7 unforgettable wine tourism destinations on the 31st Parallel

In the extreme south of Brazil, bordering Argentina and Uruguay, Gaucho Campaign it is the cradle of people who made the countryside their source of life, and carved out what today we understand by gauchos. Heirs of indigenous, black, Jesuit and European culture, those who live in this region rely on the fertile land and passion for farming to support their families and the excellence of a production recognized worldwide. Famous for its livestock, the Campanha Gaúcha has also emerged as one of the most promising wine regions in the Southern Hemisphere.

Combining the Pampa and the Gaucho Frontier, this territory made up of 14 municipalities is today the 2nd largest producer of fine wines in Brazil, responsible for 31% of national production. The quality of its labels comes, especially, from the land. Located on the 31st Parallel, a southern line that encompasses countries such as South Africa, Australia, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, it has a suitable terroir for the cultivation of grapes intended for high-quality viticulture.

So much so that the Gaúcha Campaign won in 2020 the Indication of Origin (IP) seal from the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), for fine wines and natural sparkling wines. The seal guarantees the origin of the characteristics of the terroir, such as the terrain conditions (flat and rocky) and the climate (thermal amplitude, with hot days, cool nights and rare rains during the summer), much more favorable for the vineyards.

Therefore, the Campaign Wine Route has become a popular wine tourist route, and one that lovers of the age-old drink cannot miss. In this guide, you will find out about some of the best tours and tastings that the Campaign offers, in 7 places with unforgettable experiences. The destinations also include the production of olive oil, which is another potential explored in Paralelo 31. Have a good trip!

Casa Albornoz

The tip is to start with a visit to Casa Albornoz, in Sant’Ana do Livramento (RS), a few kilometers from the border between Brazil and Uruguay. A corner to slow down and taste the internationally awarded olive oils and nuts grown there (and take the opportunity to enjoy the view of Cerro de Palomas having a picnic with a cold cuts board in the garden).

Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of olive oils and in the avant-garde history of the enterprise, which today is conducted with a feminine sensibility. Casa Albornoz

Cordillera de Sant’Ana

Head to the nearby Cordillera de Sant’Ana and open the tasting works. The land’s vineyards are cultivated at the foot of Cerro de Palomas, which provides, in addition to the favorable terroir, an emblematic landscape. On the guided tour, it is possible to walk through the vines and discover the cellar’s facilities, as well as the wine maturation cellars.

But the highlight is tasting the house labels, accompanied by a cold cuts board. Be sure to try the Gewürztraminer varietals and the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon. Cordillera de Sant’Ana

Almaden Winery

The first winery to establish itself in the Campanha Gaúcha, Almadém invested heavily in welcoming visitors – with quality products and a first-class structure. And it remains at the forefront: here the differential is being able to take home a selection of wines with discounts that can reach 50%. All this because Almadém has the first Wine Free Shop installed inside a Brazilian winery. But don’t get carried away because there are more than 120 Miolo and Almadén labels for sale. There will be no space in the cellar! almaden

Bodega Cerro Chapéu

With a wine production that crosses borders and covers Brazil and Uruguay, Bodega Cerro Chapeu, from Sant’Ana do Livramento, in Campanha Gaúcha, has a history that goes through 10 generations. The highlight of the visit is the harmonized lunch: a sequence of typical dishes accompanied by the house labels. All of this connected with the horizon and tranquility of the Campaign region.

The visitation also includes a tour of the cellar of old vintages, where you can see the first Tannat del Museu 1979, and choose to take it home (check the availability of wines from other old vintages). A more than special gift. Cerro Chapeu

guatambu

In Dom Pedrito, the tip is to get drunk with the charms of Estância Guatambu – award-winning labels and imposing Spanish architecture. It is here in this space that the ‘Epic Day’ takes place, where the protagonists are prime cuts of Hereford meat produced at the Estancia, and harmonized with five labels from the winery – including the ultra-premium line, the award-winning reds Épico and Lendas do Pampa.

It is also worth tasting a cheese board and charcuterie with wines from Guatambu. For minors or those who want to substitute wine, there is an option of Guatambu whole grape juice. guatambu

Cerros de Gaya Vineyards and Olive Groves

At the highest point of Cerros de Gaya Vinhas e Olivais, in Dom Pedrito, the possibility of contemplating a 360 view of the Pampa, renewing the clickable clicks at strategic points designed especially for the joy of visitors and still enjoying olive oils, wines and charcuterie .

The tours also focus on contact with nature. There you can take a bike tour through the vineyards and olive groves, or enjoy a picnic surrounded by the countryside. Schedule your appointment close to sunset and be surprised by the spectacle of nature. gaya hills

bueno wines

In Candiota, we exclusively visit Bueno Wines, whose owner is simply Galvão Bueno! The winery still does not receive tourists, but it has invested heavily in new structures and will soon start visiting. We caught a rainy day, but the sparkling Bellavista Desirée was at the perfect temperature to receive us.

And attention to this memorable experience: we took a Galvão Bueno personal reserve red with the pipette straight from the barrel. Who knows, maybe in the near future we can taste a wine accompanied by Galvão. Haha Heart! bueno wines

Visit the Campaign Wines website: https://www.vinhosdacampanha.com.br/

*Anderson Hartmann stayed at the Frontier Hotel Rivera