Bending Branch Winery - Luxury Uruguayan Tannat Immersion
April 14-19, 2026
Join Dr. Bob Young and additional wine hosts from the Tannat House of Texas and embark on a Tannat wine immersion in Uruguay. Over a quarter of Uruguay's vineyard plantings are the Tannat grape variety, and Tannat is recognized as the national grape.
April 14 - Day 1: Arrival in Montevideo - Welcome to Uruguay
ARRIVAL IN MONTEVIDEO
Bienvenidos a Uruguay! Touch down in Montevideo's modern Carrasco airport. After immigration and customs, rendezvous with your driver for the short drive (10 minutes) to the elegant Sofitel Montevideo Carrasco, a stunning belle époque landmark overlooking the Río de la Plata.
HOTEL: SOFITEL CASINO CARRASCO & SPA
Arrive to your beautifully renovated “palace”, once Montevideo’s premier hotel during the Belle Époque, has been restored to its former grandeur. Located in the upscale neighborhood of Carrasco on the shores of the Rio de la Plata, the comfortably appointed rooms (many with River views) make a great base in the Uruguay capital. Unwind from the journey and settle into local rhythms.
AFTERNOON MONTEVIDEO CITY TOUR
Meet with your local Uruguayan hosts. The afternoon unfolds with a city tour, introducing you to Montevideo’s rich history and architectural beauty. Take La Rambla, Montevideo’s picturesque coastal promenade stretching over 13 miles, where locals jog, cycle, and sip mate by the waterfront. Pass Parque Rodó, a lush urban oasis blending manicured gardens, serene lakes, and neoclassical statues, offering a glimpse into the city's laid-back lifestyle and the sandy beaches of Pocitos.
Begin a walk in the historic core known as Ciudad Vieja in Plaza Independencia, the city’s grand central square, where the impressive Mausoleum of José Artigas, Uruguay’s national hero, stands beneath the towering Palacio Salvo—a striking early 20th-century landmark. Wander through the historic Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), where colonial facades, hidden courtyards, and art galleries tell the city’s past. The final stop is Mercado del Puerto, a vibrant covered market filled with sizzling parrillas (grill houses), artisan crafts, and the enticing aroma of asado, Uruguay’s legendary barbecue close to the port.
GROUP WELCOME DINNER
As the sun sets, indulge in a special welcome dinner at a celebrated Montevideo institution just off the handsome Plaza Zabala helmed by a protégé of Argentina’s Francis Mallmann. The meal is a love letter to Uruguayan terroir, with dishes like grass-fed beef tartare, local burrata with roasted squash, and fresh corvina ceviche paired with exceptional wines from boutique producers not included in the rest of the trip. Raise your glass in a hearty salud. Welcome to Uruguay!
Lodging: Sofitel Carrasco
Meals: Dinner
April 15 - Day 2: Canelones Wine Country
CANELONES WINE REGION
This morning rendezvous in the hotel lobby after breakfast with your hosts and fellow travelers. Journey into Uruguay’s wine culture begins in Canelones, the heartland of Uruguayan viticulture, known for its rolling vineyards and ocean- moderated climate immediately outside the capital of Montevideo, the largest wine region in Uruguay.
TASTING: PIZZORNO ESTATE
Our first stop not far from the city limits is a fourth-generation family winery hailing from Italy's Piedmont. Founded in 1910, Pizzorno is a benchmark for Tannat, Uruguay’s flagship grape. Winemaker Carlos Pizzorno embraces both tradition and innovation, producing structured yet elegant reds and crisp whites. Carlos will welcome you to explore their old-vine Tannat and Marselan, as well as their vibrant sparkling wine and Sauvignon in a special private tasting in the family’s cellar.
TASTING LUNCH: CARRAU WINERY
For lunch, you are the special guests of one of Uruguay’s most historic and iconic wineries: Carrau. Founded in 1752 in Catalonia before moving to Montevideo in 1930, today winemaker Francisco Carrau and his sister Margarita Carrau oversee the family estate. Pioneers in winemaking in Uruguay, their Cerro Chapeau property in Rivera, near the Brazilian border, is a groundbreaking site for premium viticulture in Uruguay, with vineyards planted at 250 meters above sea level. Here, the combination of iron-rich soils and Atlantic breezes results in wines of remarkable elegance. A highlight of the tasting is Amat Tannat, their flagship wine, which showcases the intensity and finesse of carefully selected, low-yielding old vines. Alongside their celebrated Albariño and Petit Manseng, this experience offers a deep dive into the avant-garde of Uruguayan winemaking. Savor a delicious catered lunch for the group to pair the wines featuring many typical Uruguayan dishes and specialities.
