In the heart of downtown Asunción, just 200 metres from the Palacio de López, a corner with the soul of the 1940s comes to life every evening. This is La Vermutería, a themed bar that not only offers a refined menu of food and drinks but also revives the tradition of handcrafted Paraguayan vermouth.
The idea was born during the 2020 pandemic. “It came about during the pandemic, reminiscing about the 1940s, when there were well-stocked grocery shops, cold cuts, cheeses, tastings, vermouth wines,” says Jorge Pinto, the venue’s corporate manager and an expert in fermented beverages. “We want to teach people,” he adds, making it clear that La Vermutería is more than just a bar – it is a school.
Vermouth As The Main Character
“Tasting a Paraguayan vermouth is a unique experience because it contains science, history, culture, emotions. It is a formula that connects the past with the present,” explains Pinto. At La Vermutería, vermouth is not only served, but also produced. The artisanal vermouths are crafted in-house, following a meticulous process that includes the maceration of herbs, citrus fruits and spices, followed by a period of rest before serving.
They currently offer four original varieties made on site. Guaraní is a bianco with over 30 native herbs, highlighted by Paraguayan lemon verbena and capi’i. Frutal is a rosso with fruity notes of apple, orange and cherry. Caco is a rosso with hints of chocolate and vanilla. Cítrico is another rosso, this time with notes of mburucuyá (passion fruit), hibiscus flower and plum.
“My recommendation for someone trying vermouth for the first time is to learn about its history and, of course, to try our Paraguayan artisanal vermouths, which can’t be found anywhere else,” Pinto says with conviction.
A Menu For Every Taste
The food at La Vermutería is varied and designed to pair with every drink. The menu includes both cold and hot appetisers, focaccias, tapas, seafood dishes and main courses like beef stew or Paraguayan filetto. For dessert, one of the highlights is the mantecado served with ice cream and a reduction of vermouth and mburucuyá.
The drink list also includes beers, wines, sparkling wines, classic and innovative cocktails such as the Vermut Sunrise and the Vermut Spritz, as well as a full line of non-alcoholic options. “To make it authentic, the ceviche, for example, is imported from Peru,” adds Pinto.
La Vermutería: An Atmosphere With Identity
From the staff’s uniforms to the décor, La Vermutería is designed to transport visitors to another era. Candles, umbrellas and a vintage van create a unique ambiance that shifts as the night goes on.
After 11 p.m., the music becomes more upbeat with nods to the 1980s. The bar is open every day from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., except for holidays, which are announced in advance on social media. On weekends, the street in front of the venue is closed off with municipal permission to host free concerts. “We feature musical groups, artists or DJs. Once a month we host a bigger band. You’ll hear guaranias, Paraguayan polkas, bossa nova and classic songs in English,” the manager notes.
La Vermutería Opening Hours
Monday: 5 AM to 2 AM The Next Day
Tuesday: 5 AM to 2 AM The Next Day
Wednesday: 5 AM to 2 AM The Next Day
Thursday: 5 AM to 2 AM The Next Day
Friday: 5 AM to 2 AM The Next Day
Saturday: 5 AM to 2 AM The Next Day
Sunday: 5 AM to 2 AM The Next Day
La Vermutería is located very close from the Presidential Palace. It is located on Benjamín Constant.
Experiences And Future Plans
One of the most appealing initiatives at the bar is the vermouth-making classes. On Tuesdays, guests create their own vermouth guided by an expert. One of their creations is stored in the venue’s wine cellar, under lock and key, labeled with their name. Three weeks later, a tasting session is held to enjoy the final product. On Thursdays, guests can design a custom vermouth based entirely on their personal taste.
“Our vision is to bring life back into the act of sharing. Our mission is to make people feel at home, just like in the old grocery shops,” Pinto concludes.
Soon, La Vermutería plans to add lunch service and open a new location in the Carmelitas neighborhood. They are also preparing to launch bottled versions of their four signature vermouths, which for now are only available in cocktails.
Exclusive Discounts For VIP Members
As a special offer for VIP Members of The Asunción Times, La Vermutería is offering a 10% discount on all drinks, whenever you show your VIP Member Card – one of many VIP Member Benefits. To redeem this exclusive discount, VIP members must show their VIP membership card when making a payment.
For more information and regular updates, follow La Vermutería on Instagram.
