Punta Del Este is known for its miles of pristine beaches, but not every day is a perfect beach day. If you enjoy sampling unique wines and delicious food, then these vineyards are not to be missed.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Maldonado are five world-class vineyards that will delight you with their selection of delicious wines, tasty snacks, and gourmet meals.
The area’s soil type and cool sea breezes make it ideally suited for wine production. Attracting vintners from all over the world.
A short drive from Punta Del Este, through unspoiled countryside dotted with cattle, horses, and sheep, will get you to any one of these superb, high-tech wineries. Between them, they offer a variety of different activities and wine tasting opportunities.
Below, ordered by distance from Punta Del Este, are five unique vineyards with a little info to whet your appetite.
Alto de La Ballena Bodega y Viñedos
Alto de La Ballena first began its plantations in 2001 on the rocky slopes of Sierra de La Ballena, only 32 kilometers from Punta Del Este on Route 12.
This small winery, with 8 hectares of plantations, produces limited, high-quality wines with unique flavors. They offer walking tours of the vineyards followed by wine-tasting accompanied by local cheese, bread, and olive oil.
Bodega Oceánica José Ignacio
Located on Route 9, just 39 kilometers from Punta Del Este, is this extraordinary vineyard and olive plantation. The owners’ passion for art is evident from the sculptures dotting the gently sloping landscape.
Bodega Oceánica José Ignacio offers tours of either the winery or the olive mill or a gourmet tour of both. Their wine and olive oil tastings come with delicious snack platters, including olives from their plantations.
Viña Edén
On the rocky mountain slopes of Pueblo Eden, 40 kilometers from Punta Del Este, this scenic vineyard uses modern technology to produce high-end wines.
Viña Edén offers wine tasting, guided tours of their three-level winery and vineyards, and lunch menus with locally produced specialties made from fresh organic ingredients.
Bodega Garzón
Bodega Garzón, located in the ballast hills of Garzón, 160 meters above sea level, is 60 kilometers from Punta Del Este. Winner of the “New World Winery of the year” in 2018, this sustainably designed eco-friendly winery offers various world-class experiences.
These include cooking classes, picnics in the vineyards, tours of the winery and estate, and learning how to create your own wine blend.
Bodega Sierra Oriental
Situated in the sierras of Paraje José Ignacio, 61 kilometers from Punta Del Este, this family-run winery produced its first wine in 2011.
The Sierra Oriental wines are master blends of the six grape varieties grown on the farm. Bodega Sierra Oriental offers wine tastings in the cellar and tasting room or combined with a three-course lunch.
Now that you know where to go for exceptional food and distinctive wines, get a group of friends or family together, book a wine tasting experience, and enjoy a fabulous outing.
Just remember to nominate a dedicated driver as Uruguay has a zero alcohol tolerance policy for drivers.