Travel Guide to Serra Gaúcha Wine Region
The Serra Gaúcha wine region of Brazil is located in the northeast of Rio Grande do Sul. It is widely recognised as the star of the Brazilian viticulture industry thanks to the volume and quality of the wine produced. The wine lovers, this wine region cannot be missed and every trip to Serra Gaucha should include a visit to Bento Goncalves.
Find out about Wine Tasting & Tours in Serra Gaúcha to enjoy if you visit the region.
The heart of the Brazilian wine making culture
The Serra Gaucha wine region of Brazil is located at a latitude that is close to providing the ideal conditions for the best development of vineyards. Despite this, the rain in the region can become excessive just before the harvest time which is a crucial period for the maturation of the grapes. When the rain is less than usual, the greatest harvests tend to appear.
The soil of Serra Gaucha varies greatly across the region and includes deposits of basalt, granite, clay and calcareous soils.
Grape Varieties:
Red: Cabernets, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Teroldego, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet
White: Chardonnay, Moscato e Glera (Prosecco)
The Fabulous Wines of Serra Gaucha
The wonderful Serra Gaucha region is well known for its sparkling wines. These sparkling wines include white and rose wines, sparkling Muscat and fine white wines. Within the region there are some Champagne method wines that are made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Most of the sparkling wines of the region are made in a style that is similar to Italian spumante.
The Sites of Serra Gaucha
Canela – The Tourism Heart of Serra Gaucha
The city of Canela is considered one of the most amazing cities in Serra Gaucha. Canelo is located 7km away from the city of Gramado and is part of the Romantic Tourist Route. This route was given this name because of its cold weather and many tourist attractions which range from shopping to ecotourism and adventure. It is also known for its incredible cuisine. The main attractions to visit in Canela include the Parque Estadual do Caracol, the Parque da Ferradura and the Munda a Vapor Theme Park.
Gramado – The Tourist City of the Rio Grande
Gramado is a small mountain resort city that has a distinctly European feel. The town feels much like a Swiss mountain village filled with high end boutiques, gourmet restaurants and hotels resembling Swiss chalets. For many who visit, Gramado is a perfect piece of paradise in Brazil that provides something unique and unusual to experience.
Bento Goncalves – The Heart of the Serra Gaucha Wine Route
Bento Goncalves is a city located in Serra Gaucha which is the main focus of the regions wine route. The heritage of the region dates back to its Italian immigrants who arrived in 1875 and brought with them their architecture, culture, cuisine and wine traditions. Bento Goncalves is one of the most charming cities in Southern Brazil and a must see for all who visit the region.
Experience the Park of the Silent Sculptures
The Park of the Silent Sculptures in Serra Gaucha, Brazil is a park filled with sandstone statues. The statues in the park silently tell the story of the German immigrants who fled the war in Europe over 200 years ago. The park opened its gates in 2012 and covers several acres of perfectly manicured grounds. To explore the entire park takes between 2 and 3 hours and is an experience that should not be missed.
The Magical Nature of Serra Gaucha
The natural landscape of the Serra Gaucha region is dominated by the Serra Gaucha mountains. This incredible mountain range provides the region with endless forested hillsides, rocky cliffs and sparkling waterfalls, making Serra Gaucha one of the most beautiful wine regions in Brazil.
Ninho das Aguias – Visit the Eagle’s Nest
The Ninho das Aguias is a free flight club in Serra Gaucha that allows visitors the opportunity to see the region from the sky by hang gliding and paragliding. The club offers visitors flying experiences, food and drinks, access to hiking trails and flying lessons for those looking to learn something new.
Parque das Sequoias – The Park of the Sequoias
The Parque das Sequoias is a national park in Serra Gaucha that takes its name from its thousands of sequoia trees. The first seeds of the trees were planted over 70 years ago. The park is also home to redwood trees that are up to 3000 years old! Inside the park visitors can explore the endless rows of trees, and see up close some of the tallest trees in the world.
Ecopark Sperry – A Park Dedicated to Preserving the Environment
The Ecopark Sperry is a family enterprise that was stated in 2009. The purpose of the park is to preserve the local environment of the area and to promote ecotourism practices. Inside the park there are stretches of Atlantic Forest, streams and other beautiful natural sceneries for visitors to enjoy.
The Flavours of Serra Gaucha
The flavours of the food of Serra Gaucha are influenced strongly by the fresh produce of the land and the most wonderful locally sourced ingredients. These ingredients make for a tasty local cuisine that makes the region the perfect food and wine travel destination.
Churrasco de Picanha – Picanha Steak Barbecue
Churrasco de Picanha is a steak barbecue that is made with picanha, one of the most sought-after steak cuts in Brazil. This cut of steak is tender, soft and easy to prepare and is famous in steakhouses across Serra Gaucha. The picanha does not require much time on the grill and has a good layer of fat which gives it extra flavour.
Maionese de Batata – Potato Mayonnaise
Maionese de Batata is a salad made with mayonnaise and potatoes. This dish is usually served as an accompaniment to many other dishes such as roast steak or chicken.
Arroz Carreteiro – Traditional Meat and Rice from Serra Gaucha
Arroz Carreteiro translates to Wagoner’s Rice and is a meat and rice dish famous in Serra Gaucha. The recipe for this dish comes from the cowboys of the region who needed a hearty and nutritious meal that could be easily made on the go. Arroz Carreteiro is made with either dried beef or leftover barbecue beef mixed with cooked rice, onions, bell peppers, parsley and garlic.
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Read more about Wineries in Serra Gaúcha to visit.
Region Highlights
Selected wineries in Serra Gaúcha
Família Salton
Along with wines, the estate produces tea, juice, frisante, vodka, gin…
Wine tastings & tours in Serra Gaúcha
Wine tasting and tour at Família Salton
Have wine tasting of Brazilian vineyards along with guided tour at Familia Salton
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