An under-the-radar wine destination, Uruguay is a small country with big wines. Tannat, its flagship grape, captures the country’s character shaped by the Atlantic ocean. Family-owned wineries blend tradition and sustainability, creating a unique wine experience that stands out in the New World.
Promo
Introduction
A Small Country with Big Wines
Uruguay’s wine culture thrives with its family-owned wineries and a coastal climate reminiscent of Bordeaux. With a winemaking heritage dating back to the 18th century, most vineyards today are concentrated in the south where cooling Atlantic breezes enhance acidity and freshness.
Tannat, brought by Basque immigrants from Madiran, France, is Uruguay’s flagship grape, excelling in the flat landscape to produce some of the world’s boldest wines. This blend of heritage, climate, and innovation makes Uruguay a rising star in the world of wine.
Fun Facts
Land of Tannat
Uruguay has embraced Tannat as its signature grape, introduced by Basque immigrants from France. Though its vineyard area is comparable to Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux, Uruguay delivers powerful, artisanal wines that punch above its size.
27% Tannat
Tannat accounts for 27% of all vineyard plantings.
14,800 Acres
A total of 14,800 acres (6,000 hectares) of vineyards.
32% Sustainable
Over 30% of Uruguay's vineyards are certified sustainable.
168 Wineries
There are 168 wineries in Uruguay.
6 Regions
There are 6 wine regions in Uruguay, with 16 sub-regions.
76% Red, 24% White
Most of the grapes planted in Uruguay are red varieties.
Wines to Explore
Tannat and Beyond
Tannat is the heart of Uruguay’s wine scene, but it is enriched by a diverse range of grape varieties brought by immigrants from across Europe.
- Tannat
- Moscatel de Hamburgo
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Albariño
Top Varieties
Primary
Uruguay Grapes
Tannat
Full-Bodied Red Wine
Tannat is the star of Uruguay, offering robust tannins, deep color, and rich flavors of dark fruits and spices. Originally brought by Basque immigrants, Tannat thrives in Uruguay's maritime climate, where it develops a softer, more elegant character compared to its counterparts in France. Known for its aging potential, Tannat also contains high levels of antioxidants like polyphenols and resveratrol, which some studies suggest may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Blackberry
Plum
Cinnamon
Licorice
Dark Chocolate
Moscatel de Hamburgo
Aromatic Rosé and Sweet Wine
Also known as Black Muscat, this red skinned grape is Uruguay's second most planted variety and is a versatile and aromatic grape. It is commonly used to produce both sweet wines and light, refreshing rosés. This variety, brought by Spanish and Portuguese immigrants, is prized for its vibrant floral and fruity notes.
Rose Petal
Lychee
Orange Blossom
Honey
Peach
Merlot
Medium-Bodied Red Wine
Merlot is a popular grape in Uruguay, often blended with Tannat to soften its tannins. It produces smooth, medium-bodied wines with flavors of red fruits, herbs, and a touch of earthiness. The grape's softer tannins and balanced acidity make it approachable and versatile, suitable for many types of cuisine.
Black Cherry
Plum
Cocoa
Herbs
Cedar
Cabernet Sauvignon
Full-Bodied Red Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon, a classic Bordeaux variety, contributes structure and complexity to Uruguayan wines. Grown throughout the country, this grape exhibits dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and hints of tobacco and spice. It is often blended with Tannat or Merlot, resulting in wines with depth, balance, and a rich finish.
Blackcurrant
Tobacco
Black Pepper
Mint
Vanilla
Sauvignon Blanc
Light-Bodied White Wine
Sauvignon Blanc thrives in Uruguay's coastal vineyards, producing crisp, dry, aromatic wines with high acidity and vibrant flavors. Expect lively notes of citrus, green apple, and herbaceous undertones.
Lemon
Green Apple
Grass
Passionfruit
Seashell
Albariño
Light to Medium-Bodied White Wine
Albariño, a variety originally from Galicia in Spain, has found a welcoming home in Uruguay, particularly in coastal areas. This white grape produces semi-aromatic wines with bright acidity and flavors of stone fruit, citrus, and floral notes. Its refreshing profile and natural salinity make it an ideal match for seafood and lighter dishes.
Peach
Lemon
Orange Blossom
Seashell
Melon
Selected
Uruguay Wines
Wine Regions
A Mosaic of Vineyards
Uruguay has 5,905 hectares (14,592 acres) of vineyards, mostly concentrated in the south near the Río de la Plata. Five main regions - Montevideo, Canelones, San José, Maldonado, and Colonia - represent 90% of the country's vineyards, showcasing diverse microclimates and terroirs that contribute to a rich variety of wines.
Metropolitan
This region is the heart of Uruguay's wine production, hosting over 70% of the country's wineries across Canelones, Montevideo, and San José. Influenced by the Río de la Plata, the region's soils, derived from river sediments, are ideal for white varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier, but the soils are particularly perfect for Tannat.
Canelones
This is the heart of Uruguay's wine production, responsible for 65% of the country's wines. It has a gently rolling landscape and features diverse soils, including 600-million-year-old pink granite, which gives a mineral backbone to the wines.
Montevideo
Home to some of Uruguay's oldest vineyards, and where we see vineyards edge up against urban landscapes. It has enough annual rainfall to make irrigation unnecessary, resulting in fresh, yet savory wines.
San José
The fourth-largest production area in the country, it is known for its Tannat and similar climatic conditions to Canelones.
