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Winery · Canelones, Canelones
Viña Varela Zarranz
Winery in Joaquín Suárez with a bodega dating from 1888, an entrance flanked by centenary olive trees and a cellar with French oak barrels from 1903. The visit is guided by a family member.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Viña Varela Zarranz
Varela Zarranz is located at km 29 of Ruta 74, in Joaquín Suárez, about 10 km from the Rio da Prata. The bodega was built in 1888 by Diego Pons, one of the pioneers of Uruguayan viticulture, who also planted olive trees. Many of them still stand and form the tree-lined avenue that leads to the old house.
The Varela family entered the wine business in 1933 in Las Piedras and bought Pons’s property in the following decade. The third generation renovated vineyards and equipment starting in 1986, and today the company spans four generations. The vineyards are in Joaquín Suárez and Cuatro Piedras, planted with Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
Visits are led by a family member and include the vineyards, the barrel room and the old cellar, which houses the largest collection of French oak casks in use in the country, dating from 1903. The estate also produces natural sparkling wines by the traditional method, with secondary fermentation in the bottle.
Tastings take place in the stone cellar of the old house. There are options with only country-style snacks and a three-course lunch paired with five wines; the menu changes each weekend.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 hours for the visit and tasting; with lunch, 3 to 4 hours.
Best time
Visits usually take place Thursday through Sunday, starting late morning. Check the days before you go. In summer, the avenue of olive trees provides shade on arrival.
How to get there
It is on Ruta 74, km 29, in Joaquín Suárez. From the city of Canelones it is about 36 km; from downtown Montevidéu about 30 km, roughly a 40-minute drive. The winery offers round-trip transfers from Montevidéu on certain departures.
Tip
Ask about the transfer from Montevidéu when booking: at some times it is included, which avoids having to drive after the tasting.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Viña Varela Zarranz
When does the Varela Zarranz bodega date from?
It was built in 1888 by Diego Pons. The Varela family bought the property in the 1940s.
What is special about the cellar?
It houses the largest collection of French oak barrels in use in Uruguay, dating from 1903.
On which days does the winery receive visitors?
Visits usually take place from Thursday to Sunday, by reservation. Confirm before you go.
Can you go without a car?
Yes. The winery offers round‑trip transfers from Montevidéu at certain times. Check when booking.