TASTING: PISANO
After lunch, meet the Pisano brothers, Daniel, Eduardo, and Gustavo. Together they craft artisanal, small-production wines with remarkable intensity. Their RPF Tannat is legendary for its depth and aging potential, while their Viognier and Syrah bring unexpected elegance to Uruguay’s diverse terroir. Walk the vines, taste from the barrel, and savor their renowned Etxe Oneko blend, a rare mix of Viognier and Tannat that defies expectations.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner is on your own tonight. We will share our list of favorite restaurants in Montevideo.
Lodging: Sofitel Carraso
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
April 16 - Day 3: Canelones Wine Country
TASTING: JUANICO / FAMILIAS DEICA
This morning after breakfast at the hotel, don't miss the delicious homemade croissants!, meet your guides to set off on Ruta 5 north of Montevideo deep into the heart of Canelones.
The first stop is one of Uruguay’s largest and most respected wineries, and the first winery to export at scale from Uruguay, opening the world to other producers to follow suit. Juanicó dates back to 1830 and is now run by the Deicas family.
Winemaker Santiago Deicas has pushed the boundaries of Uruguayan wine, experimenting with amphora aging and biodynamic farming. Meet with the winemaking team to walk the vineyards and visit the historic cellar. After sit down to a tasting of their wines including their top cuvée, Preludio, offers insight into the evolution of high-end Uruguayan Tannat, complemented by their flagship Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
TASTING & ASADO LUNCH: MARICHAL
Not far away, head to a family-run winery with a deep-rooted history, Marichal is known for crafting refined, high-quality wines that highlight Uruguay’s unique terroir. Winemakers Juan Andres and Alejandro Marichal specializes in producing elegant Tannat with a more delicate expression, balancing power with finesse. Their signature Tannat-Chardonnay blend is a rare and fascinating white wine, where skin-contact Chardonnay brings texture and complexity. Additionally, their Old Vine Merlot showcases deep, velvety tannins, and the Marichal 'A' a reference in what Tannat can achieve. As gracious Uruguayan hosts, lunch is an authentic Uruguayan asado for the group, a feast of slow-grilled meats paired with their finest wines, offering an unforgettable taste of Uruguay’s rich culinary traditions.
TASTING: SPIGNOLIO
Finally, before heading back to Montevideo, get to know a hidden gem in Canelones, Spinoglio is a family-run winery known for its deep history and traditional winemaking methods. Founded in the late 19th century, the estate still maintains its original cellar, where century-old oak barrels coexist with modern techniques.
Winemaker Fernando Spinoglio crafts structured and expressive Tannat, Cabernet
Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Gris, using extended maceration and careful oak aging to enhance complexity. Enjoy a private barrel tasting and seated tasting after overlooking the vineyards, where the warmth of Uruguayan hospitality shines through.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and unwind in the spa, head out for a walk on La Rambla and the shores of the Rio de la Plata. The evening is yours to savor as you please.
Lodging: Sofitel Carrasco
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
April 17 - Day 4: Maldonado - The Cutting Edge of Uruguayan Wine
MALDONADO PROVINCE
After breakfast, meet your hosts and set out along the green, rolling hills of the Uruguayan countryside to the neighboring Maldonado province.
Maldonado represents Uruguay's most exciting wine frontier, where Atlantic Ocean influence creates ideal conditions just kilometers from the coast. The region's distinctive granite soils provide excellent drainage and mineral complexity, while varied topography offers diverse microclimates at different elevations. This unique terroir allows innovative winemakers to craft elegant expressions of both traditional Tannat and unexpected varieties like Albariño and Pinot Noir. The resulting wines balance freshness with complexity, showcasing a sophisticated new expression of Uruguayan winemaking that has captured international attention.
TASTING: SACROMONTE
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Maldonado just north of the Eden Valley, Uruguay's Tuscany, here cutting-edge architecture harmonizes with natural surroundings. Minimalist lodges with mirrored façades reflect the rolling hills, creating a seamless integration with the environment. Their winemaking philosophy emphasizes terroir expression through thoughtfully crafted Tannat-Merlot blends that capture the rugged character and mineral complexity unique to the region. Visitors can indulge in private tastings at their striking mirrored wine pavilion—a geometric marvel overlooking the vineyards. The place, the architecture, the wines...it's just absolutely breathtaking.
TASTING LUNCH: LAS ESPINAS (BOUZA) 
The newest addition to the the renowned Bouza family portfolio, Las Espinas is a rising star in Maldonado’s winemaking scene. Under the guidance of Eduardo Boido, a winemaking visionary, the estate produces standout wines such as the Pan de Azúcar Riesling, with its crisp minerality and citrus notes, and the award-winning Las Espinas Chardonnay, a rich yet vibrant expression of coastal terroir. The estate’s restaurant, ranked among the World’s 50 Best, sits perched on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic, offering breathtaking views towards Punta del Este. Here, guests will indulge in a multi-course pairing menu featuring local seafood and seasonal delicacies. Delicious.
