Jesuit ruins and Carmelo wineries

The tour begins with a visit to “Calera de las Huerfanas”, an archaeological site of the remains of a local estancia managed by the Jesuit Missions between 1741 and 1767. Located only 10 kilometers from Carmelo, the ranch (also known as Estancia del Río de las Vacas or Estancia Belén), was self-sustaining and included a blacksmith shop, a bakery, a warehouse, a vegetable garden, the cathedral, a mill, various corrals, and four clay ovens used to burn tiles, bricks and limestone (hence the name “Calera”).

More than 250 people including the Jesuits, slaves, and natives lived in the premises and provided for the towns of the region such as Colonia del Sacramento, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires. It was the Jesuits who began the cultivation of vines in the Uruguayan territory. When the Spanish crown expelled them from the region, Juan de San Martín took the administration and found more than 1500 vines that gave birth to the wine production of the country.

After this visit, continue onto the wine region and visit two of the local wineries:

* Bodega El Legado is a family-owned winery that began when Bernardo Marzuca and his family, decided to buy back the family vineyards that once belonged to Bernardo’s father. The winery is the legacy that they continued by working the land and making wine. Nowadays, the winery produces very exclusive fine wines using a unique technique in Uruguay. Their vineyards have no wires to hold on to, only a free vertical cord system that allows it to “express freely. Wine making started as a hobby for the Marzuca family but soon turned into a true passion when more and more people became fascinated with their wines. The winery visit includes a guided tour along the vines, wine cellar, and production area and a tasting of 3 wines paired with cheeses, salamis, and olives.

* Bodega Cordano is a small family-run winery nowadays led by Ana Paula Cordano and her husband, the 5th generation of the family. The visit includes a guided tour of the production areas and vineyards and a stop at “Almacén de la Capilla”, a vintage grocery shop founded in 1855 by Antonio Cordano. The visit finishes with a tasting of 3 of their best wines and a delicious homemade lunch. (Please note that the selection of the wineries may vary due to availability and opening days).

Duration of the activity: Full Day

Includes: Guide, transfers, tastings and lunch

Available: Everyday, all year round with previous booking only