Welcome to Bodega Garzon
LOCATION
60 Kilometers from Punta del Este
VISITORS
20,000 per year
LAUNCHED
2016
Best new world winery of the year
Bodega Garzon is considered by many publications to be the best winery in Uruguay. However, its legacy isn't limited to this country since it has also been recognized around the world. In 2018, it received the Best New World Winery of the Year award by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, winning over wineries from countries like South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, and Canada. This award was won just two years after its inauguration, which says a lot about the thought that came into building Bodega Garzon.
When it comes to making wine so many things can influence its flavor. This is why everything single detail was considered before founding Bodega Garzon, starting with its location. This winery sits close to the Atlantic Ocean, about 60 kilometers from Punta del Este, at an altitude of 160 meters above sea level. This area has a mild climate with a constant breeze that comes from the ocean. Also, the soil is rich in a specific type of rock that provides minerals, which favor the growth of the grapes. All these factors give Bodega Garzon's wines a vibrance, complexity, and natural acidity that is hard to find elsewhere, and that has been the secret for their success.
Visiting Bodega Garzon is a great plan for the weekend, although they receive visitors from Wednesday to Sunday. There are different things you could do and perhaps just one visit won't be enough for you. The best option for your first visit is the Garzon Premium Experience, which includes a private tour of the vineyard and the cellar along with a tasting of their most iconic wines with a Sommelier. Finally, you will have lunch in a private space where you will enjoy three different wines. It is a good idea to reserve the guided tours beforehand since this is a popular tourist attraction that brings almost 20,000 visitors each year.
CULINARY DIRECTOR
Renowned chef Francis Mallmann
One of the highlights of your visit will be the restaurant, where you will enjoy delicious meals prepared under the supervision of Argentinian chef Francis Mallmann. He is a celebrity chef with different shows on television so you are in for a treat. Also, the restaurant has huge terraces facing the vineyards and the views are to die for. In this restaurant, you will be able to drink any of Bodega Garzon's wines and you will try the Colinas de Garzon olive oil that is also produced in the winery.
There are other options for those who don't wish to visit all the facilities. One of the activities Bodega Garzon has to offer is a guided hike through the vineyard, which involves 2 hours of enjoying nature and the outdoors. For those who want something more relaxing, a picnic would be a good idea. This program includes a table for your picnic located in the vineyard, along with a basket with cheese, bread, olives, fruit, water and a bottle of wine. This activity is available for 2 to 4 people, and like all others should be reserved at least 1 day before your visit.
Something that makes Bodega Garzon special is that even though they rule the winemaking industry in Uruguay, they care about the planet. The 1,000 plots and over 200,000 square feet building were built under the premise of sustainability. Solar and wind energy are used to keep the winery running, and this has never slowed them down since they are the number one wine exporter in the country.
As you can see, Bodega Garzon has activities for all tastes. Whether you want to learn about winemaking, or you want to have a relaxing day, this is the place to go. After all, there is nothing like drinking wine right in the place where it was made and seeing all the effort that was put into it.
