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Wine Region

Montevideo Wine Region Guide

Montevideo, Uruguay's capital and smallest department, has vineyards and boutique bodegas in rural districts such as Melilla. It is known for Tannat, Albariño and other elegant wines shaped by a mild maritime climate.

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About Montevideo Wine

Soil
Clay, silty loam
Climate
Temperate maritime
One of the few capital cities with working vineyards and wineries within its limits
Montevideo, Uruguay's capital and smallest department, has vineyards and boutique bodegas in rural districts such as Melilla. It is known for Tannat, Albariño and other elegant wines shaped by a mild maritime climate.

Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and Montevideo wine region is home to the country’s best vineyards and wines. Montevideo wine region has the smallest department in the country of Uruguay and houses the country’s most productive quality vineyards.

Travel Guide to Mondevideo Wine Region

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

Read our travel guide to Montevideo Wine Region to learn more about:

Wines of Montevideo Wine Region

Places to visit in Montevideo Wine Region

Food to try from Montevideo Wine Region

The Montevideo Wine Region

Montevideo wine region is one of the very few capital cities in the world that are located in such close proximity to excellent and high-quality vineyards. These vineyards are located along the Atlantic coastline towards Maldonado. Although the quantity of wine that is produced annually in the Montevideo wine region is low, these wines are of the highest quality in Uruguay.

The mild climate of the Montevideo wine region is similar to that in Bordeaux, as it is the region’s topography.

Grape Varieties:

Red varieties: Tannat, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot

White varieties: Pinot Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Albarino


Quality Wines from the Capital City

The wines of the Montevideo wine region are divided into the Vino de Calidad Preferente (VCP) and the Vino Comun (VC) appellations. VCP wines are high quality and are made from cultivated grape varietals. VC wines are the more common table wines that are of lower quality.

The sea breeze that blows on the vines in the Montevideo wine region produces grapes that have a long period of maturation and moderates the alcohol level by partially preserving the levels of acidity.

Albarino wines of the Montevideo wine region are pale yellow in colour with wonderful golden sparkle. These wines have an unmistakable fruity nose with pear notes and tastes of pineapple, florals, orange blossoms, spices, caramel, and orange peel. Albarino has good acidity and is wonderfully fresh to drink.

Read more about Wineries in Montevideo Wine Region to visit.

Montevideo Wine Region Map

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

Montevideo Wine Region Map
Montevideo Wine Region Map

Where to Go in Montevideo Wine Region    

Plaza Independencia - The Heart of Montevideo

The Plaza Independencia is the heart of the city of the Montevideo wine region and should not be missed by anyone who visits the city. The Old Town is filled with rich history and many local attractions. Plaza Independencia is the main square of Montevideo and is home to the remains of the old city wall and the town gate.

Visit the Mausoleo al General Jose Gervasio Artigas

General Jose Gervasio Artigas is a national hero in Uruguay as he fought to free the country from the Spanish in the early 1800s. After many years of battle, the general was exiled to Paraguay where he died. Despite this, his remains were brought back to Uruguay and placed in a mausoleum in the Plaza Independencia underneath the statue on the main square. Today the remains are always guarded by the national force. This is a sacred place for the people of Uruguay and a wonderful experience for visitors.

Mercado del Puerto - The Port Market

The Mercado del Puerto is a large market filled with restaurants and shops. On the weekends there are street markets outside and a nearby artisan market is open every day. This is the perfect place to experience the local culture of Montevideo.

Rambla de Montevideo - The Montevideo Promenade

The Rambla de Montevideo is the coastline promenade of Montevideo that borders the entire city along the south coast. The Rambla is the perfect place to walk, run, cycle or skate while watching the coastal waters and the urban landscape go by. It is even included in the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2010.

Find the best Montevideo Wine Tour Guides and experience Guided Wine Tours in Montevideo.


What to Eat in Montevideo Wine Region

The cuisine of the Montevideo wine region is typical of Uruguayan food and beef is always a staple on every menu! A large number of immigrants in the capital of Uruguay mean that the local cuisine is influenced by many different cultures, creating a melting pot of delicious meals to try.

Choripan - Chorizo Sausage Sandwich

Choripan is a sandwich made with chorizo sausage in a crusty bun. It is normally eaten on the go as a type of street food and is sold at street food stands across Montevideo.

Asado - Roasted and Grilled Meats

Asado refers to roasted and grilled meat that is normally beef. The meat is cooked in a brick-built grill on either a wood or charcoal fire.

Caruso - Typical Uruguayan Sauce

Caruso is a local sauce of Uruguay that is served warm over the paste. The sauce is made of mushrooms, cream, cheese, meat broth and ham. It is also often flavoured with onion, garlic and fresh herbs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Montevideo known for in wine?
Montevideo combines city life with rural wine districts where boutique bodegas make Tannat reds, Albariño and other fresh whites, all within a short drive of the centre.
What are the main grape varieties grown in Montevideo?
Tannat is the leading red, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Whites include Albariño, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
When is the best time to visit Montevideo for wine tasting?
Harvest in Uruguay takes place around February and March. October to April is the most pleasant period for touring vineyards.
How do I get to the Montevideo wineries?
Carrasco International Airport serves Montevideo. Most wineries in districts such as Melilla are about 30 minutes by car from the city centre.
Which area of Montevideo has vineyards?
Vineyards are concentrated in the rural north-west of the department, around Melilla and Colón, close to the border with Canelones.
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