de la Ballena or enjoy picnics among expansive vineyards at Bodega Garzon.

With a focus on distinctive flavors rather than mass production, Uruguay embraces its unique wine culture, and with tannat as a centerpiece, the country’s wine tourism is bound to flourish.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!