TASTING: CERRO DEL TORO
After lunch, stop at a project tucked into the coastal hills of Maldonado, Uruguay. The boutique Cerro del Toro winery showcases winemaker Gabriel Pisano's innovative approach to the region's terroir. With vineyards planted on granite-rich soils at elevations of 150-250 meters, this certified organic estate produces elegant, Atlantic-influenced wines that challenge conventions. Their high-altitude Pinot Noir displays remarkable red fruit purity and silky texture, while their Tannat—Uruguay's signature grape—offers refined expressions with balanced tannins and complex mineral notes. Visitors can experience how the winery's precision techniques, including optical sorting and concrete egg fermentation, translate the unique coastal microclimate into wines of exceptional finesse.
Lodging: Sofitel Carrasco
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
April 18 - Day 5: Uruguay's Old Guard & New Wave
SATURDAY MORNING MARKET IN MONTEVIDEO
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel. Late morning rendezvous with your hosts and head out to a Saturday tradition in Montevideo -- the Villa Biarritz feria, farmers market where it's time to get immersed in daily Uruguayan culture.
Montevideo is a timeless city where Montevideanos shop for seasonal produce, cheeses, breads, cured meats and other tasty treats. Walk the stalls of gorgeous produce, blue eggs, freshly breaded milanesas (local schnitzel) and locals sipping their mate. After, take a drive to the west to the breezy coastal town known as Atlantida.
TASTING LUNCH: BRACCOBOSCA
Lunch today is a winery exemplifying Uruguay's new wave of boutique producers, where Italian winemaking heritage meets Atlantic terroir. Their sustainably-farmed vineyard plots capitalize on the region's granite-rich soils and maritime climate to produce structured Tannat and aromatic white varieties with remarkable freshness. And besides Tannat, they also love Moscatel!! The winery's highlight is their intimate farm-to-table lunch experience, where seasonal Uruguayan cuisine is served on a terrace overlooking the vineyards, perfectly paired with their small-production wines. Tour the gravity-flow cellar before enjoying this unhurried dining experience featuring house-made charcuterie, wood-fired specialties, and herbs harvested from their organic garden.
FAREWELL DINNER
This evening, join together one last time at a sophisticated wine bistro offers a curated tasting experience featuring bottles from acclaimed producers you cannot visit in person. Sample limited-production wines from Bodega Garzón's vineyards, explore Compañía Uruguaya de Vinos' innovative blends, and discover the boutique offerings from the other side of Uruguay in Carmelo. The kitchen prepares delicious, simple food to showcase Uruguay's diverse terroirs through thoughtfully paired dishes. Salud to a great week of wine exploration, friends!
Lodging: Sofitel Carrasco
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
April 19 - Day 6: Departures
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURES
Enjoy your last breakfast in Montevideo. Check is out at noon. Meet your driver for transfer to the airport and departing flights. We hope you have enjoyed this journey into the birthplace of new world Tannat!
Lodging: Sofitel Carrasco (checkout)
Meals: Breakfast
- Deluxe Accommodations (double occupancy, king or twin beds):
- 5 nights in a Luxury Room at the Sofitel Carrasco in Montevideo
- Private airport transfers in sedan or van to/from Montevideo international airport.
- Group transportation in new Mercedes Benz Sprinter vans with professional driver, as per itinerary Private winery visits with premium tastings as per itinerary
- Cultural and/or any other activities as per itinerary
- Culinary tastings and market snacks as per itinerary Local, bilingual wine expert guides as per itinerary
- Meals as per itinerary
- Meals are 3-course with wines, non-alcoholic beverages, and gratuity Daily buffet breakfast at hotel included with room rate
- 24-hour support
- Bottled mineral water for excursions
- Any sales tax where applicable (all foreigners automatically not charged VAT tax in hotels at time of booking)
- International airfare not included
- Meals or beverages not detailed in itinerary
- Items of personal nature: tips, phone calls, laundry, massages, hotel extras, wine to take home, etc. Tips for porters, drivers, and guides
- Any departure taxes, entry fees, etc.
Early Bird Pricing (50% deposit received by May 20, 2025)
$5,585/person, $750 single supplement (paid by check)
$5,747/person, $772 single supplement (paid online)
Regular Rate (50% deposit received after May 21, 2025)
$5,935/person, $772 single supplement
Contact Jen for payment invoice and registration details.
Travel arrangements by Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences