Serra Gaúcha Wine Region Guide

The Serra Gaúcha wine region is Brazil. Serra Gaúcha is honoured as the stage of the Brazilian wine industry thanks to the volume and quality of its wines. Serra Gaúcha has a range of wines that are world-renowned and highly renowned. We invite you to explore wines from Serra Gaúcha, Brazil. We hope you will try the outstanding wines that make Brazil a favorite for wine drinkers worldwide. Here on our website, we want you to know about Serra Gaúcha wine region so that your visit is enriched with culture, food, and wine.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Serra Gaúcha Wine Region

Where is the Serra Gaúcha Wine Region

Serra Gaúcha wine region is situated in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and borders with Uruguay.

History of Serra Gaúcha Wine

The history of wine in Brazil goes back to 1532, when they tried to cultivate the vine on the São Paulo coast. As you can imagine, it was not very successful. Later, Jesuits made efforts in the 17th century. In 1739, Portugal prohibited the growing of grapes and the production of wine in the colony and this prohibition lasted until the Brazilian Independence in 1822. It later became popular when Italian immigrants began settling in Brazil's Serra Gaucha region. The wine industry was born thanks to these newcomers. This was not the goal of the Italian immigrants. They just started viticulture in the area for themselves, based on their culture, but it grew on a larger scale and had a great influence on the development of wine. The first grapes which took off in the region were Italian ones (like Barbera and Trebbiano), but these have largely been supplanted by international grapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Terrior of Serra Gaúcha

Serra Gaucha is one of the most important wine region in Brazil. The region has basaltic soil and a temperate climate, with temperature extremes that vary from -4Cº to 320º. Consequently, it has rigorous winters and hot summers. Furthermore, during the vintage period, the thermal amplitude—cold days and hot nights—is a very significant factor, significantly benefiting the maturation of the grapes. The altitude of the vineyards ranges between 400 and 800 meters. The ideal conditions in this region provide the best vineyard development.

Serra Gaúcha Wine Characteristics 

Brazilian wine is different because of the soil, vines, production techniques and flavour. Grape Varieties: for reds, there are Cabernets, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Teroldego, and Tempranillo; for whites, there are Chardonnay, Moscato and Prosecco (Glera). The Serra Gaucha region is world-famous for its delicious sparkling wines. These include white and rose, as well as sparkling Muscat wines. There are wines of the Champagne method here in this region that use Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Many are made in the Italian foaming spumante style, but the popularity of French champagne terminology has now led to Brazilian sparkling wines being labeled as brut or even extra brut (dry or extra dry).

Food to pair with Serra Gaúcha Wine

1. Moqueca

Moqueca is a Brazilian seafood stew with a spicy, coconut-based sauce. It also contains rice and can be served over whichever ingredient you in particular prefer. The origins of Brazilian cuisine can be traced back to 300 years ago to when the Portuguese brought coconsuts and African slaves introduced them to Brazilian cooking with palm oil.There are lots of different versions of moqueca. For example, there is the moqueca Capixaba or the moqueca Baiana, both from Brazil in the southeast of America. Serra Gaucha's wine is the perfect pairing for this dish.

2. Feijoada

Feijoada or feijoada completa is Brazil's national dish, a hearty stew featuring pork and black beans. The dish is consumed throughout the country, and every family. Sautéed greens, cheese rolls and rice are a good accompaniment to smoked pork with black beans. Traditionally it is prepared for lunch on Saturdays, so people can sleep off the meal. The beans are flavoured with onions, tomatoes, coriander and garlic. Part of the traditional lunch might be supplemented by pork or beef with dried or smoked sausages. Serra Gaucha's wine goes great with this dish and can make a dinner with friends really special.

3. Churrasco

Churrasco is a Brazilian barbecue method where juicy pieces, slices, steaks, and chops of beef, veal, lamb, pork and chicken are placed on big skewers and grilled over wood fire. The tradition of an asado, with the Gauchos who settled in Rio Grade do Sul. They would start a fire and place large pieces of meat on skewers and slowly grill it. The hot beef skewers are paraded around the restaurant in a flashy manner and the waiters circulate among tables to show off the succulent meat to hungry diners. After the customers have chosen their preference of meat, the food is sliced off the spit and put into their desired dish. It pairs well Serra Gaucha's wine.

Places to visit near Serra Gaúcha

1. Itaimbezinho Canyon

One of Brazil's biggest canyons is located near the Argentinean border in the Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra. At nearly 6 miles long and a mile deep, it cuts quite a grand figure. It isn't for those who like to be comfortable as there are no safety rails, but people who dare to make the visit will be rewarded. The Itaimbezinho Canyon, meaning “cut rock” in Tupi-Guarani, is set in the Serra do Mar, Brazilian Highlands. The delimited trails take visitors on amazing tours - through huge cliffs and waterfalls.The National Park has a Visitor's Center and guide service to welcome tourists.

2. Esculturas Parque Pedras do Silencio

Nova Petropolis is the perfect destination for anyone interested in German culture. This unique city has strong roots coming from Germany. The stone carving in the Sanfandelina Museum. These sculptures form the shape of the natural environment both in native vegetation and landscaping, but also is representative of common professions at that time, customs, traditions and immigration. These components illustrate a sense of harmony to melt those from many backgrounds.

3. Mini Mundo

The Mini Mundo was born decades ago. A father and grandfather who desired to create a better and happier world, set out to do so with a dollhouse and mini railroad for their children. This was the beginning of our miniature city. Today, in the fourth generation, the family continues to build and maintain this work full of love and care.

Frequently asked questions about Serra Gaúcha Wine Region