Explore the storied legacy of Castillo Viejo Winery on an intimate tour and premium tasting experience. Led by the winemaker, Alejandra, guests will explore nearly a century of Uruguayan viticulture. The experience includes a fascinating visit to the manufacturing and bottling plant, followed by a guided tasting of exceptional wines like Catamayor Grand Vin and Grand Tannat, paired with a Mediterranean platter in the unique ambiance of an underground cava. This exclusive outing promises to elevate one’s appreciation for the art of winemaking. What secrets might this historic winery hold?
This experience made our list of the 3 Best Tours In Uruguay.
Good To Know
- Castillo Viejo Winery offers comprehensive tours led by in-house winemaker Alejandra, featuring a unique underground cava wine tasting experience.
- The premium wine tasting includes sampling Catamayor’s finest offerings, such as the Cab Franc Rosado, Old Cab Franc Plot, and Grand Tannat Single Barrel Blend.
- Guests can enjoy private transportation options from Montevideo hotels, airport, or port to the winery’s meeting point in Canelones, Uruguay.
- The winery’s rich history and family legacy in Uruguayan viticulture are highlighted, providing insights into the region’s terroir and wine production innovations.
- The tour includes a visit to the manufacturing and bottling plant, showcasing the winery’s commitment to quality through its meticulous attention to detail.
Overview of the Winery
The Castillo Viejo Winery, founded nearly a century ago, offers a comprehensive tour that delves into the winery’s rich history and facilities.
Led by the in-house winemaker, Alejandra, the tour provides an insider’s exploration of the winery’s operations, from the manufacturing and bottling plant to the unique underground cava wine tasting experience.
Guests can expect to learn about the winery’s storied past and the family’s enduring legacy in Uruguayan viticulture.
The tour offers a well-rounded experience, blending the winery’s heritage with an up-close look at its modern-day wine production processes.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Uruguay.
Tasting Experience Details
A high-end wine tasting accompanies the winery tour, complemented by a cheese and cold cuts platter.
The sample menu includes a Mediterranean plate with pickles, sauces, and homemade breads.
Visitors will have the opportunity to sample the winery’s featured wines, such as the Catamayor Cab Franc Rosado, Old Cab Franc Plot, Catamayor Grand Vin, and Catamayor Grand Tannat Single Barrel Blend.
The tasting experience provides an intimate and exclusive opportunity to savor the winery’s premium offerings while learning about their production methods and history from the winemaker, Alejandra.
Transportation and Meeting Information
For those interested in attending the Castillo Viejo Winery Tour and Premium Tasting, private transportation is available.
Pickup options include hotels in Montevideo, Montevideo Airport, and the Port of Montevideo. The meeting point is at Entrada a Bodega in Canelones, Uruguay, where the activity will end.
The tour is led by the winery’s winemaker, Alejandra, and includes a facilities exploration and a family history presentation.
Guests can expect a welcome glass of complimentary white wine, a talk on Uruguayan viticulture, and a unique underground cava wine tasting experience.
Family History and Uruguayan Viticulture
Castillo Viejo Winery boasts nearly a century of rich history, with its origins tracing back to the early 20th century.
The winery was founded by a family of Spanish immigrants who brought their winemaking expertise to the fertile soils of Uruguay.
The tour explores the family’s legacy, highlighting their pioneering spirit and dedication to crafting exceptional wines.
Guests will learn about the evolution of Uruguayan viticulture and the unique terroir that gives the region’s wines their distinct character.
The winemaker, Alejandra, passionately shares the winery’s story, offering insights into the traditions and innovations that have shaped its success over the decades.
Manufacturing and Bottling Plant Tour
After exploring the winery’s rich history and the Uruguayan viticulture, the tour then takes guests through the manufacturing and bottling plant. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the intricate process of wine production, from the state-of-the-art machinery to the meticulous bottling and labeling procedures. The winery takes great pride in its commitment to quality, and this part of the tour showcases the attention to detail that goes into every bottle.
Step | Equipment | Process |
---|---|---|
1 | Fermentation Tanks | Aging of wine |
2 | Bottling Line | Filling, corking, and labeling |
3 | Quality Control Station | Inspection and approval |
4 | Storage Facility | Temperature and humidity control |
5 | Shipping Area | Packaging and distribution |
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Underground Cava Wine Tasting
The underground cava, or wine cellar, at Castillo Viejo Winery offers a unique tasting experience for visitors. Carved into the limestone hillside, the cava maintains a constant temperature and humidity, creating an ideal environment for aging the winery’s finest vintages.
During the tour, guests descend into this historic space and sample the Catamayor Grand Vin and Catamayor Grand Tannat Single Barrel Blend. The winemaker shares insights into the nuances of these exceptional wines, expertly guiding participants through the tasting.
This intimate, exclusive setting provides an unforgettable opportunity to appreciate the winery’s commitment to quality and its role in Uruguay’s thriving wine culture.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Visitors to Castillo Viejo Winery have overwhelmingly praised the quality of the wines and the exceptional service during the tour and tasting experience.
The winery boasts a 5.0 rating from 4 reviews, with guests commending the knowledgeable winemaker and the unique underground cava tasting.
The tour and premium tasting offer a chance to sample the winery’s finest offerings, including the Catamayor Cab Franc Rosado, Old Cab Franc Plot, Catamayor Grand Vin, and Catamayor Grand Tannat Single Barrel Blend.
Visitors also appreciate the free cancellation policy and the availability of private transportation.
Additional Tour Details
Private transportation is available for those attending the Castillo Viejo Winery tour and premium tasting.
Pickup options include hotels in Montevideo, Montevideo Airport, and the Port of Montevideo, with the meeting point at the Entrada a Bodega in Canelones, Uruguay. The activity ends at the same meeting point.
The tour experience includes:
- A welcome glass of complimentary white wine
- A talk on the winery’s family history and Uruguayan viticulture
- A visit to the manufacturing and bottling plant
- A unique Underground Cava wine tasting experience
Infant seats available, service animals allowed, and stroller accessible, though not wheelchair accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code for the Winery Tour?
There’s no formal dress code for the winery tour. Visitors can wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for walking around the facilities and participating in the tasting experience.
Can We Purchase Wine at the End of the Tour?
Yes, guests can purchase the featured wines at the end of the Castillo Viejo Winery tour. The winery offers the option to buy the samples tasted during the premium tasting experience.
Are Group Discounts Available for Larger Parties?
Yes, Castillo Viejo Winery offers group discounts for larger parties. The more people in your group, the more you’ll save on the tour and tasting experience. Contact the winery for specific pricing details.
How Long Does the Entire Tour and Tasting Experience Last?
The entire Castillo Viejo Winery Tour and Premium Tasting experience lasts approximately 2-3 hours. It includes a guided exploration of the facilities, a premium wine tasting, and a cheese and charcuterie platter.
Can We Request Specific Wines to Be Featured in the Tasting?
According to the information provided, guests can’t request specific wines to be featured in the tasting. The tasting showcases a set menu of the winery’s signature wines, including the Catamayor Cab Franc Rosado, Old Cab Franc Plot, Catamayor Grand Vin, and Catamayor Grand Tannat Single Barrel Blend.
The Sum Up
The Castillo Viejo Winery Tour and Premium Tasting offers an immersive experience for wine enthusiasts. Guests can explore the winery’s operations, learn about its family history, and savor premium wines in the unique ambiance of an underground cava. With knowledgeable guidance and delightful pairings, this tour provides an exceptional opportunity to appreciate Uruguayan viticulture and the winery’s commitment to exceptional winemaking.
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