Uruguayan Wine Country – Tailor-Made Uruguay Itineraries

Uruguay may be dwarfed by Argentina and Chile’s wine production, but the small country commands a firm presence in the world of winemaking. Falling firmly in the category of New World wines, its vines can be traced directly to 18th-century wine-making Jesuits. The industry was subsequently grown by streams of European immigrants.

Tannat, a punchy, bold red high in tannins, is Uruguay’s signature varietal. Grapes grown in Uruguay are more akin to Bordeaux than those produced by its Andean neighbors. The climate is coastal, humid, and low in elevation. Generally, wines produced in Uruguay are well-balanced in both acidity and alcohol. The moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean tempers the heat of summer, giving the wine an energy that’s been described as “fresh” and “vivacious.”

An ornate covered patio with iron birdcages, bougainvillea, and patterned tile floors at a wine lodge.

A white horse stands beside a large mossy boulder in an open rural field under an overcast sky.

Rolling green vineyard hills stretch beneath a wide cloudy sky in Uruguay's wine country.

Why visit Uruguayan wine country?

Most of Uruguay’s wine flows from vineyards near Montevideo and Canelones, but Carmelo is the industry’s historic darling. A quiet town in Uruguayan Wine Country, Carmelo has a coastal feel thanks to its location at the head of the Río de la Plata (a river to some, a gulf to others). The town center has a few charms—Independence Square and Ignacio House—and, more broadly, offers splendid sunset cruises and horseback riding in the surrounding woodlands. However, most visitors who travel this far off the beaten track come to sample Carmelo’s tannat wines—a varietal that put Uruguay winemaking on the map.

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Most of Uruguay’s wine flows from vineyards near Montevideo and Canelones, but Carmelo is the industry’s historic darling. A quiet town in Uruguayan Wine Country, Carmelo has a coastal feel thanks to its location at the head of the Río de la Plata (a river to some, a gulf to others). The town center has a few charms—Independence Square and Ignacio House—and, more broadly, offers splendid sunset cruises and horseback riding in the surrounding woodlands. However, most visitors who travel this far off the beaten track come to sample Carmelo’s tannat wines—a varietal that put Uruguay winemaking on the map.
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Wine-loving travelers wanting to sample one of Uruguay’s newer appellations might spend a few days in the Maldonado Region. Vines here are rooted in volcanic, well-draining soil, cling to hilly terrain, and benefit from cool coastal winds.
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Head east to call on the tasting room of Bodega Garzon near the sleepy town of the same name. Not only did the LEED-certified winery take Maldonado wines mainstream—you’ll find them on U.S. store shelves—its gastronomic offerings are stewarded by legendary Argentine Chef, Francis Mallman. Mallman serves as a Bodega Garzon ambassador and the culinary director, bringing with him his signature smoke and wood-fired cooking style.

Uruguayan Wine Country trip itineraries

Use these itineraries as a starting point, or as inspiration to create your own journey.

A line of riders on horseback moves through a shaded grove, following a sandy track between tall trees quietly along.

Itinerary

One week in Uruguay

Art, wine, and waves in laid-back Uruguay

A cobblestone street cafe sits under vivid bougainvillea, with a striped flag, barrels, and one diner at a table.

Itinerary

Uruguay art and gastronomy adventure

A cuisine-and-culture-filled trip to Uruguay

Itinerary

One week in Uruguay

Art, wine, and waves in laid-back Uruguay

Itinerary

Uruguay art and gastronomy adventure

A cuisine-and-culture-filled trip to Uruguay

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