Thinking about South American wines, Argentina may come to mind first, but its northern neighbor, Uruguay, is an up-and-coming region for quality wines. Accessible by a 2-hour ferry or short flight from Buenos Aires, Uruguayan wine tourism is sure to boom as well.
Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down to interview winemaker Santiago Deicas of the Familia Deicas winery to talk about what makes Uruguay a perfect wine producing region. We also discuss his family’s winemaking history and try three of his outstanding wines: Preludio, Albarino, and Tannat.
Try These Familia Deicas Wines With Me
If you’d like to try the wines along with me, you can find them using the links below:
- Preludio Familia Deicas Preludio Barrel Select Tinto | Vivino New Hampshire
- Albarino
- Tannat
Please watch the interview and enjoy!
Meet santiago deicas
Santiago Deicas, a dynamic force in the world of winemaking, has solidified his position as a trailblazer in South America’s viticultural landscape. Born into the renowned Deicas winemaking family, Santiago’s ascent to prominence has been swift and marked by numerous accolades that underscore his exceptional contributions to the industry.
At the age of 36, Santiago Deicas has already left an indelible mark on the South American wine scene, earning
accolades such as being named one of the “Top 5 Most Influential Winemakers in South America” by Decanter in 2021. This recognition was also highlighted by Tim Atkin, wine journalist who in 2020, bestowed upon him the coveted title of “Young Winemaker of the Year,” a testament to Santiago’s unparalleled skill and innovation. In the dynamic world of wine, Santiago has been described as a boundary-pusher by industry experts. Tim Atkin, in 2022, lauded Santiago as someone unafraid to challenge conventions, highlighting his fearless approach to winemaking. Patricio Tapia of Decanter, in 2021, commended Santiago’s work as a breath of fresh air, contributing to the exciting evolution of the Uruguayan wine scene.
A true maestro of the vines, Santiago’s journey began at an early age. By 15, he had already started making wine within the family winery, guided by the wisdom of his family, a resolute team, and consultant winemakers. With a background in food engineering and an MBA under his belt, Santiago sees himself as a researcher, delving deep into the intricacies of winemaking and vineyard management. Santiago’s influence extends across multiple fronts. As the custodian of his family’s vineyard and the visionary behind
Bodega Familia Deicas and Establecimiento Juanicó, he has played a pivotal role in the success of these esteemed wineries. Not content with tradition, Santiago has embarked on a natural wine project, Bizarra Extravaganza, highlighting his commitment to innovation and sustainability in winemaking.
Beyond the vineyards, Santiago is a man of diverse talents. A former rugby player for the Uruguay National Rugby Team until 2011, he brings the same passion and dedication to the rugby field as he does to winemaking. Married and a proud father of two, Santiago Deicas represents not only the third generation of a storied winemaking family but also a beacon of innovation, pushing the boundaries of what Uruguayan and South American wines can achieve on the global stage.
Familia Deicas
Intrigued and want to visit? Familia Deicas has a restaurant where you can reserve from a variety of special culinary and tasting experiences. For more information about the winery, please visit the Familia Deicas website.
Uruguayan Wine Tourism
Santiago Deicas was quoted in a July 2023 article for National Geographic, speaking about local tannat wine, and how younger producers are using it to change the country’s reputation within the wine industry. The article also outlines Uruguay’s unique wine tourism and new tasting trails. Check out the full article here: Wine tourism is making a big splash in Uruguay