Wineries in Metropolitan
Antigua Bodega Uruguay
Ariano Hermanos
Artesana
Atlántica Gourmet
Bodega Atlántida
Bodega Bresesti
Bodega J. Chiappella
Bodega Nabune
Bodega Pablo Fallabrino
Bodega y Viñedos Famiglia Passadore
Bodegas Carrau
Bouza
Bracco Bosca
Cantera Montes de Oca
Casa Filgueira
Casa Grande
Castillo Viejo
Colorado Chico
De Lucca Wines
Domaine De Larvol
Don Pose
Establecimiento Juanicó
Familia Barbero
Familia Dardanelli
Familia Deicas
Familia Traversa
Favretto Dragone
Finca Giacobbe
Finca Las Violetas
Finca Piedra
Giménez Méndez
Juan Toscanini e Hijos
La Bodeguita del Cacho
Los Nadies Bodega Almacén
Marichal Wines
Montes Toscanini
Piccardo
Pisano Family Vineyards and Winery
Pizzorno
Quinta Santero
Stagnari
Terrazul
Viña Progreso
Viña Varela Zarranz
Oceanic
Known for its Atlantic influence, this region spans Maldonado and Rocha and features higher altitudes and greater geological diversity than other regions. The cooler oceanic climate slows down grape maturation, enhancing flavor complexity.
Maldonado
An emerging wine area with diverse soils, including ancient crystalline rocks and well-drained gravel, contributing to mineral-rich, powerful wines - especially Tannat. It also produces saline and savory examples of Albariño too.
Rocha
Benefits from the Atlantic's cooling effects, producing fresh and distinctive wines. Though only a few vineyards are planted here, we can find cooler climate grapes such as Pinot Noir.
Wineries in Oceanic
Alto de la Ballena
Atlántica Gourmet
Bodega Brisas
Bodega Cerro del Toro
Bodega Garzón
Cava de las Ánimas
Cofradía de la Sierra
Compañía Uruguaya de Vinos del Mar
Oceánica José Ignacio
Sierra Oriental
Viña Edén
Southern Riverside
This region includes Colonia, Río Negro, and Soriano, characterized by diverse soils such as silt-clay, silt-calcareous, and sandy sediments. The warm, mild climate, influenced by nearby rivers, provides ideal conditions for red wine production, particularly for late ripening varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat.
Colonia
Known for its stony soils and rich heritage, including the oldest winery in Uruguay. The area around Carmelo and the San Juan River, with their unique terroirs and mild climate, are especially suited for high-quality red wines.
Soriano
With just a few vineyards situated along the Uruguay River, we can find fertile alluvial soils with good drainage, ideal for producing full-bodied red wines, particularly Tannat.
Río Negro
Characterized by sandy-clay and calcareous soils, Río Negro enjoys a climate moderated by the river, producing wines with both depth and finesse. The region is noted for structured and well-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Tannat.
Wineries in Southern Riverside
Bodega Familia Irurtia
Bodega Zubizarreta
Campotinto
Cordano
El Legado
Hacienda del Sacramento
Los Cerros de San Juan
Narbona
Piccolo Banfi
Pueblo Tannat
Viñas del Quintón
Northern Riverside
Stretching along the Uruguay River, this region includes Artigas, Paysandú, and Salto, situated 50 to 60 meters (164 to 197 feet) above sea level. It features high temperatures, significant diurnal range due to the river's influence, and deep, diverse soils. Expect ripe and rich red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, and Syrah.
Artigas
Characterized by deep soils over sandstone, with high temperatures and significant humidity, ideal for producing wines with intense flavors and aromas.
Paysandú
Known for its fertile, calcareous-rich soils, ideal for Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, contributing to wines with rich flavors.
Salto
Features silty, sandy soils over gravel with good drainage, ideal for fine wines, especially Tannat, which develops a well-rounded, softer profile due to significant day-night temperature variations.
Wineries in Northern Riverside
Bertolini Broglio
Bodega Leonardo Falcone
Bodega Salto Chico
Northern
Located on geological formations of sandstone, this region includes the sub-regions of Rivera and Tacuarembó. The vineyards here benefit from soils that enhance sugar, polyphenol, and anthocyanin concentration in grapes, ideal for rich and powerful reds.
Rivera
Notable for its vineyards on hills and deep red sandy soils with excellent drainage, particularly in Cerro Chapeu. At around 720 feet (220 meters) in elevation, with a drier continental climate and longer sunlight hours, it's an excellent area for late-maturing varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tacuarembó
Benefits from similar geological characteristics, producing wines with concentrated flavors and deep color, such as Cabernet Franc.
Wineries in Northern
Bodega Cerro Chapeu
Central
This region, which includes Durazno, Florida, and Lavalleja, enjoys warmer weather and more hours of sun than other regions. It is characterized by hilly terrain with acidic soils of medium to low fertility, ranging from loamy to sandy loam textures. The sandy soils help give higher levels of aromatics to the wines.
Durazno
With just a handful of vineyards, this region has a range of varieties including Tannat but also Malbec and Viognier.
Florida
Features varied elevations and soils, it has just a few vineyards in the whole region with grapes ranging from Black Muscat to Marselan.
Lavalleja
Rolling hills with well-drained soils contribute to complex, aromatic wines, such as Black Muscat, the second most planted grape in Uruguay.
Wineries in Central
El Capricho Winery
Mataojo
Join Our Newsletter
Jumpstart your wine education and subscribe to the Wine Folly newsletter right now. Always awesome. Always free.
sign up free