A brightly coloured Vineyard in Carmelo, Uruguay on a cloudy summer afternoon.

August 1, 2024

Uruguay: South America’s most underrated wine region

Interim Travel Design Manager

Venture off the beaten track to explore unique wine culture and unbeatable backdrops.

Imagine a place where rolling vineyards stretch to the horizon, golden beaches stretch endlessly along the Atlantic coast and vibrant cities blend colonial heritage with modern flair. Welcome to Uruguay, a hidden gem nestled between Argentina and Brazil.

This small country is fast emerging as one of South America’s top, yet underrated, wine regions, brimming with picturesque vineyards, exceptional wines and a rich, unspoiled culture.

From its bold Tannat to its charming boutique wineries, Uruguay offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation in winemaking. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious traveller, this South American hotspot promises an unforgettable journey through its diverse and captivating wine country.

Discovering Uruguay's wine country

Unlike the more famous wine regions of South America, Uruguay remains largely off the beaten path, offering a more intimate and personalised experience. The country’s wine regions, primarily around Montevideo, Canelones and Maldonado, boast a variety of microclimates and soil types, making each vineyard unique.

In Uruguay, wine isn’t just a drink; it’s a way of life. The country’s wine culture dates back to the 19th century, when European immigrants brought their viticultural traditions with them. Today, Uruguay is home to over 200 wineries, each offering something special for visitors.

Best wineries to visit in Uruguay

Uruguay’s wineries are as diverse as they are numerous. From large, established estates to small, family-run operations, there’s a winery to suit every taste.

One of the must-visit wineries is the iconic Bodega Garzón, located in the picturesque Maldonado region. Known for its sustainable practices and award-winning wines, Bodega Garzón offers a luxurious yet eco-friendly wine tasting experience.

Its accommodation is pretty special, too: fresh flowers on the bedside tables, windows overlooking the lemon trees and wood-beamed ceilings – there’s a reason Forbes called it ‘Uruguay’s coolest winery and most exclusive hotel’.

Another gem is Bouza Winery, just outside Montevideo. This family-owned, chateau-based boutique winery combines traditional methods with modern technology to produce some of Uruguay’s finest wines. Keep an eye out for its vintage car collection, just outside.

Don’t miss Uruguay’s up and coming wine region

While Montevideo, Canelones and Maldonado are three of Uruguay’s best wine regions, it’s also worth venturing off the beaten track to Carmelo.

Part of the emerging wine region in Uruguay, it’s known for its picturesque vineyards and wineries and benefits from a favourable climate for viticulture. This charming town in southwestern Uruguay is becoming an increasingly popular destination for wine tourism, with a range of historic, family-owned wineries well worth visiting.

Some of our favourites include Bodega Narbona, dating back to 1909, which combines winemaking with luxury accommodation and gourmet dining. It’s a top choice for enjoying Tannat, too. Bodega El Legado is another must-visit, a family-owned winery offering personalised tours with a delicious array of cheese and wine tastings.

The Magic of Tannat Wine

When it comes to Uruguayan wine, one name stands out: Tannat. This robust red wine, originally from France, has found its second home in Uruguay. Tannat is known for its deep colour, high tannins and bold flavours, making it a favourite among red wine lovers.

In Uruguay, Tannat has evolved into something truly special. The country’s unique climate and soil conditions give Uruguayan Tannat a distinct character, with softer tannins and rich, fruity notes.

Uruguay - it's never been closer

Uruguay is fast emerging as one of South America’s top wine regions. Let’s design your tailored memories together before it gets too popular!

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Uruguay Wine Tasting Tours and Experiences

Uruguay offers a wide range of wine tasting tours, catering to all tastes and budgets. From guided tours of grand estates to intimate tastings at boutique wineries, there’s an experience for everyone.

Private tours here typically include visits to the top wineries in the country, complete with gourmet meals paired with the finest Uruguayan wines.

Sustainable and Boutique Wineries

Sustainability is a key focus for many Uruguayan wineries. Bodega Garzón, for example, is renowned for its commitment to sustainable practices, including water conservation and organic farming.

Boutique wineries are another highlight of Uruguay’s wine scene. These small, often family-run operations offer a more personal and intimate experience.

At wineries like Artesana and Viña Edén, we can arrange for you to meet the winemakers, learn about their craft and enjoy exclusive tastings of limited-production wines.

Uruguay Food and Wine Pairing Experiences

If you’re a fan of the Mediterranean diet, you’ll love Uruguayan food. The country’s rich culinary heritage, influenced by Italian and Spanish cuisine, provides the perfect complement to its wines.

Not sure where to start? A visit to Uruguay wouldn’t be complete without trying the local specialty, asado.

This traditional barbecue, featuring a variety of meats cooked over an open fire, pairs wonderfully with a bold Tannat.

For a more refined dining experience, head to a winery restaurant like Bodega Bouza, where you can enjoy exquisite dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Try the baby beef and make sure to snap a few photos in the Tasting Room.

Planning Your Trip to Uruguay

Planning a trip to Uruguay’s wine regions is easier than you might think. The best time to visit is during the harvest season, from February to April, when the vineyards are at their most beautiful and many wineries host special events.

But Uruguay’s mild climate makes it a great destination year-round.

Our personally-selected array of stylish hotels and charming guest houses means you’ll feel right at home and suitably pampered no matter which one you pick. We love LUZ Culinary Wine Lodge, hidden in the middle of a private pine forest yet close to Jose Ignacio, or Sacromonte Landscape Hotel, designed by architecture studio MAPA.

From luxury hotels in Montevideo to charming guest houses in the countryside, there’s something for everyone.

Or, for a truly unique experience, consider staying at a winery. Many offer beautiful lodgings where you can wake up to stunning vineyard views before heading out for another day of exploring this picturesque country.

Here at SmoothRed, our intimate familiarity with Uruguay and its wines means we’ve been, we’ve seen and we’ve experienced the very best hand-picked wineries and hotels for our tours. Give our office a call or email us today. You won’t be disappointed. Oh, and salud! (or cheers!)