As the first grapes of the 2025 vintage arrived at the wineries, Uruguay’s vineyards buzzed not only with harvest activity but also with the excited chatter of winemakers and a select group of UK trade visitors.

From February 2nd to 8th, five distinguished sommeliers and buyers from the UK toured Uruguay’s vineyards and wineries, immersing themselves in the country’s diverse and distinctive wines. The esteemed guests included:

Freddie Cobb, buyer for the expanding Vagabond wine bar chain.

Andrea Mosbacher, buyer and sommelier for the South American-inspired restaurant group Fazenda.

Richard Lockstone, buyer for 37 boutique hotels and restaurants across the UK within the Hotel du Vin and Malmaison group.

Charlie Taylor, owner and buyer for Kask, a group of wine bars and restaurants in Bristol.

Merlin Ramos, sommelier and buyer for Kioku by Endo and the Creative Restaurant Group in Mayfair.

The group was hosted by wine writer and author of The South America Wine Guide, Amanda Barnes, who also took advantage to taste the new vintages from the wineries. “It was a fantastic week exploring Uruguay’s wine regions”, said Barnes. “Not only did we have beautifully sunny and breezy weather, but it was really exciting to see so many innovations in the wineries. The group departed with a strong appreciation for Uruguay’s diversity, as well as the overall high quality and unique character of its wines”.

The wineries that participated in the week included Pisano, Viña Progresso, Nakkal Wines, Cerro Chapeu, Bouza, Bodega Garzon, Alto de la Ballena, Cerro del Toro, Familia Deicas, Marichal, Pablo Fallabrino, Bracco Bosca, De Lucca, Barras de Mahoma, Los Cerros de San Juan, Hacienda del Sacramonte, Atlántica Gourmet, Compañía Uruguaya Vinos de Mar, Finca Las Violetas, Sacromonte, Luz, and Bizarra Extravaganza. The group also had the opportunity to taste the vermouths of Vermut Flores.