Vale dos Vinhedos

Brazil'S First Wine Region With A Protected Geographical Indication (2002) And First Denomination Of Origin (2012), In The Serra GaúCha · Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul

The Vale dos Vinhedos is a valley of vineyards in the Serra Gaúcha, the hills of northern Rio Grande do Sul settled by Italian immigrants from the 1870s, and it is the heart of Brazilian wine. It became the country's first wine region with a protected geographical indication in 2002 and its first Denomination of Origin ten years later. Dozens of wineries line a road through the valley, from large houses with grand tasting rooms to small family cellars, and many have restaurants serving the region's Italian-style cooking. Brazil's strength is sparkling wine, made here in quantity and to a good standard, and Merlot is the valley's signature red. The harvest, from January to March, brings the Vindima festivities. The Maria Fumaça, a steam train, runs between Bento Gonçalves, Garibaldi and Carlos Barbosa with music and tastings on board. The valley is mainly a Brazilian destination, visited by people from across the country and often combined with Gramado, about an hour and a half away. Do not drive between tastings; book a driver or tour.

Vale dos Vinhedos, Bento Gonçalves, RS, Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Wineries generally open every day for tastings and shop visits from mid-morning to late afternoon, but the pattern varies: some small family cellars close on Mondays or open only by appointment, and guided cellar tours at the better-known houses run at fixed times that fill at weekends and in harvest season, so book them ahead. Winery restaurants usually serve lunch and close early in the evening, and many shut on Monday or Sunday evenings. The harvest runs roughly January to March, with Vindima events on set weekends. The Maria Fumaça steam train runs on a set timetable, mostly on weekends and holidays, and sells out; check the calendar. Brazil's zero-tolerance drink-driving law is enforced with roadside checks in the region.

Vale dos Vinhedos on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos