{"id":2350,"date":"2019-08-29T12:55:47","date_gmt":"2019-08-29T12:55:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/samiraholma.com?p=2350"},"modified":"2021-10-21T15:28:08","modified_gmt":"2021-10-21T15:28:08","slug":"bento-goncalves-brazils-wine-region-deserves-your-attention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/samiraholma.com\/es\/bento-goncalves-brazils-wine-region-deserves-your-attention\/","title":{"rendered":"Bento Gon\u00e7alves – Brazil’s Wine Capital Deserves Your Attention"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Set about 3 hours away from Puerto Alegre in the South of Brazil, Bento Gon\u00e7alves welcomes you with a different scene. While the city centre won’t make you fall in love, the gastronomy, the amazing places close by, and of course, Vale dos Vinhedos (the wine), will win you over.\u00a0<\/h4>\n

Shadowed by the neighbors Chile and Argentina, most wine enthusiasts don’t prioritize Brazil. And travelers who come here, often choose destinations such as Rio, Salvador, and Iguaz\u00fa.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While it’s hard to blame them, Brazil offers so much more.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bento Gon\u00e7alves is a great destination for an authentic experience unlike the stereotype of Brazil. Step into a world strongly influenced by Italian immigration, where delicious cuisine and some of the best sparkling wine in the world are never far away.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bento Gon\u00e7alves Might
Not Be Love At First Sight<\/h3>\n


Nothing special<\/em> is my first impression when arriving to the centre of Bento Gon\u00e7alves. I’ve been driving through the dark for the past hours to get here, and not seen any of the supposedly pretty nature (think wine fields<\/i>) which made me want to visit in the first place.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It looks like an average mid-sized town. You know, that kind of place that doesn’t have attractions.\u00a0<\/p>\n

I’m staying at an Airbnb close by the centre owned by a cute local couple. The woman is of Italian heritage and grew up in Bento Gon\u00e7alves. We have delicious cheese in their kitchen, while they tell me about how Bento has transformed over the past years.<\/p>\n

“We love it here, but it’s very different from what it used to be. Tourism has increased by more than 400 %. People are moving here. The food is more diverse. Italian used to be the only option. People are more open-minded now. It’s good for the town.”<\/p>\n

How Bento Gon\u00e7alves
Became Brazil’s Wine Capital<\/h3>\n

In 1875, Brazil’s government created 4 settlements to receive Italian immigrants. Bento, then called Dona Isabel, was one of these and received the first families of Italians in the same year. The majority of the Italian immigrants worked in grape and wine production.<\/p>\n

The population grew quickly, transforming Bento into the wine capital of Brazil, and the center of Italian immigration, that it is today.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Bento_wine1-750x500\"<\/p>\n

I take a walk through the center. Apart from the small wine fountain, which looks like it had its glory days already, there is not much to take note of in the city center of Bento.<\/p>\n

The ambiance reminds me of Europe. People are friendly, but more reserved in comparison with the north of Brazil. Many locals are naturally of Italian heritage, have light skin, and still speak Italian. It’s so different from the (my old) stereotype of Brazil.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While 1,5 millions of people visited Bento in 2017, the majority of the tourists are from Latin America. Information in English is still limited and many ask me how I found my way here.<\/p>\n

The Brazilian Wine Industry
Is Bigger Than You Think<\/h3>\n

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The following day, it’s time to explore the wineries. About 5 kilometers outside of the city centre, we’re suddenly surrounded by wine fields, mountain peaks, and those picturesque postcard views with lovely cottages, each one more gorgeous than the other.<\/p>\n

Vale dos Vinhedos, located in between the cities of Bento Gon\u00e7alves, Garibaldi and Monte Belo do Sul, consist of approximately 25 wineries. Most have received several awards, and the area is known for producing some of the world’s best sparkling wines.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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I learn that Brazil’s wine industry is relatively new. The local wineries used to be protected from foreign competition. When the economy opened up in 1990, and countries like Chile and Argentina entered, the local bodegas started to level up their standards to survive.<\/p>\n

The industry has boomed ever since.<\/p>\n

These days, Brazil is considered to be the 5th largest wine production in the Southern Hemisphere. With 1,000+ wineries spread out across 79,000 hectares of vineyards, they produce more wine than well-known wine destinations such as New Zealand. The majority are family run wineries (90 %, more than 20,000 winemaking families), who produce smaller amounts for themselves or to sell through specific networks (collectives).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Grape Varieties And Wine Production In Brazil<\/h3>\n


Even if the wine selection in Brazil is smaller in comparison with wine meccas such as Argentina and Chile, it’s so good that it’s worth traveling for.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n


<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n

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Merlot, Tannat, Chardonnay, Italian Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscat, and Cabernet Franc are the most common varietals, the first being the most popular.<\/p>\n

Brazil’s sparkling wine has been named the best in the world several times.<\/p>\n

You will also find new favorites among the still red and white wines, and probably the best grape juice you’ve ever had. 50 % of Brazil’s harvested grapes are used to make organic, divine grape juice.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Wineries Close By
Bento Gon\u00e7alves Worth Visiting<\/h3>\n

Salton<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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Our first stop is Salton<\/a>, recognized as one of Brazil’s leading wineries. Founded in 1878, it’s run by the 4th family generation. Salton is what you can expect from a large top producer; modern, with a great collection of award-winning wines.<\/p>\n

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I try the Pradoxo Merlot, a refreshing red wine with aromas of red fruits and almonds. The Intenso Merlot & Tannat is full of flavors – plum, cherry, blackberries, coffee, and walnuts come perfectly together. The Pinot Noir Lucia Canei, which has been named the world’s best sparkling wine, is fruity and delicious. Even if I personally prefer smaller wineries, Salton is worth checking out.<\/p>\n

Maria Valduga<\/strong><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

We continue to the traditional Maria Valduga<\/a>, which has been around since 1875. Known for its wine and amazing gastronomy, it’s still run by the Valduga brothers with the vision to be the best winery in Brazil.<\/p>\n

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You shouldn’t leave Valduga without eating. I have the rodizio for lunch, which is like a buffet served plate by plate at the table until you can’t take anymore. Think homemade pastas, incredible sauces, spring chicken, ribs and traditional desserts, each one paired with the right wine.<\/p>\n

I love their multi-awardwinning Gran Raizes, a dry, red wine made of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Tannat. The flavor is intense and complex, with notes of coffee, blackberry, plum and spices. Valduga also produces strong liqueurs, brandy, and grappa.<\/p>\n

In case you don’t feel like leaving, Maria Valduga is also a guest house.<\/p>\n

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Aurora<\/strong><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

Over the next days, I visit Aurora<\/b><\/a>, Brazil’s biggest and most award-winning winery. It’s more commercial, and accessible. Aurora is a cooperative which started with 16 families in 1931. It has since then grown to 1.100 members. They own 30% of the Brazilian Wine market. You will find several budget wines from Aurora in the supermarkets, as well as more exclusive bottles.<\/p>\n

Something that stands out is their projects to educate youths and encourage them to step into the world of wine production.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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At the end of the on-site tour, they offer a very generous tasting. We start with a refreshing sparkling Moscato, and work our way through all the highlights. Its Reserva Chardonnay is well balanced, with a fruity aroma and hints of Vanilla. The Reserva Merlot, a lighter red wine, is elegant and easy to drink.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While Aurora is one of the more commercial wineries in Bento Gon\u00e7alves, it’s a good option if you would like to drink (lots of) delicious wine at a bodega in the city.<\/p>\n

Miolo Winery<\/strong><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

On Saturday night the same week, I’m invited to a sunset party at the Miolo Winery<\/a>. The Miolo Wine Group has 4 wineries in different parts of Brazil. They are the leading wine exporter in the country and produce 10 million liters per year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"miolo_wine_g1-476x476\"<\/p>\n

The Miolo property in Bento Gon\u00e7alves is gorgeous with everything an idyllic vineyard should have.<\/p>\n

The event<\/a>, which is organized once a month every summer, is elegant and different from what I’ve seen in Bento so far. It could be taken directly from a classy bar in New York. The music is great. So are the views, and the sparkling wine Mill\u00e9sime Brut, which has been named the best sparkling wine in the Southern Hempsphere<\/a>.\u00a0 What better way to spend a night in a wine capital?<\/p>\n

Other Wineries Worth
Visiting In Vale dos Vinhedos<\/h3>\n

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I meet many locals during my time in Bento, and everyone has different favorite wineries. You could spend months here sampling your way around. A few other wineries worth visiting are:<\/p>\n