Uruguay Wine Tour: Vik and Vines

Welcome to your Uruguay Wine Tour!

Upon arrival to Montevideo, you are welcomed and privately transferred to Carmelo (with English-speaking driver), located in Uruguay’s picturesque wine region. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Start your Uruguay winery tour in the birthplace of wine in Uruguay. In the XVIII century, the Jesuits established in the north of the Province of Colonia in Uruguay, where they continued their mission and built the national monument “La Calera de las Huerfanas” in 1741.

Afterwards, visit two wineries in the region of Carmelo, about 80 minutes away from Colonia (the selection of wineries may vary due to their open times). Start with a visit to Bodegas Cordano, a small family-run winery which is led by Ana Paula Cordano and her family in the fifth generation. After a warm reception, visit the vineyards and the production areas. Enjoy a tasting of the Cordano wines in a special atmosphere of the Almacen de La Capilla.

Continue to El Legado Winery, a boutique family-owned winery located in the Carmelo region. The winery’s name, meaning “legacy,”was chosen in honor of Bernardo’s father, Luis Mazurca, who bought the land and planted the vines. Bernardo and his family decided to continue the project and produce wines not because of a family tradition in winemaking, because they “fueled by a true passion” in what they do. The visit includes lunch and tasting of two Tannat and Sirah Wines with cheese platters, sausages, chestnuts, among other tasty delights.

Today, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Colonia del Sacramento through a city tour: Discover the little stone streets, the old edifications, the fort, port, Spanish and Portuguese houses, downtown and the Rambla, which borders the Old City to the “Real de San Carlos” where the “Plaza de Toro,” the “Hipodromo” and the old harbor can be seen.

Today, you are met by your guide for transfer back to Montevideo (English-speaking driver). Upon arrival, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Capital and home to nearly half of Uruguay’s population, Montevideo is a vibrant, eclectic city with a rich cultural diversity and 20 kilometers of pristine river beaches along the Rio de la Plata known locally as “La Rambla.”

Follow the history of the Jewish community in Montevideo on a half-day city tour. Your visit starts in Old Town where Jewish immigrants first settled at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. Explore important sites that are related to the Jewish Heritage such as the Sephardic Beth Israel Temple, Ashkenazi Synagogue and the main community center, but also main highlights of the city such as the famous Parliament House (Uruguay’s pride), the Obelisk, and more. Then, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

Enjoy a full-day at your leisure to further explore Montevideo as you wish!

Visit the charming village “Pueblo Eden,” starting with Lote 8 Olive Oil Boutique Plant to tour their production facilities and to sample their olive oil and a selection of cheeses. Then, head to the rocky outcrops of Pueblo Eden and taste the wines of Viña Eden Winery, including Chardonnay, a typical Tannat Reserva and the Cerro Negro wine. After lunch at the winery, private transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Today, enjoy a private cooking class at the home of a local chef. The experience takes place within an informal atmosphere, accompanied by a glass of good wine. Learn about the traditional local products of Uruguay such as the butia, dulce de leche, olive oil, Uruguayan cuts of meat and other typical local ingredients. Prepare the main course of the proposed menu (menu is pre-selected taking into consideration your personal preferences and any dietary restrictions). Or, if you wish, prepare the complete menu.

The physical appearance of this small town on the Atlantic coast has changed little over the past decade. For much of the year, the sandy streets of this former fishing village are quiet, the funky and stylish designer houses half-hidden behind modest fishing shacks, and tumbledown cottages shuttered and empty. Over New Years, local aristocrats and A-list celebrities transform the coastline into South America’s most exclusive yet determinedly rustic place to wine, dine and party. It’s a great scene for those seeking to be surrounded a stylish group of people.

Enjoy two full days at your leisure taking advantage of your hotel facilities including the twenty-meter swimming pool, gym, spa, private polo field, golf green, and stable of Criollo riding horses.

At the wooden boathouse, you can find kayaks, kites and wind surfers, canoes, sailboats and fishing equipment to enjoy the arroyo and lake. Nature walks and bird  watching, tennis, cycling and hiking are all part of the activities available. The expansive property is host to riding and polo horses, farm animals, and native wildlife. A game room with pool table, table tennis and a variety of other games is found in the Estancia house.

Second full day to enjoy your hotel and surrounding area.

After breakfast this morning, you are transferred to the airport for your return flight home.