Vale dos Vinhedos

Italian immigrants from the Veneto and Trentino were settled in these hills from 1875 and planted vines because it was what they knew, initially the American isabel grape and later vinifera. The Vale dos Vinhedos outside Bento Goncalves became the centre of it, and in 2012 it was granted a Denominacao de Origem, the first in Brazil - a rule-bound appellation covering grape varieties, yields and production within the demarcated valley. Sparkling wine is what the region does best, made by both traditional and tank methods, and it has become the country's reference for it. Dozens of estates run tastings, from large industrial producers to family cantinas, and the Maria Fumaca steam train runs a tourist route through the valley from Bento Goncalves.

What you actually see

• Brazil's first appellation - the Denominacao de Origem granted in 2012.
• Italian colonial vineyards - planted from 1875 by Veneto and Trentino settlers.
• Sparkling wine - the style the region is now the national reference for.
• The Maria Fumaca - a steam train running the valley from Bento Goncalves.

When to go

January to March for the harvest, April to June for autumn colour. Two days.

Honest expectations

Estates are spread out and drink-driving rules are enforced, so a driver or a tour is the sensible option. The larger wineries are industrial in scale and run high-volume tours. Weekends are busy and tastings need booking. Prices are not low.

Nearby

Bento Goncalves is the base; Garibaldi and Caxias do Sul are close by.