Balbuena Wines

Wine tasting in Montevideo

Montevideo

Wine & Wineries

By Karen A Higgs

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Located in the hip Cordón neighborhood, Balbuena Wines store is your mandatory stop for Uruguay wine tasting in Montevideo. They currently stock 130 Uruguayan wines and growing.

Balbuena is a Uruguay wine store with a tasting room. Choose from 130+ Uruguayan wines (and a number of imported) and drink them in the sitting area or at their long long wooden tasting table. Whether you’re new to Montevideo looking for a great introduction to Uruguay wines, or a local looking for an informed supplier, definitely check Balbuena Wines out.

Balbuena holds wine tasting three days a week personally guided by owners Santiago and Liber.

Founder Santiago Balbuena is a photographer. He has photographed (and filmed) many, many Uruguayan wineries. Just two years ago he decided to focus his passion into his profession 100%. He founded Balbuena Wines—initally an online store. In September 2023, he joined forces with Liber Pisciottano to open a physical store. Liber was Uruguay’s Top Sommelier in 2021 and has represented Uruguay in the Best Sommelier of the Americas competition twice, as well as a regular in the national media on wine.

Together Santiago and Liber share a no-nonsense wine-is-for-enjoying attitude. They can’t wait to welcome you to the store.

What you should know

Wine tastings in English, Spanish and Portuguese include 3-5 wines, charcuterie and national cheeses and water.

Wine tastings take place all day Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Book ahead to avoid disappointment but drop-ins are always welcome when there’s space. 900-1500 pesos per person.

Request a tasting when it suits you Between Monday and Wednesday bottles will need to be opened especially for your party. The cost is 2000 pesos per person and must be scheduled in advance.

Just come in and try Come on by! They duo can open the bottles you wish to try and you take what’s left home with you. You’re welcome to hang.

Want expert wine advice Santi knows the wines but Liber is the full-on wine expert. He’s at the store every day from 11-1pm and 5pm till closing.

Green packaging If you’re travelling, Balbuena packs using cardboard, not nylon. They recycle boxes, bags and bottles.