Assemble your own tour of the Uruguayan grape harvest!
The elixir of kings and the pleasure of the mundane, wine often arouses the curiosity of many. How do you achieve the perfect flavor with the desired notes? Many factors are involved in the creation of a good wine: the quality of the vine, the terroir, the winemaking process that is passed down from generation to generation, among other factors.
The alchemy of a good wine begins in the vineyard. It is essential when harvesting the grapes to achieve the perfect degree of ripeness, which ensures a perfect balance between sweetness, acidity, tannin and alcohol.
According to the latest INAVI statistics, there are 1,183 vineyards registered at national level, with a total cultivated area of 5,966 hectares and a production of 102,616,440 kg. The vineyards are operated by 866 producers and some 40,000 people work in the sector. Uruguay exports about 5.5 million liters of wine per year and generates around U$S 17.6 million.
Today Uruguay is recognized worldwide for its emblematic grape variety, Tannat, but it also stands out for other varieties that adapt very well to the local terroir, such as Marselan, Arinarnoa, natural sparkling wines, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Albariños, among others.
During 2022 and 2023 the Albariños have been developing very well, which “surprise and have awakened international recognition”, Cabrera assured.
CELEBRATION AND EXPERIENCES
On March 16, the National Grape Harvest Parade will be held in the city of Las Piedras, the capital of grapes and wine, organized by the municipality of the same name and the Departmental Municipality of Canelones, with the support of INAVI and the Ministry of Tourism. The city will be dressed in grapes and wine, with the traditional parade of carriages and representatives of the Grape Harvest and a colorful craft fair with local products and the traditional Wine Truck for tasting. Do not miss it!
The day before, the national representative of the Grape Harvest will be chosen to represent the sector in Uruguay and the world.
Tamping the grapes with your feet, tasting an excellent wine with a gourmet dish, accompanied by a good show and learning the secrets of winemaking are some of the experiences offered by the vineyards and tourist wineries during the Harvest season.
