Bento Gonçalves

Bento Gonçalves is a town located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It is the wine capital of Brazil, located in a region with many vineyards. Many of the Italian immigrants and their descendents helped establish the wine industry in the region. As of 2003 its population was of approximately 97,000 inhabitants.

One may experience the rolling country side of Bento Gonçalves, Garibaldi and Carlos Barbosa by taking a day trip on the Maria Fumaça steam locomotive. One may also learn more about the Italian heritage of the people through such museums as Epopéia Italiana.