ShoreTrips says...

This was an exceptional and surprising experience. Loved our day in and around Montevideo.

Rich with European heritage, Montevideo reflects the cultures of its early settlers from Spain, Portugal and Italy in its architecture and attitude.

A drive will show you the highlights of the city, including some of its historical landmarks: the Graf Spee Monument, the Plaza Independencia and the Palacio Legislativo, which is among the three most beautiful Parliament buildings in the world, as well as the Battle y Ordonez Park, Prado Park and the Carrasco residential area. This is a lovely city that reflects both a cosmopolitan air and the historic feeling of the past and it enjoys a sense of calm.

Continue your journey into the countryside, where your destination is a traditional winery. Usually we like to visit Bouza Winery Boutique, located in the source of the Melilla Stream, surrounded by native woods. The Bouza family has always believed that working on smaller scales produces better outcomes and they take great care in applying this to every stage of the wine-making process. You will be blown away by the landscape of this winery as the setting is unusual and beautiful. Walk a little through the vineyards before beginning your lesson in their wine-making process.

The winery was born as a family business, placing great care in all stages of the process, starting from the vineyard and ending in the cup of wine. The property is divided into two fields, one in Las Violetas area of important vine-growing tradition, approximately 39 km from the center of Montevideo and of the River Plate, the other in Melilla, 5 km from the Santa Lucia River.

Learn about the techniques of wine making, about the differences in vintages and varieties, and how the vineyards are cared for. Climates matter and you will see why the wine from this area is so well received. The visit also includes the cellar, where on the hottest day, you will enjoy the cool air. Every wine cellar is impressive in its own way and this one especially will have an impact on your experience.

And finally, you will enter the tasting area where you will be surrounded by classic cars and motor-bikes in between the tables arranged for tasting. If nothing else, it represents the success of this winery and/or how interesting the owners are in their hobbies!

Back at the tasting-room, enjoy the best Uruguayan meats, usually lamb and meat roast, also served with potatoes and salad, and taste four varieties of wine, most typically including Chardonnay-Albarino, Tempranillo-Tannat, Tannat-Merlot and the exclusive Tannat Parcela Unica. If you want to pick up a few bottles to take home, opening them in your living room will recreate the experience when you taste them far from Montevideo in your own setting.