Uruguayan wine sees UK sales boost

The overall value of Uruguayan exports to the UK has grown by almost 300% in the last three years to 2014, proving the country’s growing taste for this emerging South American wine region.

Bodega Garzón

One producer, Bodega Garzón, reported an uplift in like-for-like sales of 346% in the UK last year (Bibendum PLB March 2015), albeit from a small base with the brand only launching in the UK last year.

Andrew Shaw, buying director at the Bibendum PLB Group, UK distributor for Bodega Garzón, said: “Intriguing varietal diversity coming from such a remarkable region is why we decided to bring the wines into the UK. Garzón’s focus is Tannat and Albariño and the quality of the wines proves that this winery has a bright and exciting future in the UK.”

This trend is reflected in the wider market, with overall value of Uruguayan exports to the UK growing by almost 300% between 2011 and 2014, according to Infonecta / Wines of Uruguay.

The value of exports to the UK alone increased by 74% between 2013 and 2014, with the UK now ranking as the third largest importer of Uruguayan wines after Brazil and USA.

This increase in wine sales on UK soil has also been accompanied by an increase in European visitors to Uruguay, which surged 44% between 2013 and 2014, according to the Uruguay Tourism Board, with the number of British visitors travelling to Uruguay up 8% from 2013 to 2014.

Alberto Antonini, oenologist and consultant winemaker at Bodega Garzón, said: “The UK is known for the breadth and quality of its wine offering and its passion for embracing emerging wine regions. The success of our first year here reflects the wider trend for Uruguayan wines in the UK and we look forward to introducing our wines, and Uruguay, to an increasing number of UK wine enthusiasts”.

Bodega Garzón wines have found favour in a number of London restaurants including including Duck and Waffle, Sushi Samba, Coya, and The Mondrian Hotel.