El Catador Winery - Image 1
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El Catador Winery

4.5
·17 reviews·Ica, Peru

Discover Peru's iconic Pisco and premium wines at El Catador Winery, blending tradition with modern production for an unforgettable tasting experience...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal experience

CrowdLow
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El Catador Winery - Image 1

El Catador Winery

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Peru's iconic Pisco and premium wines at El Catador Winery, blending tradition with modern production for an unforgettable tasting experience.

4.5
(17 reviews)

"A must-visit for Pisco lovers, offering delicious tastings and a great value meal."

Vertical photo
TIP

Taste the Liqueurs! 🍹

Don't miss the passion fruit, mango, and lucuma liqueurs – they're excellent and unique!

Restaurant Value 🍽️

The 35-sole menu at El Catador Restaurant is a great deal for a starter, main, and drink.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pisco & Wine Tasting

Pisco & Wine Tasting

Savor a variety of Piscos and premium wines, including unique fruit liqueurs. A must-try for any visitor to Ica.

El Catador Restaurant

El Catador Restaurant

Enjoy delicious Peruvian dishes on a charming terrace, with a highly recommended and affordable set menu.

Pisco Production Tour

Pisco Production Tour

Learn about the traditional and contemporary processes of making Peru's signature spirit, Pisco.

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Planning Your Visit

Pisco Passion & Wine Wonders

Discover the heart of Peru's iconic Pisco and premium wines at El Catador Winery. Learn about traditional and modern production methods from passionate guides. Don't miss the chance to taste unique fruit liqueurs and homemade ice cream.

Dining & Tasting Delights

Enjoy a delightful meal at El Catador Restaurant, offering a pleasant terrace setting and a great value set menu. The wine and Pisco tasting is a highlight, with friendly service and a chance to sample excellent fruit-infused spirits.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Crowd
Low
When
Lunchtime
Why
Enjoy the restaurant's set menu
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Taste the Liqueurs! 🍹

Don't miss the passion fruit, mango, and lucuma liqueurs – they're excellent and unique!

Restaurant Value 🍽️

The 35-sole menu at El Catador Restaurant is a great deal for a starter, main, and drink.

Bottle Seal Check ⚠️

Be cautious with bottle seals; some visitors reported leaking issues with purchased bottles.

Purchase On-Site 🛍️

No international shipping available, so buy your favorite spirits directly from the winery.

Tips

from all over the internet

Taste the Liqueurs! 🍹

Don't miss the passion fruit, mango, and lucuma liqueurs – they're excellent and unique!

Restaurant Value 🍽️

The 35-sole menu at El Catador Restaurant is a great deal for a starter, main, and drink.

Bottle Seal Check ⚠️

Be cautious with bottle seals; some visitors reported leaking issues with purchased bottles.

Purchase On-Site 🛍️

No international shipping available, so buy your favorite spirits directly from the winery.

What Travellers Say

4.5
(17 reviews)

Reviews Summary

El Catador Winery is celebrated for its authentic Pisco and wine production, offering a delightful tasting experience and a pleasant restaurant with great value. While the tours can be brief, the quality of the spirits and the friendly service make it a memorable stop in Ica. Some visitors have noted minor issues with bottle seals on purchased items.

"History and tradition, if you add to that the production of piscos and premium wines, you have an unmissable tourist spot to learn from the best. The essence of Peru's signature drink, explained by Tony or his qualified collaborators, is a plus for your visit.
Be sure not to miss it on your visit to Ica."

Mario Gonzales

"El Catador Restaurant. A very pleasant location, with a terrace under its bamboo roof: bright and fresh. The 35-sole menu (starter, main course, and soft drink) was very good. When we went there, the main restaurant seemed empty, but we gave it a try anyway, and we didn't regret it! It was quiet compared to the Taqara restaurant next door, which caters to all groups and is therefore very noisy.
As for the tour of the bodega, it's inexpensive (5 soles) but not very detailed or interesting. We were quickly rushed through, which is a shame."

Helene B

"The tasting is offered with kindness and without ulterior motives.
The passion fruit, mango, and lucuma liqueurs are excellent.
No shipping to Europe, so purchase on site is mandatory."

thierry arribard

What People Like

Excellent Pisco tasting
Great value restaurant menu
Unique fruit liqueurs

What People Dislike

Brief tour experience
Leaking bottle seals

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

El Catador Winery is located near Ica. Taxis or mototaxis are readily available in Ica and can take you directly to the winery. Many group tours also include transportation from Ica. Reddit

While direct public buses might be limited, you can likely take a local bus towards the general area and then a short taxi or mototaxi ride to the winery. Confirm routes locally for the best options. Reddit

From Huacachina, it's easiest to take a mototaxi or taxi to Ica city center, and then arrange for another taxi or mototaxi to El Catador Winery. The journey is relatively short. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The tour of the bodega is reported to be inexpensive, around 5 soles. However, some visitors found it to be brief. Reddit

