At his estate in Punta del Este, the businessperson constructed a winery known for its high production standards
In 1998, when Jorge ‘Corcho’ Rodríguez acquired Yellow Rose, a picturesque estate nestled in the heart of La Barra, Punta del Este, it became the talk of the town, gracing the covers of numerous magazines. This attention wasn’t just due to its captivating setting, but also because of the romantic tale associated with it: the yellow roses had captured the heart of our television’s top diva, Susana Giménez, with whom the businessman had a widely publicized relationship at the time.
After parting ways with Susana, Jorge ‘Corcho’ Rodríguez embarked on a mission to redefine both the place and its name: Yellow Rose is now a destination no longer shrouded in secrecy. Travelers along the Camino del Cerro Eguzquiza, the prime route to San Carlos, will now encounter a prominent sign adorning the wooden gate. This estate is no longer solely a tribute to Susana; it has transformed into one of the most exquisite country estates in the region. In recent years, it has welcomed visitors with open arms, inaugurating both a polo club and a winery.
To showcase his dedication to Uruguayan polo and commemorate his foray into winemaking, Corcho organized a lavish barbecue at Yellow Rose over the weekend. However, he neglected to inform most guests about the presence of the house wine on the table. As the wine circulated among the hundred attendees without labels, it piqued curiosity, especially among seasoned liquor connoisseurs who detected a new flavor. “That’s how I received truly authentic feedback. Adolfo Cambiaso Sr. and Eduardo Costantini loved it and have already inquired about purchasing it,” Jorge ‘Corcho’ Rodríguez revealed to LA NACION.
Joined by Verónica Lozano, they served as gracious hosts for an evening crafted for enjoyment: beneath the starry sky, with the barbecue sizzling nearby, amidst a familial ambiance, accompanied by good music, it was a genuine gathering of friends. Notable guests such as Federico Alvarez Castillo and Lara Bernasconi, Luciana Salazar, Pampita Ardohain, Julieta Kemble, Vanesa Kreth, Teresa Calandra, and others close to the couple, graced the occasion with their presence.
For Corcho Rodríguez, having a vineyard at home goes beyond mere enjoyment of wine. He has a genuine interest in production and is actively involved in creating a top-quality product. Speaking with LA NACION, he explained that they’ve been working on wine production for seven years. “Initially, we conducted a soil test with Caterina Viña, the winemaker. We identified three varieties: tannat, merlot, or pinot noir. I’m particularly fond of pinot noir for its smooth, full-bodied flavor. We established a production model similar to that of a Romanée Conti wine,” he remarked, unfazed by referencing one of the world’s most prestigious wines. “Yes, we set high standards, but we’re committed to maintaining that level of excellence.” The results speak for themselves: the first production in 2011 yielded a thousand bottles by selectively harvesting only the perfect grapes, discarding nearly 70% of the fruit. “Initially, it may not be commercially viable, but we prioritize quality over the long term.” In 2012 and 2013, no wine was produced due to poor grape conditions. Now, they’re aiming for 5000 bottles.
The plants, sourced from Burgundy, France, occupy four hectares of minimally intervened land. “They’re not irrigated; we allow them to grow naturally without chemicals. While not certified organic, we strive for natural cultivation,” explained the businessman, demonstrating his expertise in production. He has always been fascinated by the process and enjoys the diverse flavors of wine. “I have friends with wineries worldwide. I find experimenting with wine interesting because you can impart your own touch. You taste, refine, and continue producing,” he added. Currently, commercial goals are modest, with no bottles sold yet. This year’s production will be distributed among family, friends, and select restaurants. “We aim for exclusive sales, with requests made through a website or placed in specific locations, favored restaurants we’ve personally experienced and liked.” Feedback has been positive from notable establishments such as Hotel Bristol in Paris and Fasano in Brazil.
Additionally, dedicated to his polo club, which welcomes visitors registered with the Polo Association of Uruguay, he plans to release a book on Yellow Rose, showcasing his equestrian work, club achievements, and country house lifestyle. This book will be paired with the wine, now labeled simply as Yellow Rose wine. “It’s our signature house wine,” he concluded.
Veronica Lozano Veronica Lozano Veronica Lozano Grupo La Roca Grupo La Roca Grupo La Roca
