Discovering Bodega Las Espinas: The New Bouza Family Project in Punta Negra

Wine Explorers Uruguay
Nov 6
2 min read

In this new Wine Explorers Uruguay experience, we visited Bodega Las Espinas, the latest project by the Bouza family in Punta Negra, Maldonado.

A day surrounded by vineyards overlooking the sea, an exceptional wine-paired lunch, and the warmth of a group that, despite the rain, enjoyed a truly unforgettable experience.

A New Gem of Uruguayan Wine Tourism

On October 25th, we explored Bodega Las Espinas for the very first time, a venture that combines the Bouza family’s long-standing tradition with modern architecture seamlessly integrated into the landscape.

Guided by winemaker Agustín Bouza, we toured the facilities and discovered the details behind this exciting new chapter in Uruguayan wine.

The setting of Punta Negra, with its rolling vineyards and panoramic views of Cerro Pan de Azúcar and Cerro del Toro, provided the perfect backdrop for an experience crafted with great attention to detail.

The Wine-Paired Lunch: A Celebration of Flavors and Landscapes

At the winery’s restaurant, we enjoyed a lunch experience designed to highlight the Las Espinas wines.

Each course was thoughtfully paired with labels that express the spirit of the place: fresh, elegant, and perfectly balanced.

Aperitif

Chardonnay Las Espinas 2023

Starters

Cadabas cheese empanadas, gravlax salmon with whole-grain mustard, honey, and dill, braised beef croquettes with aioli, and beef carpaccio.

Wine pairing: Pinot Noir Las Espinas 2021

Main CourseGrilled salmon with pea purée and orange–dill sauce, or charcoal-grilled ribeye steak with rösti potatoes, or eggplant alla parmigiana.

Wine pairings: Merlot Las Espinas 2022 – Tannat Las Espinas 2023

Dessert

Red wine–poached plums with Grot vanilla ice cream, crème brûlée, or artisanal Grot ice creams.

Wine pairing: Semillón Dulce Natural 2023

After lunch

Orujo brandy, coffee or tea, and petit fours.

Even though the weather didn’t cooperate, the energy of the group and the warm hospitality of the Las Espinas team made the day shine with joy and gratitude.

Every Wine Explorers Uruguay experience reminds us that what truly matters isn’t the weather, but the people, the wines, and the stories we share.

A heartfelt thank-you to the winery and restaurant staff and the Bouza family for welcoming us with such dedication and excellence.

We wrapped up another Wine Explorers Uruguay experience filled with emotion, gratitude, and pride, certain that Uruguayan wine tourism is living a truly remarkable moment.

We’ll keep discovering, together, the flavors, landscapes, and wines that make our country so unique.

Until the next adventure, cheers!