Sparkling wine is having a moment in Brazil—here's why

It may not be the first country that springs to mind when it comes to wine, but South America’s third-largest producer is quietly commanding attention. The vast majority of vines grow in Rio Grande do Sul, the country’s southernmost state, where warm summers, cold winters, high altitudes and well-draining soils combine to yield fruit of exceptional quality.

Around half of all grapes go towards sparkling wine, estimates Nicholas Corfe, managing director of UK-based importer Go Brazil. The country’s fizz is made by both the Champagne and Charmat methods, typically marked by bright acidity, delicate fruit and a light, refreshing style that suits Brazil’s climate and cuisine alike. In 2023, the region made history as the first in the New World to receive a Denomination of Origin (DO) dedicated exclusively to sparkling wine — a landmark for Altos de Pinto Bandeira in the Serra Gaúcha, a hilly, verdant area where most of Brazil’s wine is produced. Centred around Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling Italico, the DO reflects the influence of Italian immigrants who first brought winemaking to the region in the late 19th century. With vineyards investing in visitor experiences, there’s never been a better time to explore Brazil’s effervescent wine scene. Here are five producers worth seeking out.

1. Vinícola Geisse, Pinto Bandeira

Chilean winemaker Mario Geisse is widely regarded as the godfather of Brazilian wine. Having led Moët & Chandon’s Brazilian venture in the 1970s, he went on to establish his own estate, now celebrated for some of the country’s most refined traditional-method sparkling wines. Aged for three years, Mario’s bottlings reveal pleasing notes of brioche and biscuit, balancing richness with precision. Esteemed critic Jancis Robinson even named him among 15 winemakers shaping the future of wine. A small, family-run operation, Geisse offers 4WD vineyard tours, tastings paired with Chilean empanadas and a sleek on-site restaurant overlooking the rolling hills.

2. Casa Valduga, Bento Gonçalves

Founded in 1875 by the Italian Valduga family, this pioneering estate remains one of Brazil’s most revered names. Its traditional-method sparklings are models of balance and finesse; the 130 Brut, rich with toasty vanilla and caramel tones, is particularly admired. Casa Valduga is also among the country’s most visitor-friendly wineries, offering guided tours, tasting menus paired with estate wines and one of Latin America’s largest underground cellars. The boutique hotel overlooking the vineyards provides the perfect retreat after a day of tastings.

3. Vinícola Salton, Bento Gonçalves

Another stalwart of the region, Salton exudes an air of refined grandeur. The fourth generation of the Salton family continues the legacy from an opulent French chateau-style winery, crafting both still and sparkling wines of high quality. With around 30 different sparkling cuvees, the range is broad, from accessible bottles to premium prestige blends. The family cultivates a remarkable variety of European grapes across Rio Grande do Sul — from Cabernet Franc and Malbec to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir — and its tours, led by knowledgeable sommeliers, are as relaxed as they are enlightening.

4. Pizzato, Bento Gonçalves

Although the Pizzato family’s winemaking roots stretch back to the 19th century, it was only in 1999 that they launched their own label. Since then, it’s flourished, with fifth-generation winemaker Flávio Pizzato named Brazil’s Winemaker of the Year in 2020. While best known for its reds, Pizzato also produces standout sparklings — elegant, expressive and full of character. The cellar pays homage to the family’s immigrant ancestors, who brought traditional Italian techniques to Brazil’s southern highlands. The estate’s recently expanded visitor offering includes tastings paired with local cheeses, olive oils, breads and charcuterie, a delicious showcase of Brazil’s burgeoning artisan food scene.

5. Bodega Sossego, Uruguaiana

Set in the Campanha region, Brazil’s second most important wine region and a stone’s throw from Uruguay and Argentina, Bodega Sossego enjoys a temperate climate and sandy soils that produce bottles with freshness, purity and distinct minerality. Its name translates as peaceful bodega, and the boutique winery focuses on terroir-driven wines, including a creamy blanc de blancs Chardonnay and a crisp, balanced rosé brut. Visits are relaxed, featuring tastings, live music and encounters with resident animals. Tours don’t run every day, so book ahead.