Castillo Viejo Winery Tour and Premium Tasting

Nestled in the heart of Uruguay’s picturesque wine region, the Castillo Viejo Winery offers a captivating experience that transports visitors through the rich tapestry of the country’s viticulture heritage. Led by the passionate winemaker, the tour and premium tasting unveil the winery’s time-honored practices, from the underground cava’s serene ambiance to the meticulous craftsmanship behind each exceptional vintage. As guests savor a selection of hand-picked wines paired with locally-sourced delicacies, they’ll uncover the winery’s family legacy and gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances that make Uruguayan wines truly remarkable. The only question that remains is – what secrets will this immersive experience reveal?

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Tours In Uruguay.

Key Points

• Castillo Viejo Winery offers a personalized tour and premium tasting experience led by the winemaker, showcasing the winery’s century-old legacy and unique wine offerings.
• The premium tasting includes a selection of high-end wines, such as Catamayor Cab Franc Rosado and Catamayor Grand Tannat Single Barrel Blend, paired with a Mediterranean-style platter.
• Guests can explore the winery’s underground Cava cellar and learn about the impact of terroir and traditional winemaking processes on the character of the wines.
• Flexible meeting and pickup options are available, including coordination from hotels, the Montevideo airport, or the Port of Montevideo, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.
• The tour features a complimentary welcome glass of white wine, an introduction to the family history, and an immersive exploration of the winery’s manufacturing and bottling processes.

Overview of the Winery

The Castillo Viejo Winery, founded nearly a century ago in Uruguay, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a traditional winery steeped in family history and legacy.

Travelers will tour the facilities, learning about the winery’s story directly from the winemaker. They’ll discover the family’s legacy and gain insights into Uruguayan viticulture.

The highlight of the experience is a premium tasting, where guests can savor a selection of the winery’s high-end wines paired with a cheese and cold cuts platter.

With pickup options available, the Castillo Viejo Winery tour provides an immersive and personalized wine-tasting adventure in the heart of Uruguay.

Tasting Experience Details

Participants will enjoy a premium tasting experience at Castillo Viejo Winery. The tasting includes a cheese and cold cuts platter, paired with a selection of the winery’s finest wines.

They’ll sample the Catamayor Cab Franc Rosado, Old Cab Franc Plot, Catamayor Grand Vin, and Catamayor Grand Tannat Single Barrel Blend.

To complement the wines, guests will be served a Mediterranean plate with pickles, sauces, and homemade breads.

The tasting provides an opportunity to explore the winery’s unique offerings and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.

Meeting and Pickup Options

For the convenience of visitors, Castillo Viejo Winery offers flexible meeting and pickup options.

Tourists can choose to meet the winemaker directly at the winery’s entrance, located at Entrada a Bodega, 15900 Departamento de Canelones, Uruguay.

Alternatively, the winery can coordinate pickup from the traveler’s hotel, Montevideo airport, or Port of Montevideo, simplifying their travel logistics.

The pickup details are arranged in advance to ensure a seamless experience.

This flexibility allows guests to easily access the winery and begin their premium tasting and tour of the historic facilities.

Tour Highlights and Activities

Upon arrival, guests receive a complimentary glass of white wine to set the tone for their Castillo Viejo Winery experience.

The tour begins with an introduction by winemaker Alejandra, who shares the family’s history and insights into Uruguayan viticulture.

Visitors then explore the manufacturing and bottling plant, gaining an inside look at the wine production process.

The highlight of the tour is the Underground Cava, a unique cellar where the winery’s most prized vintages are aged.

Throughout the experience, guests are immersed in the rich heritage and traditions that have made Castillo Viejo a beloved destination for wine enthusiasts.

Family History and Viticulture

The rich legacy of Castillo Viejo Winery is woven into the very fabric of Uruguayan viticulture. Established nearly a century ago, this family-owned estate has a storied past that’s expertly shared by winemaker Alejandra.

Guests learn about the winery’s pioneering role in cultivating the country’s signature varietals, like the robust Tannat grape. Alejandra delves into the challenges and triumphs her ancestors faced in building this revered label, from navigating Uruguay’s fluctuating climate to discovering the terroir that imbues the wines with their distinctive character.

Manufacturing and Bottling Processes

After learning about the Castillo Viejo Winery’s rich history and pioneering role in Uruguayan viticulture, the tour now shifts its focus to the manufacturing and bottling processes that bring these acclaimed wines to life.

Guests are led through the winery’s state-of-the-art facilities, marveling at the precision and care that goes into every step:

• Grapes are meticulously sorted and crushed, with temperature and fermentation closely monitored to extract the finest flavors.

• Oak barrels line the underground cellars, where the wines age and develop their complex profiles.

• Bottling is a delicate dance, ensuring each vessel is filled, corked, and labeled with the utmost attention to detail.

• Visitors gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into every bottle of Castillo Viejo wine.

• The tour culminates with a tasting, where guests can savor the fruits of the winery’s labor.

Underground Cava Exploration

As the tour winds through the winery’s state-of-the-art facilities, guests can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation when the winemaker leads them towards the subterranean chambers known as the Underground Cava.

This historic network of tunnels and cellars, carved deep into the earth, provides the perfect environment for aging the winery’s finest vintages.

Guests explore the dimly lit passageways, marveling at the rows of oak barrels and bottles resting patiently within.

The winemaker enthusiastically explains the critical role the Underground Cava plays in developing the complex flavors and aromas that distinguish Castillo Viejo’s acclaimed wines.

Accessibility and Cancellation Policy

For the Castillo Viejo Winery Tour, infant seats are available and the experience is stroller accessible, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Regarding the cancellation policy, guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour. This flexibility ensures visitors can plan their itinerary with ease.

The key accessibility and cancellation details include:

• Infant seats available
• Stroller accessible
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior
• Hassle-free rescheduling for guests

This winery tour offers a tailored experience, catering to families and travelers’ needs while maintaining a flexible and convenient cancellation policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Group Discounts Available for the Winery Tour?

Group discounts aren’t explicitly mentioned, but visitors can inquire about special rates for larger parties. The private tour experience allows for flexibility in accommodating group needs.

Can I Purchase the Wines Tasted During the Tour?

Yes, guests can purchase the wines tasted during the Castillo Viejo Winery tour. The winery offers their premium wines, including the Catamayor line, for purchase at the end of the tasting experience.

Is the Winery Open on Weekends or Holidays?

The winery is open on weekends and holidays. Visitors can tour the facilities and enjoy a premium wine tasting experience during these times, although it’s best to check the winery’s schedule in advance to confirm availability.

What Is the Dress Code for the Winery Tour?

There is no formal dress code for the winery tour. Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended, as the tour includes a visit to the production facilities. Guests should dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared to walk around the winery.

How Long Does the Entire Winery Tour and Tasting Experience Last?

The entire winery tour and tasting experience lasts approximately 2-3 hours. Guests can expect an introduction by the winemaker, a tour of the facilities, and an extensive wine tasting paired with a selection of local cheeses and charcuterie.

Recap

The Castillo Viejo Winery Tour and Premium Tasting offers a truly immersive experience, showcasing the rich heritage and exceptional craftsmanship of Uruguayan viticulture. From the guided exploration of the winery’s history and processes to the premium tasting of exquisite wines, this tour provides an enhanced appreciation for the winery’s exceptional offerings. With personalized pickup options and a focus on accessibility, it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of Uruguay’s wine country.