"The preparation of good food is
merely another expression of art~
One of the joys of civilized living." -Dione Lucas
Dear Dining Adventurer:
Nestled in the hilltops of the charming Uruguayan capital of Montevideo rests a tiny vineyard-- so tiny that you would likely pass it by if you didn’t know it was there.
Uruguay itself is easy to overlook, and you may have to pull out the map to find it! It’s a country no bigger than the state of Washington, between Brazil and Argentina. In fact, did you know that Montevideo, Uruguay hosted the very first World Cup? It’s their claim to fame! But now, there’s something else that is causing the world to notice this unsuspectingly charming and unique place.
An adventure that gives “going out to eat” a whole new meaning
You turn into a winding gravel driveway lined with miniature palm trees and grazing sheep. The springtime breeze is warm and soft. There you stand in front of a church-steeple structure: the pride and passion of this little farm. Inside? Hundreds of barrels- branded with the emblem
BOUZA
One of Uruguay’s finest, most delicate, and rare wines.
But we haven’t even gotten to the best part yet.
You stroll through the quaint countryside, alongside plantations of tannat, merlot, temprañillo, and albariño grapevines, near the banks of Río de la Plata—the widest river in the world. Brimming with tranquility, it feels as though time has taken its siesta here; a sanctuary from the chaos of honking cars, smog-filled sky, and a hyper-caffeinated pace of life. You breathe the pure, pristine air; you feel your shoulders fall, your body ease, and the warm sunshine dance across the peaceful smile that has crept upon your face.
This is just the prelude- preparing you for the most remarkable experience your taste buds could ever imagine.
Welcome to the tasting room of the Bouza Bodega Boutique.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A sumptuous heaven for the senses-- a charming restaurant resembling an ordinary living room and study. Shelves of books surround the cobblestone fireplace and a telescope is propped against the window. Minus the elegant dining tables, it feels as though the Bouza family has personally invited you to supper.
Pairing sips of Chardonnay, Merlot, Tannat and Albariño (both renowned, signature grapes exclusive to Uruguay) with fresh baked bread, an array of local cheeses, smoked prosciutto and crispy thin baguettes layered with brie, sautéed bell peppers, and oregano-- the first course is merely the warm-up!
“Work at a reduced scale always produces better outcomes.”
-The motto of Bouza
The wine is Bouza’s specialty, without a doubt. As a family, they produce the wines in small quantities, cultivating the grapes by hand rather than using a more industrialized process. They prove no task is too arduous in upholding quality and legacy.
They are so protective, so reverent of the wine that only select bottles are sold outside the country. In fact, the Albariño selection is only for purchase at the Bouza boutique itself.
As you savor the wine, breathing deep the aromas of thyme, hickory and terra firma, you sway with the languid cascades of a piano concerto in the distance and relax with each sip.
A tower of rich, juicy sliced red tomato, layered with eggplant and thick buffalo mozzarella, garnished with crispy wisps of green onion is placed before you; shortly after, homemade spinach raviolis brushed with a light pesto and garnished with fresh Parmesan. And let’s not forget the desserts (a tradition in Uruguay- they are, after all, of Italian descent!) Warm, savory chocolate brownie with freshly churned cream, dulce de leche (another Uruguayan specialty), and crisp apple tarts.
Ok, so now that I’ve got your stomach grumbling, I bet I know what your next question will be.
Exactly how expensive is this?
- 2 wine-tastings (6 wines total)
- A platter of cheeses/meats
- First and second course meals
- A sumptuous dessert
How much would this cost in the United States?
My guess is it’s worth at least $100 per person at a restaurant of this caliber.
But our total dining experience at Bouza?
Only $30 per person.
With their bottles of signature wine starting at $13.
Another great thing? No tourists! You truly become one of the Uruguayans- taking a reprieve from the city to enjoy some countryside hospitality. In fact, I discovered Bouza strictly upon the locals’ recommendations-- no tourist guidebooks. They’re the best when it comes to finding the best, and here are some of their thoughts on Bouza:
“It is a Montevideo gem. You will love it.”
-Gladys Lamanna
“A wonderful place with exceptional food and wine. The best way to spend a restful day and see the beauty of the country.”
-Federico Young
“I love everything about Bouza. Make sure to walk behind the restaurant where you will find an old bridge and waterfall. And there are lounge chairs to take a nap
after your lunch. It is like heaven!”
-Natalia Gomez
I am so enamored with Bouza, and so convinced you will be too, that I would like to extend a special gift to you:
A Complimentary Wine-Tasting Gift Certificate for Two!
Your certificate will be mailed directly to you after you have made your reservation at Bouza. Consider it a salute to your fine taste in adventurous dining.
So what are you waiting for? Book that plane ticket! Why not take a chance to see another part of the world that others have never even heard of? Experience the culture as one of the locals. Grasp the richness of tastes, flavors, aromas, laughter, smiles, and warmth—put them in your back pocket to save for that less than average day when you can recall a time you truly took advantage of the simple joys in life.
It’s very rare when someone can recall a specific moment when they did just that.
And what a special moment it will be when seeing the awed looks on your family’s faces upon discovering you’re taking them on a journey to a city with pure South American charm… a journey you will cherish for the rest of your lives.
¡Pásatelo bien! (Enjoy yourself!)
Warm regards,
The Bouza Family
P.S. Make your reservation today to discover all that I’ve mentioned about the Bouza Bodega Boutique and so much more! When you do so, we will put your certificate in the mail immediately so you won’t leave home without it!
