Vineyard in Canelones, Uruguay

20 Acre Finca with Vineyard: US$28,000
(Sold)

Located 20 miles from Montevideo, Uruguay

This property in the wine region of Uruguay is located near the town of Sauce, in the
province of Canelones, a short drive from Montevideo.

The vineyard is in need of renovation, because it has been neglected over the past couple of years, but includes about 6 acres of grapes -- and there was some harvest this previous year. I spoke to one of the men who took part in the harvest but could not get accurate information. He was quoting the number of crates they picked per row, but then began scratching his head because he harvested so many different places he couldn't remember for sure.

Grape stock is Isabela (also called frutilla in this region), a dark grape that usually produces a rose wine, although not necessarily. This grape is also used to produce a sparkling wine (champagne-style) in the USA, but has not been utilized that way in Uruguay to my knowledge.

The land is good farmland, and could replaced with another type of grape if desired
(such as Tannat -- Uruguay's signature grape -- or Cabernet Sauvignon, etc.)

There is also an old house on the property in bad repair, that might be better renovated as a small barn or storage facility. Construction costs are quite affordable in this area,and pre-fab houses in the neighborhood of US$6,000 can put put up quite quickly. There is no city water servicing this vineyard, so the house would be served by well water and septic.

There is a small stream at the far end of the property, nothing spectacular, but shown in photos below.

Farm laborers are available in the local area to work the vineyard, and there are a number of wineries who buy grapes. The vineyard structure itself is basically in good shape, but the rows need to be plowed and fertilized, and the vines need pruning for production this upcoming season.

I recently spoke to the previous caretaker, who said he thought the vineyard could be brought back qute easily with pruning and fertilization. He said the vineyard should produce 40,000 kilos of grapes annually with good care. He also said he had sampled wine made from grapes on the finca, and pronounced it excellent. He mentioned at the color was dark, like Tannat, relatively dry in character,and actually used the word "spectacular". He said he preferred it to Tannat.

NOTE: Photos were taken in late fall (Late May 2005), when vine stalks were barren.

New Spring Photos (Oct. 2005):

New Spring Photos (Oct. 2005)
Photos of new posts being installed, and tiny grapes on the vines:

Various Property Views from May 2005
prior to Vineyard Renovations:

One of Several Lemon Trees on Property:

Views of Pasture/Fallow Land:

Stream at Far End of Property: