Day 209. Wednesday 26th March. From Parque Don Ricardo, Trinidad, to Bodega Familia Moizo. Canalones, Uruguay. 107 miles or 172 k’s.

A lovely coool night. Light duvet out and snug as a bug in a rug.

As Jen mentioned, leaves are falling, colours changing, autumn is on us. I wonder if we could have done more homework on weather for the continent and perhaps avoided some of the extreme heat we experienced, in Brazil specially? Looking at temperatures in Ushuia right now, they are not much different to December, when we were there. We were under the impression that summer was a narrow time, perhaps two months wide, and snow either side of it. Anyway, it is what it is and apart from some discomfort in Brazil, we have had amazing weather.

Tonight’s accommodation.

It’s a winery and it’s free if we dine on the premises. What could be wrong with that!! Abstention has been my steely conviction until tonight. I’m going to let my hair down…that’s a joke, and join Jen in a tipple to taste their offerings. Tanat is the speciality of the region. Never heard of it, so Jen will enlighten in tomorrows blog. If she’s sober..:)

Our host, Omar, of Italian descent, greeted us. with his two of his three young adult children. A charming, hospitable family, who’s forbears have been in the industry since their arrival in the 1920’s. Omar told us that Uruguay is the only country in South America without an indigenous population. They were exterminated progressively since the arrival of the Spanish. A huge difference compared with it’s neighbour, Paraguay. Very different structures in both countries. and very different outcomes.

Interestingly they have a brand new BYD electric car. Small, compact and a perfect run-around with a range of 320k’s +. Mmmm. I think it’s the same car that friend John in the UK, had introduced us to. Is my allegiance changing?…:) It could NEVER replace the Land Rover, or the Mercedes, maybe one of the Mercedes?…:)

During the afternoon, as we drive further south, progressively more and more of the large Phoenix palm trees are falling to an environmental or parasitic condition. It’s sad to see the tall, thick stems standing, dying, with their crowns gone.

Pampas grass.

Neighbour’s grainery

The evening.

There is a conducted tour of the winery, which is part of the package, winery tour, tasting and dinner.

To start there we walk through the vines. Several species all planted together. They have 11 Ha but that land is some distance away. The manicured part we are shown contains 3 rows about 50m long. Amongst the plants are table grapes which are sweet and tasty. Being Autumn most of the harvest has been completed, there are only stragglers left.

We asked Omar why the Phoenix palms are dying. The introduction of palms from Spain bearing the Red Weevil, the culprit.

Next point of call, the bottling hall. None of the hi-tech conveyor lines. The machine used to fill the bottles dates back to the construction of the building and concrete grape holding tanks in 1954. This is an artisinal boutique winery, family owned and operated with Lucas and his two sisters gradually taking over from their Mum and Dad, who took over from Omar’s Mum and Dad, who built the winery on land purchased by his Mum and Dad after arriving from Italy in 1920

Omar demonstrating the corking machine while Lucas sits behind the filling machine.

Their market is high end domestic, and prices reflect that. I like it that they are comfortable with their niche and have no desire to compete on the international stage. Their target market is only 70k’s down the road in Montevideo and Punta del Este. They are also keen to encourage visits from overseas tourists. Omar is fluent in English, Italian, Portuguese and of course, Spanish. Their property is also used for weddings and events and they can host large parties of up to 150, as well as small, intimate dinners.

The next stage, tasting and dinner

In conclusion.

This is a very pleasant and intimate evening. Lucas very professionally serving samples of the 5 wines for tasting, with Omar describing the fermentation process and characteristics, of the grape.

The meal. Sophie, Omar’s wife is the chef. The three course dinner is delicious, creatively presented and professionally delivered. Lucas is attending a three year course on the industry.

The whole visit has been an enlightening and enjoyable experience. Jen has purchased some of the winery’s products for transport back to the UK, in Poki.

Tomorrow, we head to our final camping site recommended by Lilian and Rob. A Dutch owned camp site, where we will spend 5 nights.

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