Winery Highlights

Discover Uruguay's Winery Highlights

Of all the South American countries, Uruguay is probably the most underestimated one. Hidden like a mystery between Brazil and Argentina, this verdant and sea-fronting country, has more to offer than you might think, and even more so if you are an admirer of the delicate art of making wine.

Uruguay's wine-making started during the 18th century when European immigrants arrived; in the 19th century, Basque settlers brought with them the Tannat grape. Since then, Tannat has become one of Uruguay's signature grapes. With its dark colour and full-bodied flavour, it is often compared to an Argentinian Malbec. But it's not just Tannat that Uruguay produces so well, you'll also find cabernet sauvignon, merlot and pinot noir on the red wine list. Fancy a viño blanco instead? You'll also find albariño, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and viognier produced in the region too. 

On this 9-day trip you will see beautiful landscapes but most importantly get the chance to experience the rich winery culture in Uruguay. You will visit wineries in Carmelo, Montevideo and Garzon, near Punta del Este. You will get in touch with the vast Uruguayan history, you will meet passionate oenologists, and most importantly, you'll be able to walk through the beautiful vineyards while tasting some of the wine created from them. 

Highlights

• Tours of three authentic Uruguayan wineries 

• Art-deco and neoclassical buildings in Montevideo

• Punta del Este beaches

• City tours of Montevideo and Punta del Este

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart the UK

Day 2 - Carmelo

Day 3 - Carmelo wineries

Days 4-6 - Montevideo

Day 7 - Punta del Este

Day 8 - Depart Montevideo

Day 9 - Arrive back in the UK

Truly Individual Holiday

Any element of this holiday can be truly individual to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today.

Day 1 - Depart the UK

Today you will depart the UK on your international flight to Montevideo, Uruguay

Day 2 - Carmelo 

On arrival in Colonia, you will be transferred to Carmelo, western Uruguay’s sleepy town, renowned for its wineries. After check-in, you can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. You can go on your first wander around Carmelo as there is much to see here, from the sunny beaches to the typical wineries, the main square 'Plaza Independencia' to the 'Casa de la Cultura'. 

Day 3 - Carmelo wineries 

Today you will have a tour of some of the best vineyards and wineries in Carmelo, with the opportunity to do some wine-tasting too. You’ll visit two or three wineries, learn about the history and culture around the wineries, and have the chance to buy a bottle or two to take away with you. 

Days 4 - 6 - Montevideo 

After breakfast, you have a private transfer to Montevideo where the rest of the day is at leisure. Montevideo is known for its historic art-deco and neoclassical buildings, skyscrapers, beach communities, theatres and tango bars. The main downtown shopping street, 18 de Julio, is great to visit as it has lots of little shops and buzzing cafés. On days four and five you’ll travel to the nearby wineries to learn how the earth and grapes differ from those in nearby Argentina. You’ll try a few different wines before returning to the city. 

Day 7- Punta del Este 

Today you will journey to Punta del Este, a fantastic seaside resort town. You will visit nearby Garzon Winery, wedged between stony hills and the Atlantic makes the earth rich in minerals and creates a microclimate ideal for vine growing. You’ll learn about the processes used by the winery, visit their cellar and wander through the vineyard. Wine tasting and a three-course lunch are included. You then return to Punta del Este for the night. 

Punta del Este is Uruguay’s answer to Miami, with lovely, white-sand beaches, high-end hotels and glitzy bars, perfect for a relaxing end to your holiday to Uruguay. Speak to your Travel Specialist to extend your stay here. 

Day 8 - Depart Montevideo

A private transfer will take you to the Montevideo Airport where you will catch your flight back home, alternatively, return to Colonia for the ferry to Buenos Aires. 

Day 9 - Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK from Uruguay.

Price from £3,899 per person 

(2024 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room) 

Includes: 

• International flights

• 6 nights’ accommodation as detailed 

• 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches 

• Winery visits in Carmelo and Punta del Este 

• Two winery visits from Montevideo 

• Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary 

Excludes: 

• Meals not indicated in your itinerary 

• Local departure taxes payable locally 

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc 

• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary) 

• Camera or video fees at any sites