After Argentina and Chile, Brazil is the third most important wine-growing country on the South American continent, but its importance is not (yet) really recognised. Yet the country offers excellent conditions for viticulture, especially in the deep south, with moderate winters and only mildly warm summers. Vines were already planted here during the Portuguese colonial period in the 16th century, so viticulture has a long tradition in the country. However, the turn to high quality wines is due to the development of the last 25 years. Today, the area under vines is almost 90,000 hectares, but only about 10,000 hectares are used for the production of high quality wines. The best regions are located in the south of the country, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, with the Valle dos Vinhedos being particularly noteworthy.
At least 150 wineries produce wine in Brazil, with one cooperative in the south, 1,500 members strong, being one of the largest cooperatives in the world.
White wines are produced from the international grape varieties Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, as well as red wines modelled on Bordeaux blends, but also single-varietal wines from Merlot, Tannat or Tempranillo. The sparkling wines made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are a particular speciality and need not fear international comparison. Not for nothing have famous brands such as the Champagne house Moet & Chandon invested here. A special feature is the region Valle do Sao Francisco in northern Brazil, because here in the tropical area near the equator harvesting can occur twice a year. However, the local production cannot cover the national consumption; 7.5 million litres have to be imported.
Brazil's cuisine is largely influenced by immigrants from Portugal, Italy and Africa, and on the whole is rather rustic and based on beans. The "feijoada", a bean stew with rice, is considered the national dish. For demanding gourmets, there are several restaurants decorated with 2 stars or 1 star in the metropolises of Rio da Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
