Travel Guide to Maldonado Wine Region

Maldonado wine region is considered one of the fastest-emerging wine regions in Uruguay. The Maldonado wine region is located in the southeast of the country along the Atlantic Ocean. It produces a wide range of red and white wines with Tannat being the most prominently produced grape varietal.

Find out about Wine Tasting & Tours in Maldonado Wine Region to enjoy if you visit the region. 

Read our travel guide to Maldonado to discover more about:

Wines of Maldonado Wine Region

Places to visit in Maldonado Wine Region

Food to try in Maldonado Wine Region

Emerging Wines of the Atlantic Ocean

The Maldonado wine region is located along the Atlantic Ocean in the southeast of Uruguay. The Maldonado wine region has a maritime climate with mild temperatures and cool breezes that moderate the heat in the summer months. Compared to other wine regions in Uruguay, the Maldonado wine region has a high altitude and great geological diversity. There is a range of interesting soils including crystalline rocks, quarts, alluvial, and gravel soils. The soils are quite soft and have excellent drainage and permeability, making them perfect for viticulture.

The Wide Range of Maldonado Wines

Maldonado wine region produces a wide range of red and white wines. The wines are classified either as Vino de Calidad Preferente (VСP) or as Vino común (VC). VCP wines are of high quality and are made using only cultivated grape varietals. VC wines are table wines that are sold in demijohn bottles or tetra packs.

Maldonado Pinot Noir is used to create excellent Uruguayan champagne. The grapes are lightly squeezed to avoid colour tainting the colour of the wine and the juice undergoes a slow process of fermentation until it becomes champagne.

Read more about Wineries in Maldonado Wine Region to visit.

What to See in Maldonado Wine Region

Brava Beach - The Picture-Perfect Beach

Brava Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Maldonado wine region. The beach has plenty of visitor services including parking, umbrellas and a wide range of cafes and restaurants. Brava is a paradise for surfers thanks to its big waves.

Punta Del Este Lighthouse - The Lighthouse of Maldonado

The Punta Del Este Lighthouse is located on the port side of Punta del Este in the Maldonado wine region. Visitors are invited to visit the lighthouse for excellent views and photo opportunities. Access to the lighthouse is not open to the public.

Bask in the Sun at Playa Mansa

Playa Mansa is a beautiful beach in the Maldonado wine region with placid waters that are perfect for families with children and swimmers who like smooth seas. The waters at Playa Mansa are warm and the soft sands are perfect for long beach days.

Casa Pueblo - The Symbol of Maldonado

The Casa Pueblo is a building that was constructed by the famous Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Vilaro. The building was originally the artists' summer house but it is today a museum, art gallery, restaurant and hotel.

Experience the best Guided Wine Tours in Maldonado and uncover the beauty of this region.

Maldonado Wine Region Map

You can also check out our interactive map of the Maldonado Wine Region to discover wineries with open cellar doors.

The Great Outdoors of Maldonado Wine Region

Maldonado wine region is one of the most beautiful coastal regions of Uruguay. The Maldonado wine region is bordered by the Punta del Este to the south and the Punares Las Delicias to the south. For beach lovers, Maldonado is a natural paradise.

Cerro Catedral - The Church of Skiers and Skateboarders

Cerro Catedral is a mountain that resembles a cathedral thanks to its granite spires. The most popular attraction on the mountain is the Bariloche Ski Resort which provides winter sports lovers with the best views of the cathedral peaks. 

Isla Gorriti - Gorriti Island

Isla Gorriti is a secluded island off the shores of the Punta del Este. The island has a range of pristine beaches to enjoy and a pine forest with many shaded walking routes.

Playa Portezuelo - The Solanas Beach

The Playa Portezuelo is a beach located in Maldonado in Uruguay. The main attraction at the beach is the Portezuelo Spa and it is also very popular amongst water sports lovers.

Gastronomical Specialties to Try in Maldonado Wine Region

The cuisine of the Maldonado wine region is characterized by the freshest seafood and a mixture of the best of a range of foods from around the world. The Maldonado wine region takes food lovers on a journey of flavours.

Garrapinada - The Best of Uruguayan Street Food

Garrapinada is a popular Uruguayan street food that is made of peanuts that are roasted in sugar, water and vanilla essence. The peanuts are coated in the syrup mixture and once this hardens, they are ready to eat. Garrapinada can be found across the streets of the Rivera region where they are sold by vendors called garrapineros. The nuts are served in a small, long bag so that they can be enjoyed on the go. Apart from peanuts, Garrapinada is also sometimes made with walnuts and almonds.

Martin Fierro - A Delicious Local Treat     

Martin Fierro is a delicious local treat in the Maldonado wine region. This dish is made with cheese such as manchego cheese and a slice of quince paste called dulce de mambrillo. This dish is named after a famous book character from the region.

Medio y Medio - Sip on a Delicious Local Cocktail

Medio y Medio is a local cocktail of San Jose. This cocktail is made with dry white wine and sweet sparkling wine. To make the cocktail, equal parts of both wines are combined. The wines should be well chilled, and the cocktail is then served as an aperitif or an accompaniment to a dessert dish. Medio y Medio has become such a popular drink in San Jose that it can now also be bought premixed in supermarkets.

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