Uruguay Maldonado - Coastal wine region, enjoy rich red wine and beautiful scenery

There is always a special scent in the air of Piriápolis. Since the 1890s, alchemist Francisco Piria has established his beautiful era seaside resort here because he loves the so-called cosmic energy there. For a long time, tourists have flocked to the Maldonado region for its world-class beach towns: the dazzling Punta del Este and its bohemian-style cousin José Ignacio. However, nowadays, more people visit here for wine tasting. Travelers can stroll in family-owned vineyards that extend to the sea, taste Uruguay's strong Tannat red wine and iconic Albariño white wine, and pair it with the country's famous melt-in-your-mouth steak. Uruguay's wine culture is booming, and Maldonado on the Atlantic coast is its fastest-growing wine region. In fact, Montevideo's most famous winemaker Bodega Bouza has already opened a hilltop restaurant Las Espinas in Maldonado and will add a winery in 2024. They are not the only one. Cerro del Toro - its Tannat variety was recently hailed as Uruguay's "Discovery of the Year" - will also open a winery next year. In this part of the country, wine tourism means intimate vineyards and pastoral outdoor wine tasting. At Bodega Garzón, visitors can ride electric bikes through the vast estate, looking for a place to pair with a picnic to taste wine. At the Alto de la Ballena estate, located on a rocky cliff, the Atlantic is faintly visible in the distance, where they offer tastings of their bottled wines, including a fresh Tannat-Viognier blend. "Most of our wineries are boutique or family-run, and the owners are directly involved in every step," said Soledad Bassini, a sommelier who has worked in José Ignacio for 25 years. "This brings a lot of characteristics to the wine, for tourists, it's like entering someone's home, sharing their daily life, traditions, and history." The richness and diversity of the wine experience prompted Bassini to create Mapa del Vino, a map detailing Uruguay's boutique vineyards. "Maldonado has everything," she said. "Terroir, ocean, beach - it's a complete package." 🏠 Accommodation recommendation: Between the vineyards and pine forests inland of José Ignacio, Luz Culinary Wine Lodge opened in 2022, offering eight suites inspired by Morocco. 🚕 Travel arrangements: JSB Journeys can plan a wine-themed tour of Uruguay, including accommodation in vineyard hotels, wine tasting experiences, and those important designated drivers.