Uruguay, nestled between Argentina and Brazil on the southeastern coast of South America, sits between 30- and 35-degrees south latitude. This places it in the same latitudinal range as renowned wine regions like Mendoza, Argentina, and Charleston, South Carolina, in the Northern Hemisphere. While Uruguay is geographically smaller than Washington state but slightly larger than New York, its influence in agriculture and winemaking is significant.
Is it February that just brings out the crazy need to feel somewhat romantic with your spouse? Maybe it’s just the time of year. Christmas was two months ago, and we all spent way too much and regretted it. All through January, most of us hibernated because it was just too dark outside to get out after work. But here is February. The depths of what should be winter, and we realize that actually spending time with people again is a good thing.
Artisans & Vines was born in 2009 out of a passion for wine and a deep respect for tradition and terroir. Founded by two pioneers of The Country Vintner, the company was established as an import marketing enterprise with a clear mission: to bring exceptional European wines to the American market. In its early years, the company focused on wines from France, Spain, Germany, Austria, Portugal, and Italy—regions steeped in winemaking heritage. These countries offered not only centuries-old traditions but also distinctive wines that showcased the unique characteristics of their terroirs.
After a day carving through the snow-covered Alps, there’s nothing quite like gathering with friends around a steaming pot of fondue, accompanied by a glass of chilled white wine. It’s the ultimate après-ski ritual, combining warmth, flavor, and camaraderie. Whether you’re dining at a family-run chalet in a mountain village, or exploring the cobblestone streets of Geneva’s Old Town, fondue is as quintessentially Swiss as their iconic chocolate or precision-crafted watches.
As you become more familiar with wines from around the world, certain regions evoke specific adjectives that describe their wines. Would it turn your world upside down to encounter a white wine from Bordeaux, or a red wine from the Loire Valley? Perhaps. Perhaps not. These are not the grand, well-known productions their opposites might be, but they certainly have the potential to surprise and delight.
