Viticulture and Italian heritage in Rio Grande do Sul

The state of Rio Grande do Sul has developed into a major Brazilian viticulture hub, largely due to 19th-century European immigration. The region is estimated to produce approximately 85% of Brazil’s fine wines and hosts over 1,200 small and medium-sized wineries. Cultural efforts, such as the III Meeting of the Italian Community of Rio Grande do Sul, have focused on bridging historical traditions with modern entrepreneurship.

Building on this foundation, regional producers are expanding their market reach. The Cooperativa Vinícola Garibaldi, based in the Serra Gaúcha region, has increased its presence in the Southeast. In Rio de Janeiro, the cooperative’s grape juice and sparkling wine each hold a 40% market share, accounting for 15% of the brand’s total revenue in the Southeast. Additionally, Minas Gerais now accounts for 28% of the cooperative’s revenue within the Southeast region.

Founded in 1931, the cooperative manages 470 members who produce approximately 30 million kilograms of grapes annually across 1,200 hectares. Driven by seasonal demand in the final quarter of the year and a diverse portfolio—ranging from non-alcoholic options to premium lines like Prosecco and Moscatel—the cooperative expects sparkling wine sales to grow by up to 15% by the end of 2026.