Description

At only 5,488 hectares, Uruguay’s vineyards are dwarfed by those of Argentina, Chile and Brazil, but this small, river and Atlantic Ocean-influenced country is making some of the most exciting wines in South America right now.

I’ve just published my third overview of Uruguay’s dynamic wine industry, based on a one-week, fact-finding trip earlier this year. All in all, I tasted nearly 300 wines, visiting many of the bodegas and their vineyards in person.

I’m happy to report that the quality of the best wines – both red and white – is better than ever, most notably from the contrasting 2020 and 2021 vintages. Uruguay’s producers are increasingly focused on their terroirs, crafting wines with a sense of place. Not before time, they are also toning down the amount of oak they use.

My 58-page report includes tasting notes for the 210 wines that scored more than 90 points, my wines, winemakers and viticulturist of the year, a list of the best places to eat and drink in Uruguay and an in-depth analysis of the ten things you need to know about the local wine industry.