Route
Montevideo centre ──── road north, ~20 to 30 min ──── Bodega Bouza (Melilla)
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Vines ─ vintage cars ─ tasting ─ lunch
The day after a marathon deserves a plan that involves almost no walking, and a winery lunch fits. Bodega Bouza sits in Melilla, on the rural fringe of Montevideo, among vineyards and low hills. It makes wine from the grapes Uruguay is known for, Tannat above all, a dark, tannic red that grows well in the country's humid climate, and Albariño for white.
The winery is open daily from 11:00 to 18:00, with scheduled tours at 11:00, 13:30, 15:00 and 16:30, according to its own site. Book ahead and ask the winery to confirm the day's tours. A taxi or hired driver from the centre takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes in light traffic, and the winery's marketing quotes about 15 minutes, which is optimistic. Arrange a return ride in advance, because pick-ups from the vineyard road can be slow.
May at the vineyards
May is autumn in Uruguay, and the vines have turned yellow and red after the harvest. Days are cool, 14 to 18 °C, with rain possible, and the countryside is quiet. Bring a jacket, since vineyard tours involve standing around outdoors.
The visit
The tour takes in the winery's cellar, the barrel hall and a collection of vintage cars, which is a surprise in a vineyard and sits indoors, out of the weather. The tasting that the winery lists is four wines with four small bites, priced at around UYU 2,115 (about £39 at a recent exchange rate). Confirm the current price and duration when you book. The tour involves some standing and a few steps, so ask about seating if you need it.
Lunch
The restaurant serves Uruguayan cooking, with grilled meats and local produce as the centre of the menu. Order a glass of Tannat with beef, and an Albariño with fish if you prefer white. Stay seated for as long as the table allows.
The way back
Your driver will take you back into the city in the late afternoon. If you want a final walk, the Rambla near your hotel is flat, but a rest suits the legs better.
Getting home
Carrasco airport (MVD) lies east of the city centre, so allow extra time for a transfer if you fly the same evening. Check the winery's tour times and prices before you book.