Bodega Garzon

In Maldonado on Uruguay's Atlantic coast sits Bodega Garzón, a family-owned winery that has driven a significant revival of quality viticulture across southern Uruguay. If you're looking for seriously scored Uruguayan wines with consistent quality across multiple tiers, Bodega Garzón is the producer to buy.

About Bodega Garzón

The story begins in 2007, when owner Alejandro Bulgheroni invited consultant winemaker Alberto Antonini to assess a 700-hectare property positioned between Garzón village and the Atlantic shoreline. What Antonini found was striking: rolling hills, olive groves, and Atlantic breezes that reminded him of Tuscany. More importantly, the soil—granitic and well-draining—mirrored the conditions of Galicia in northern Spain, suggesting potential for both Tannat and Albariño. Today, 12 grape varieties are planted across 1,150 individual vineyard plots of roughly 0.2 hectares each, with every plot matched to its soil type and microclimate.

Antonini's winemaking philosophy is restraint. Rather than rely on traditional barriques, he favours concrete fermenters alongside large vessels of untoasted oak—a deliberate strategy to allow the essential character of each variety and terroir to emerge unmasked by oak influence. The estate also hosts a Francis Mallmann restaurant and sits within reach of Punta del Este, Uruguay's premier resort destination, making it a destination producer as well as a serious source of wine.

Bodega Garzón Wines in Our Collection

We stock three tiers of Bodega Garzón wines, each with distinct character and value. The Estate series (Viognier de Corte, Cabernet Franc de Corte, Tannat de Corte) scores consistently at 90 points and offers clean, varietal-driven expressions—ideal for discovering the house style without premium pricing. These scores reflect consistent recognition from major critics across multiple vintages and styles.

Food Pairing

Bodega Garzón's reds are structured enough for slow-roasted beef and lamb stews, yet the Atlantic influence keeps them fresh—they pair equally well with herb-crusted salmon, grilled tuna, or seafood risotto. The Albariños (especially Single Vineyard) cut through shellfish richness and work beautifully with ceviche or white fish in citrus sauce. The Viogniers suit scallops, roasted chicken with stone fruit, or aged hard cheeses. The Pinot Noir Rosé bridges casual and serious: grilled swordfish, summer vegetable tarts, or charcuterie boards.

Why is Bodega Garzón significant in Uruguayan wine?

Bodega Garzón pioneered premium viticulture in Maldonado. In 2025, they ranked fifth on the World's 50 Best Vineyards list for spearheading a Uruguayan wine renaissance, and were listed in the top at the World's Best Vineyards Awards in 2021 by over 500 wine industry experts.

What makes the winemaking approach different?

Winemaker Alberto Antonini avoids barriques, using concrete fermenters and large, untoasted oak to preserve pure varietal and terroir expression. The winery was the first globally to earn LEED certification (2019) and operates via gravity flow for energy efficiency.

Which grapes should I start with?

Tannat is Uruguay's flagship variety and Bodega Garzón's signature. The 2023 Tannat Reserve (96 pts, Decanter World Wine Awards) is the flagship expression. Albariño offers a bright Atlantic-influenced alternative; the 2025 Single Vineyard Albariño scored 95 from Patricio Tapia.

Who makes Bodega Garzón wines?

Owner Alejandro Bulgheroni founded Bodega Garzón in 2007 on Uruguay's Atlantic coast near Maldonado. Consultant winemaker Alberto Antonini directs production, applying his philosophy of restraint to preserve varietal character.

What style of wine does Bodega Garzón make?

Bodega Garzón grows 12 varieties matched to soil and microclimate across 1,150 plots. They make structured reds (Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Marselan), fresh whites (Viognier, Albariño), and rosé. Critics score them consistently 90–94 points.

How much does Bodega Garzón wine cost?

Prices range between £15.35 and £111.80. Estate series (de Corte) sits around £15–16; Reserve tier £19–20; Single Vineyard £30–31; the flagship Balasto costs £111.80.