Uruguay may be small, but its wines, many produced by fanatical small-scale producers, punch way above their weight and are revered by the world’s most demanding palates.
A Uruguay wine-tasting tour by air
Over the course of a week, fly from bodega to bodega in a Cessna Grand Caravan across the country. Stay at a mixture of private wine estancias and gorgeous wine lodges, each offering a personalised experience of Uruguay’s viticultural heritage. Enjoy lunches and dinners with owners and growers, hear their stories, learn about Uruguay’s unique terroirs, and of course savour their magnificent wines, accompanied by delicious food.
"Enjoy lunches and dinners with owners and growers, hear their stories, learn about Uruguay’s unique terroirs, and savour their magnificent wines, accompanied by delicious food."
A culinary experience in Montevideo
Your journey begins in the eclectic capital, Montevideo, where you’ll enjoy dinner at the home of legendary winemaker Manuel Filgueira, whose bodega Los Nadies produces the most extraordinary tannats.
The south-west: Bodega Cordan and Finca Narbona
Then, in Colonia, you’ll enjoy a tasting and lunch at Bodega Cordano before repairing to the fabulous Finca Narbona for a hosted dinner and the night.
Uruguay’s far-north: gaucho lifestyle and rare wines
Fly on to the red soils and tabletop hills of Uruguay’s far north to join the Carrau family at ground-breaking Bodega Cerro Chapeu for more delicious wine and a chance to experience the authentic gaucho lifestyle. The unique terroir of the north offers a distinct flavour profile to Uruguay’s wines, with an opportunity to sample rare and exclusive blends.
Private winery visits and culinary masterclasses in the Southeast
Finally, in Uruguay’s southeast, spend two nights each in Garzon and Jose Ignacio, where you can pay exclusive private visits to the Garzon and Altos de la Ballena wineries, join Francis Mallmann’s team for a culinary masterclass, and sample some of the wonderful olive oils being made here.
Best time to take a wine-tasting holiday to Uruguay
The best time to embark on this journey is from December to April, which is Uruguay’s summer and early autumn. This period not only offers fantastic weather for outdoor activities but also coincides with harvest season, giving you an authentic behind-the-scenes experience of the winemaking process. It’s the ideal time for exploring Uruguay’s vineyards, indulging in wine tastings, and experiencing the rich culture and landscapes of the region.
Whether a seasoned connoisseur or an avid traveller, this exclusive air safari offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Uruguay’s wine heritage, savour exceptional vintages, and engage with the country’s most esteemed winemakers.
