Olive Harvest, Milling Experience, and Paired Lunch at Olivos de las Ánimas

On Saturday, May 16, we enjoyed a new Wine Explorers experience at Olivos de las Ánimas, located in the rural area of Pan de Azúcar, Maldonado. We shared a beautiful day in the countryside, including an olive harvest, a milling experience, olive oil production, and a paired lunch by Latoro, featuring olive oils from Olivos de las Ánimas and wines from Cantera Montes de Oca Winery.

On Saturday, May 16, we visited once again the olive grove and mill of Olivos de las Ánimas, located in the department of Maldonado, in the rural area of Pan de Azúcar, about 100 kilometers from Montevideo and at the foot of Cerro de las Ánimas.

In this edition of Wine Explorers, we shared a very special experience: we took part in the olive harvest, learned about the olive oil production process, and enjoyed a paired lunch that brought together premium olive oils from Olivos de las Ánimas and wines from Cantera Montes de Oca Winery.

An Experience Among Olive Groves, Nature, and Tradition

The day began with a warm welcome at the olive mill, where we were received by Martín Robaina, one of the owners of Olivos de las Ánimas.

We then walked through the olive grove with Martín, who shared his knowledge and passion for this special project. We learned about olive cultivation, the characteristics of the land, and the work behind each harvest.

One of the most memorable moments of the morning was the manual olive harvest, using traditional hand combs. This allowed us to connect closely with the origin of the product and experience an essential part of the process firsthand.

After the harvest, we took the olives to the mill to learn how their journey continues until they become olive oil. There, we were able to see the production process, from milling to the final oil, and also learn about the sustainable management of olive by-products.

It was not only a learning experience about olive oil, but also an opportunity to understand how each stage is part of a project designed with respect for the environment and a sustainable vision.

And, as the perfect ending to the first part of the day, we had the chance to taste our very own freshly made olive oil.

Lunch at the Main House with Latoro

After visiting the mill, we were transferred in tractor-drawn wagons to the main house, where the team from Latoro was waiting for us with a spectacular menu.

Each dish was designed not only to offer an excellent gastronomic experience, but also to highlight the flavors of the olive oils and the wines from our guest winery.

The experience began with a welcome glass of Albariño Extra Brut from Cantera Montes de Oca Winery.

During the reception, we enjoyed several delicious bites, including zucchini involtini with homemade ricotta, citrus, and pistachios; a cracker with creamy pâté and local guava; mushroom and caramelized onion quiche; hummus with crudités and focaccia with organic olive oil; and mini hand-cut beef empanadas.

These first bites were paired with Albariño Selected Vineyard and Arinarnoa Terroir Series.

The starter was roasted autumn vegetables with goat cheese emulsion and olive powder, paired with Intense Bled olive oil and Merlot Alma Terroir Parcela 3B.

For the main course, we enjoyed braised beef cheek, potato cream, confit leeks, and reduction sauce, paired with Picual olive oil and Taguá Barrel Selection.

To finish, dessert featured poached quince, yogurt mousse, lemon verbena, and almond crumble, paired with Mild Bled olive oil and Albariño Alma Terroir 18 months.

It was a delicious lunch, carefully designed in every detail and beautifully paired with the selected olive oils and wines.

Cantera Montes de Oca Winery, Our Guest Winery

In this edition, our guest winery was Cantera Montes de Oca Winery, a family project that carries in its name the essence of its founders: Fernanda Montes de Oca and Julio Cantera.

This Uruguayan couple brought together not only their last names, but also their family and passion to create a winery designed to stand the test of time.

Their vineyards are located in Los Cerrillos, Canelones, and in Peñarol Viejo, Montevideo, right next to where they live with their three daughters. They produce white varieties such as Viognier and Albariño, as well as red varieties including Merlot, Tannat, Marselan, Petit Verdot, Arinarnoa, Nebbiolo, and Barbera.

In a short time, Cantera Montes de Oca has become recognized for the quality of its wines, receiving important awards such as the Gran Bacchus de Oro 2024 for its Alma Terroir Tannat, the distinction as Winery Revelation of Uruguay in the Descorchados 2022 guide, and the Gran Oro at Vinalies Internationales 2025 for its Alma Terroir Albariño 2022, among others.

It was a pleasure to feature their wines in this experience and to share such a special selection with our group. The wines were presented by sommelier Richard Luzardo, who guided us through the pairings throughout the lunch.

We would like to especially thank Martín Robaina for welcoming us once again with such warmth at Olivos de las Ánimas, and for sharing with us his passion, knowledge, and the story behind this very special project.

Thank you also to the team from Latoro for a delicious, creative, and beautifully executed gastronomic proposal.

To Cantera Montes de Oca Winery, thank you for joining us with your wines and for being part of such a beautiful pairing between olive oil and Uruguayan wine.

And, of course, thank you to each Wine Explorer who joined us with such wonderful energy. You are the ones who make every experience truly unique.

We left happy and grateful after sharing an unforgettable day in the countryside, surrounded by olive groves, landscapes, flavors, and beautiful moments together.

Until the next adventure!

Fotos: Tavis Davidson

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