Uruguay water crisis: how did we get here?
Uruguay has some of the most abundant water sources in the world. But the capital was told we had water supplies for just 18 days.
With more than 200 wineries, Uruguay is the new world’s undiscovered wine jewel. Some vineyards are over a hundred years old run by fourth and fifth generation winemakers; some of the newer ones are owned by foreigners who have fallen in love with Uruguay. For years, but most noticeably in the last decade and a half, wines from Uruguay are winning gold and silver medals in international competitions. And rivalling more well-known Argentina in the process.
It was typical for Uruguayan families, many descendants of Italians and Spaniards, to grow grapes and make their own wine at home. I have a relative whose family has a tub to tread the grapes at home that dates from several generations ago. A number of wineries allow you to have a go at treading grapes yourself in February.
Since 2000, wine-making has been professionalised under the tutelage of renowned flying wine-makers coinciding with a new generation of local enologists getting their wine-making credentials in Uruguay and specialising abroad. These young wine-makers are daredevils, making new styles, trying new blends and all importantly getting great results. The wines of Uruguay, surprise drinkers with their marked difference to other South American and new world wines.
Most wine is produced in:
Incredibly one in every three bottles of wine produced in Uruguay is a Tannat. So what does Uruguay’s flagship wine taste like? Here’s a guide to get you started. The wines were chosen by restauranteurs in Montevideo whose mission is to get their customers hooked on Uruguayan wines 
This is advice worth following.
Uruguay water crisis: how did we get here?
Uruguay has some of the most abundant water sources in the world. But the capital was told we had water supplies for just 18 days.
Is Uruguay a developed country? Harvard moves Latin America HQ to Uruguay
Harvard University Business School opens Latin American research centre, praising Uruguay living standard and freedom of expression.
Montevideo Carnival 2024 dates
Hot off the press! The world’s longest carnival is in Montevideo Uruguay and we’ve got the dates.
Salón No. 3 – La Barra gourmet cuisine, cafe & deli
Gourmet lunches, speciality coffee & pastries, out of an antiques store. Smoked hams, artisanal cheese & local produce from the Expendio.
Casa Flor – live the Uruguay coast like a local (VIP)
One of the very best hotels in Punta del Este. Casa Flor’s well-connected owners give you access to the secrets of Uruguay’s coast most can only dream of.
Uruguay offers new digital nomad residency
Digital nomads and remote workers can now obtain a residency permit to work legally from Uruguay for six to twelve months.
Big Bang Nature Stays – Bohemian beach domes
Unique ocean-front location to reconnect with nature—with luxury touches—on one of Uruguay’s most deserted beaches in Maldonado.
8% of Uruguay is black—and maybe more
Afro-Uruguayans play a huge part in Uruguay’s cultural identity. Are they really just 8% of the population? The new census may correct the stats.
Gaucho week in Montevideo – Easter
Traditional food, handmade goods, and South American cowboys riding wild horses. It’s the Semana Criolla – Montevideo’s Easter gaucho festival.
Travel to Uruguay: Medical insurance mandatory
There’s been some confusion around whether it’s necessary to have health insurance to enter Uruguay since recent changes to travel requirements. We explain.
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11 Responses
Hi Karen, do you know of any nice winery that hosts people for the night as well? We are a Belgian family of 4 (all above 21y) setting foot to south-america for the very first time aroun New Year!
Absolutely, Karin! You can find recommendations in the different wine regions in The Guru’Guay Guide to Uruguay: Beaches, Ranches and Wine Country. Have a wonderful time! — Karen
Is there by any chance a compiled list of all 200+ wineries available with basic information?
Hi Rahul, this is good timing as I am meeting with the president of the Uruguay wine board next week. I’ll ask him! — Karen
Do you have any particular recommendations for wine?
Hi Adam, I am actually a beer (and grappa 🙂 ) drinker myself so I don’t! But I will contact the helpful folks at Bodegas del Uruguay and we’ll see what they have to recommend at this time.
Great, thanks.
Have you tried the Mastra beers or Montevideo Brew House yet, beer lover?
Hi Adam I am very fortunate that I live just five blocks from the new artesanal beer maker and resto-pub Montevideo Beer House! and have visited it at least three times in the last month (which now I look at their Facebook page is basically since they opened)! I am a dark beer fan. They have a beer which is remarkably similar to Guiness – I think it’s the dry stout. They have made me very happy indeed 🙂 They also sell Davok beers, which until MBH appeared on the scene, was the maker that I was happiest with (love their Indian Pale Ale).
Mastra I am not a big fan of. They seem to be attending to the South American palate which prefers its beers sweeter than I do. Fair enough. That is where we are based.
Montevideo Brew House is in the Pocitos neighbourhood in a spot that is a little difficult to get to on foot, but worth it, for the beer and the charming maze-like streets. The address is Libertad 2592 esq. Viejo Pancho, Pocitos. If you walk from Blvr Artigas, take Viejo Pancho and just keep walking!
Hello Adam,
Uruguay produces most of the well-know European varieties since the climate is very similar to the Spanish, French and Italian growing regions (particularly because of its proximity to the sea).
However, its signature grape is Tannat, a red variety on which Uruguayan winemakers have gained master expertise. Other grapes you can find excellent wines are Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Albariño, and Merlot. There are more than 40 exporting wineries, I do not know particularly which you could find where you live, but the average quality is quite good in the range of 15 dollars. If you are in Uruguay, I recommend you keep above 150 uruguayan pesos. If you have any question in particular on a specific wine, winery or variety, please contact us directly through our website contact button. Cheers! Viviana – Bodegas del Uruguay.
Adam, your question prompted this new post http://www.guruguay.net/uruguayan-wines-outclass-argentinas-says-financial-times-wine-critic/. Happy quaffing!