For individual visits, booking in advance might not be strictly necessary, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or contact them directly, especially if you're part of a larger group. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but generally, wineries in the Ica region are open during daylight hours. It's best to confirm current operating times directly with El Catador Winery before your visit. Reddit

While the bodega tour has a small fee, tastings are often offered with kindness. The restaurant operates separately, and there's no specific entry fee mentioned for dining. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The tasting is generally described as friendly and without pressure. You can sample various Piscos and excellent fruit liqueurs like passion fruit, mango, and lucuma. Reddit

Some visitors found the tour to be quick and not very detailed, with groups being rushed through. Others appreciated learning about both traditional and contemporary methods. Reddit

The restaurant serves typical Peruvian dishes. The 35-sole menu is a popular choice, including a starter, main course, and a soft drink. Reddit

Yes, El Catador Winery can accommodate groups. However, be aware that some group tours might lead to a faster-paced experience. Reddit

Absolutely! You can purchase a variety of Piscos, wines, and liqueurs on-site. However, note that international shipping is not available, so you must buy them during your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, the winery offers picturesque settings with vineyards and traditional architecture, perfect for capturing memorable photos. The restaurant's bamboo-roofed terrace is also a charming spot. Reddit

The vineyards, the traditional Pisco-making equipment, and the restaurant's terrace are excellent locations for photography. Capture the essence of Peruvian wine culture. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

El Catador Winery can be a fun outing for families, offering a glimpse into local production and unique flavors. While the Pisco production tour might be more engaging for adults, the restaurant offers a pleasant dining experience with a good value set menu that can appeal to various tastes. Reddit

Consider trying the homemade ice cream as a treat for the kids. The open spaces around the winery might also offer some room for children to explore, though supervision is always recommended. The tasting experience itself is generally friendly and not overly formal, making it a potentially enjoyable stop for the whole family. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

El Catador Winery is a great option for budget-conscious travelers looking for an authentic Peruvian experience. The bodega tour is very inexpensive (around 5 soles), offering a low-cost way to learn about Pisco production. Reddit

The El Catador Restaurant's 35-sole menu is a significant highlight, providing a filling and delicious meal that includes a starter, main course, and drink for a very reasonable price. This makes it an excellent spot for lunch without breaking the bank. Reddit

🍷 Wine & Spirit Enthusiasts

For those passionate about wine and spirits, El Catador offers a deep dive into Peru's signature drink, Pisco. You'll have the opportunity to taste a wide array of Piscos, including unique fruit-infused liqueurs that showcase local flavors. Reddit

The winery provides insights into both traditional and modern production methods, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the craft. Engaging with the knowledgeable staff during the tasting can offer a richer understanding of the nuances of Pisco. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Pisco Production

El Catador Winery is a custodian of Peru's national spirit, Pisco. The winery offers insights into both traditional methods, which often involve foot-stomping grapes and aging in clay vessels, and contemporary techniques that utilize modern machinery for efficiency and consistency. Guides aim to explain the nuances of grape varietals used and the distillation process that defines Pisco's unique character. Reddit

Visitors can learn about the different types of Pisco, such as Quebranta, Italia, and Torontel, and how their distinct aromas and flavors are achieved. The experience is designed to be educational, providing a deeper appreciation for the craft behind this beloved Peruvian beverage. Reddit

Culinary Delights at El Catador

Beyond its renowned Pisco and wines, El Catador Winery boasts a restaurant that offers a delightful culinary experience. The El Catador Restaurant is praised for its pleasant ambiance, particularly its terrace covered with a bamboo roof, providing a bright and fresh dining environment. Reddit

A standout feature is the 35-sole menu, which includes a starter, main course, and a soft drink, offering excellent value for money. Reviewers have noted that even when the main restaurant seemed quiet, the food was delicious and well worth the visit, providing a more peaceful alternative to busier nearby eateries. Reddit

In addition to the savory dishes, don't miss the opportunity to try their homemade ice cream, which is often mentioned as a sweet treat to complement your visit. The combination of good food, refreshing drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere makes the dining experience a significant part of the winery visit. Reddit

Purchasing and Potential Issues

For those looking to take a piece of El Catador home, the winery offers a selection of their Piscos, wines, and fruit liqueurs for purchase. Visitors have raved about the quality of the liqueurs, especially passion fruit, mango, and lucuma flavors. Reddit

However, it's important to be aware of potential issues reported by some visitors regarding bottle seals. There have been instances where purchased bottles leaked from the cap, even after a replacement was provided. This suggests a possible design flaw in the sealing mechanism for some bottles. Reddit

Another point to note is that no international shipping is available, meaning all purchases must be made on-site. If you encounter a leaking bottle, it's advisable to check the contents upon purchase or immediately after to ensure you have the full amount indicated on the label. Reddit

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