A Wonderful and Interesting Destination to add on Your Travels.
Are you sensitive to people hospitality and kindness?
Is having a really good beef steack along a glass of red wine bliss for yo?
Do you enjoy deeply long walk on beautiful wild beaches?
If you answered yes to these questions, then, Uruguay is a great destination for you.
«Uruguay, the river of the colorful birds ». — A word in Guarani language that was spoken by the natives of the area.
A seaside land neighboring giants (Argentina and Brazil)
Uruguay is a small Latin American country wedged between Brazil and Argentina with 660 kilometers of coastline overlooking the estuary of the Río de la Plata and the Atlantic Ocean, which brings joy to many Brazilians and Argentinians during the summer season. This country is predominantly agricultural, with the main wealth of livestock operations. This is one of the world’s first producers of meat, wool, and skins.
A Wine producer
Few people know that Uruguay is also a wine-producing country. The vineyards are located mostly in the south. The region of Canelones recognizes more than 3/4 of total wine estates. But you will also find wine in the regions of Colonia and Maldonado in the south; Salto and Rivera in the North.
An interesting story
The viticulture in this region is not new but dates from the seventeenth century. It was introduced by the Spanish colonizers, mostly missionaries. It is a Basque named Pascual Harraigue which introduces the emblematic Uruguayan varietal Tannat. This grape variety originated in Madiran in France produces powerful and very tannic wines, hence the name “Tannat.”
In 1893, when the wine industry is in full swing, phylloxera (a little parasite) spread in the country and wreaked havoc in the vineyards. It was not until the early twentieth century that European immigrants (mainly Italian) reconvert vineyards with grafted plants.
Uruguayen are wine drinkers
With nearly 9,000 hectares of planted vineyards, 280 wineries, the wine is consumed mostly by the local population, and only 3 % of the production is exported. The majority of the production is dedicated to table wine and 20% for fine wine.
Uruguayans love wine and consume about 32 liters per person per year against 22 liters of beer, which ranks it in the top places in the world! You will find there a multitude of European varieties including Tannat, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and the white Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon, Viognier, and Riesling.
Family estates
The outstanding feature of the Uruguayan vineyard is that the fields are all family-type of at least three generations. That is to say that the whole family participates in the life of the field.
Wine tourism
This is a great way to discover a country from within, and Uruguay has many advantages for you to enjoy a pleasant stay.
A wine route does exist, so if you want to do some wine tourism, why not there?
Highlights of Uruguay, 12 reasons to visit this sweet and marvelous country!
1. Art
Have you heard of Carlos Páez Vilaró? He is one of the foremost artists in the country! He was an abstract painter, potter, sculptor, muralist, writer, composer and constructor.
Casa Pueblo is one of his masterpieces that you will find in Punta Ballena. At the time summer home and studio of the artist, now a hotel, art gallery and coffee place will amaze you with its unique and funny shapes. A wonderful experience not to be missed!
2. Carnival
Uruguay also has the longest carnival in the world (40 days !!) that inspired the one in Rio de Janeiro. Two great figures are called “ murgas,” satirical characters of Spanish origin, and “cantombe” which is a type of Afro-Uruguayan percussion unique in the world …
3. Tango
Tango is also present with its style, “the Cumparsita”, which is the creation of Carlos Gardel, the most emblematic singer of the country.
4. Mate
It is also the country’s mate, a bitter drink to power energizing and healing. Do not be surprised if you see many people in the street with a thermos in one hand and a “mate” in the other. Uruguayans carry this convivial drink with them everywhere! They are the biggest consumers of mate in the world! Try it out!
5. Beaches
Not to mention the kilometers of beaches, with the “chic” Punta del Este or the seaside resort Cabo Polonio, natural and sandy hills to no end.
I remember having this chardonnay reserve from Juanico Estate at « la Huella » (pronounce ue shhhh a). Amazing restaurant located on the beach in Maldonado.
6. Estancias
Do you feel like spending a few days away from the noise of the city? You will find pampas and estancias easily in the center of the country, where the closest road is at miles away. Experiencing what true silence is, listening to the sounds of nature, reading with a glass of wine near a fireplace after an afternoon of intense horse riding hike… Private landholdings (the Latin American version of a ranch) will delight you.
Cecilia Regules will help you do just that. I’ve been to one of her estancias, a must!
7. Termas
Let yourself chill in the baths on the north. The natural water there will be a treat for your body. Look for the Salto region.
8. Safe
Uruguay is a politically, economically, and socially stable country. You will feel generally safe although you should watch out for pickpockets and not leave possessions out of your sight in shops and restaurants.
9. Closeness to Buenos Aires
One of the most exciting cities in Latin America is just a few hours away! Buquebus is the boat company that will take you there by ferry is 3 hours from Montevideo et 1 hour from Colonia del Sacramento.
10. Colonia del Sacramento
This old irresistible and picturesque city founded in 1680 is enshrined as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will understand why once there. Its closeness to Buenos Aires, attract many tourists during the summer time. Wandering around the cute cobbled streets for a day will enchant your senses!
Look for the view from the Río de la Plata: you can see Buenos Aires!
11. People
This account for a huge part of a successful trip! The people you meet during your stay will make your trip even more enjoyable or less. Uruguayen are lovely people. You will be touched by their kindness and their « welcoming » attitude towards you will enchant you.
12. Wine and food
And of course wine! They’ve got meat that has nothing to blush from the Argentinian steak. The famous asado or parilla (pronounce ll like shhh) is well practiced here as well. Delicious craft cheese.
Conclusion
Are you going to pick a date and book your flight?
Or maybe read more about this beautiful country?
Either way, just taking one step will bring you closer to it
Cheers
