RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The region of Bento Gonçalves, in the Serra Gaucha of Rio Grande do Sul state, holds traditions and charms from the time when the Italian immigrants settled in the region, around 1875.
Due to its gently rolling hills, the region is also called the Brazilian Tuscany.
Dazzling vineyards attract the attention of tourists who wish to go beyond the tasting and perform a true immersion in the mysterious world of the grape.
Considered the national wine capital, Bento Gonçalves goes far beyond the beautiful grapevines, and surprises visitors by its history, gastronomy, and experiences that provide a true cultural journey in time.
Vale dos Vinhedos (Vineyard Valley)
Visiting the Bento Gonçalves region and not tasting wine is virtually a sin. And the best place to do that is, without a doubt, a tour through Vale dos Vinhedos, an area of 80 square kilometers dedicated to wine tourism – an activity based on the journey inspired by the enjoyment of wines and local traditions.
All along the way, framed by hills, small roads, grapevines, and a bucolic climate, there are countless wineries to enjoy tastings and get to know more about the process of producing the nectar of the gods.
Among them is the traditional Casa Valduga, which offers visitors contact not only with the world of wine but also with the customs related to the culture of the first immigrants in the region.
In addition to housing a charming inn and a restaurant, Casa Valduga features an immersion in the world of the grape, opening its doors so that visitors learn about the process of wine and sparkling wine production, as well as its technology.
On the way through Vale dos Vinhedos, do not miss a visit to Miolo, another great winery in the city that maintains the Wine School. This is the ideal place for those who want to dig a little deeper into the world of enology.
Tours in the region
After the tastings, the suggestion is to visit the Caminhos de Pedra route, where the rock and wood buildings introduce the place that started the Italian colonization in the city. As well as charming cottages, there are also several restaurants, canteens, mate industry and chapels – all of this coupled with a stunning natural setting.
With such history, it is almost inevitable to want to relive the time when the immigrants first came to the region. And this journey back in time takes place in the Parque Epopeia Italiana (“Italian Epoch Park”), where visitors take part in a beautiful and touching reenactment of the arrival of the Italians in the vicinity. With beautiful scenery, a thrilling text and a great performance, it is difficult not to get emotional.
Finally, the steam train called “Maria Fumaça” takes visitors 23 kilometers from Bento Gonçalves to Carlos Barbosa. Along the way, plenty of Italian music, parties, beautiful landscapes and, as the grand finale, a toast with a lot of wine.
Valduga House
Via Trento 2355 – Leopoldina Line – Vale dos Vinhedos – Bento Gonçalves
Tel.: (54) 2105.3154
[email protected]
www.casavalduga.com.br
Miolo
RS-444, 21 – Vale dos Vinhedos, Bento Gonçalves
Tel.: (54) 2102-1540 / 2102-1537
[email protected]
www.miolo.com.br
Caminhos de Pedra
Linha Palmeiro, s/n°, District of São Pedro – 95700-000 – Bento Gonçalves
Tel.: (54) 3455-6333
[email protected]
www.caminhosdepedra.org.br
Italian Epoch Park (Parque Epopeia Italiana)
Visconde de São Gabriel Street, 507 – Bento Gonçalves – RS
Tickets: Low season: R$ 23,00 / High season: R$ 25,00 per person
Maria Fumaça
Boarding at Bento Gonçalves Railway Station
Tickets: Low season: R$ 110,00 / High season: R$ 120,00 per person