The grape harvest season begins in Uruguay, better known as “Vendimia” or “Vindima”, it happens in several locations and usually in the middle of February until the middle of March. This stage of viticulture involves culture and art. It is a science that can be experienced by tourists in various establishments in the country, which celebrate the period with parties, tastings and traditional “roasts”.

Because it is an extremely important and particular period in the production of wine, each establishment chooses a day as the start of the season – the fruits are collected at the perfect point of maturation and give life to the new tastes of the drink, each harvest is the beginning of a pleasant surprise .

“With chemical analysis and fruit tasting, the grapes are collected and only when the proportion between sugars and acids in the grain are at optimal levels for each strain do they go to the vinification,” says Adriana Gutierrez – head of production at Vinícola Juanicó, located in Canelones, just 38 km from Montevideo. The establishment besides the visitation and tasting, at that time includes the steps on the tour of the tourists.

Grape treading is still a process used in some Uruguayan wineries to produce more specific wines. This is the case of Juanicó, which, although modern and technological, performs the traditional technique with the feet and the artifice is made by women, because their foot is more delicate, does not destroy the fruit and maintains the original characteristics with rounder tannins .

It is in the Vineyard the principle of what will become the wine of the new harvest, it is where one can perceive the quality of the work developed during the year from the pruning. The importance of VINDIMA is so great that the number of visitors grows at this time of year, as in Campo Tinto: where the number of Brazilians is higher than other nationalities. “Now in February, we already have 80% of the hostel occupied, mostly Brazilians, who love these experiences. The number of visitors doubles in times like these, “says Francisco Lorente – development manager at the Campo Tinto Winery, located in Carmelo.

Realizing the growth and democratization of this universe, homeowners began to spread more about their products and share processes with their audiences on important dates. Check out programming:

• In Carmelo establishments: Warehouse of La Capilla, Bodega and Vineyard Cordano and Entreviñas Glamping, came together to celebrate the Harvest. They organized an event, which will take place on February 24, where the harvest, tasting, harmonization and steps will make the tourists happy. Information by e-mail: almacendelacapilla@adinet.com.uy or telephone (542) 09954-4255 / 09892-9076.http: //almacendelacapilla.wixsite.com/almacendelacapilla
• Winery Campo Tinto: organized an agenda full of educational activities about the period, among the actions a special tour will occur daily during the months of February and March, in two schedules (10am to 11am and 3pm to 4pm) that will show the tourists the plantations, the harvest and workshop with the oenologist. On Fridays they offer “roast” and wine and a harmonized menu in the restaurant for lunch and dinner. Information: restaurantcampotinto@gmail.com o casona@campotinto.com or telephone: (598) 4542-7744. http://posadacampotinto.com/index.html
• Vinícola Juanicó: on March 10 the Harvest Festival takes place, in the garden will serve pizzas and bruschetta while the visitors step on the grapes. In the restaurant a menu full of surprises is offered at a special price. Information by e-mail: visita@juanico.com or by phone: (598) 09484-7482. www.juanico.com
• Other wineries can be found on the website of the Uruguayan Wine Tourism Association: http://www.uruguaywinetours.com

Photo: Press release