Vale dos Vinhedos, around Bento Gonçalves, is the deeper regional extension from Porto Alegre, over two hours away and a genuine change of pace from both the race and the city.
Italian-Brazilian Wine Country
The valley was settled by Italian immigrants in the late 19th century, and the wine and food culture built since then is the actual reason to come. Late May and early June are cool and quiet here rather than at the height of the growing season, which suits a slower, food-and-wine-focused visit.
Getting Between Wineries
Getting to Bento Gonçalves or Garibaldi by bus is straightforward, but moving between individual wineries is realistically a taxi, private driver or organised tour rather than a walkable circuit.
Where to Stay and Eat
Bento Gonçalves has the widest range of accommodation and serves as the practical base, with individual wineries and rural pousadas offering a more immersive but less flexible alternative. Meals lean heavily on Italian-Brazilian tradition: pasta, cured meats, and the local wine itself.
Getting Back
The return journey to Porto Alegre retraces the outbound route, over two hours by bus and taxi combination, timed to fit the rest of the trip or an onward flight.