Tour Gran Reserva – Valley of the Vineyards

Experience the Best of Canela’s Vineyards with the Gran Reserva Tour

If you’re after an authentic taste of Brazil’s local wine culture without the hassle of figuring out transportation or driving yourself, the Tour Gran Reserva – Valley of the Vineyards offers a well-paced, engaging day of wine tasting, vineyard visits, and storytelling. For around $89.50 per person, you get a full 10-hour experience exploring three renowned wineries, including the Miolo Wine Group, Lovara, and Garibaldi, with expert guides, transportation, and plenty of tastings.

What we love about this tour is how it combines education with leisure—you’re not just sipping wine but learning about its history, production, and the families behind these brands. Plus, the fact that transportation is included means you can truly relax and soak up the scenery without worry. Another highlight is the personalized wine glass gift, a nice touch that keeps the memories alive.

A possible consideration is the long day’s schedule. While most travelers will find it manageable, those with mobility issues or shorter attention spans might want to plan for some downtime afterward. This tour suits those genuinely interested in wine, culture, or simply enjoying a scenic, laid-back day with knowledgeable guides and like-minded companions.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Transportation, guide, tastings, and a mini wine course come with the price.
• Learn and Taste: Gain insight into Brazil’s wine industry and taste a variety of emblematic wines.
• Family and Heritage Focus: Visit family-run wineries with stories that add depth to the experience.
• Relaxed Pace: No need to worry about driving; sit back and enjoy the scenery.
• Authentic Insights: Tour guides share stories and details that enrich your understanding of local wine culture.
• Value for Money: Especially considering the variety of wineries and inclusions, it’s a well-rounded, cost-effective experience.

Exploring the Itinerary: A Closer Look at the Wineries

First Stop: Miolo Wine Group

The tour begins with a visit to Miolo, Brazil’s most recognized and export-oriented wine producer. Here, we loved the way our guide explained the history of the Miolo family, tracing their winemaking journey back to Giuseppe’s arrival in 1897. The Mini Wine Course offered an excellent introduction, perfect for those new to wine tasting. We sampled five wines, including some of their most iconic labels, while learning to detect aromas, textures, and flavors to assess quality confidently.

What makes Miolo stand out is its size and reputation—an industry leader with an annual production of 10 million liters across 1,000 hectares of vineyards. We appreciated the opportunity to understand Brazil’s wine industry’s evolution, which often surprises travelers expecting only European wines. This stop takes about an hour and 40 minutes, giving enough time to explore the winery grounds and enjoy the tastings without feeling rushed.

Second Stop: Lovara Winery

Next, we moved to Lovara, a family-run winery with a charming history dating back to 1887. The Casa de Pedra, built by the founder, adds a touch of nostalgia and authenticity. The highlight here is the warm, personalized tasting of three labels, where the staff’s friendliness made us feel right at home.

Our guide explained the wine-making process while walking through lush vineyards, giving us a sense of the dedication behind each bottle. The sparkling wines (espumantes) from Lovara received special praise for their quality and finesse—a detail many reviewers mentioned positively. The visit lasts about an hour and 20 minutes, making it a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Final Stop: Garibaldi Cooperative

The last leg takes us to the Garibaldi Cooperative, a collective of over 300 families cultivating more than 1,000 hectares. Established in 1931, Garibaldi boasts a history of resilience and international accolades—over 15 awards from European contests. During this visit, we learned about cooperative winemaking and the different approaches that set their wines apart.

You’ll taste five labels plus receive a glass as a gift, making it a generous and memorable ending. The emphasis here on community-driven wine production offers insight into a different side of Brazil’s wine scene—more grassroots and collaborative. This stop lasts about an hour, rounding out the day with a comprehensive look at different production styles.

Practical Details and Experience Highlights

The entire day is structured for comfort and convenience. Transportation is included from designated meeting points in Canela or Gramado, in vans or minibuses, which means you can focus on sipping and learning instead of navigating. You’ll be accompanied by a professional guide, who shares stories and insights along the way—making the experience more enriching than a simple tour.

The small group size (max 30 travelers) ensures a more intimate feel, allowing everyone time to ask questions and interact. The start time of 8:00 am means a full day ahead, but most will find the early start worthwhile for the experience packed into those 10 hours.

The price of $89.50 is quite reasonable considering the inclusions—multiple tastings, guided tours, a mini wine course, and a souvenir glass. For wine lovers or those curious about Brazilian wines, this tour offers excellent value, especially given the educational component and the chance to taste wines you’d likely never find on your own.

One consideration is the length of the day; it’s a lot for those who prefer shorter excursions or have limited stamina. Also, the tour does not include food, so plan to eat beforehand or bring snacks if needed.

Authentic Experiences and What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praised the quality of the wines, especially mentioning the Lovara sparkling wines and the Miolo’s impressive selection. Many appreciated the friendly guides, like Marcia, who made them feel safe and welcomed even in difficult weather conditions.

One traveler shared, “Gostaria de agradecer a guia Márcia e o motorista Regis… em meio ao tempo chuvoso e muita neblina nos sentimos muito seguros, muito atenciosos, simpáticos, simplesmente amamos o passeio.” Others mentioned how informative the visit was, especially for those new to wine tasting, saying, “Aprender a degustar de forma correta na Vinicula Miolo é incrível.”

Many enjoyed the personalized touches, like taking home a custom wine glass, and felt the tour offered a deep dive into Brazil’s wine industry’s heritage. The balance between educational content and relaxed tasting made this tour a highlight for many visitors to the region.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for wine enthusiasts, curious travelers who want an authentic look at Brazil’s wine production, and those who enjoy scenic drives and cultural stories. It’s particularly appealing if you value guided experiences, want to avoid the hassle of driving, or love learning about local customs and craftsmanship.

If you’re traveling with a group or partner, this tour makes for a memorable, bonding experience—especially since much of the day involves relaxed tastings and friendly guides. However, if you prefer shorter outings, or aren’t a fan of long bus rides, you might want to consider other options.

FAQ

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $89.50 per person, which includes transportation, guided visits, tastings, and a personalized wine glass.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 8:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and additional beverages are not included. You’ll taste wines at each winery, but should plan to eat before or after the tour.

What wineries will we visit?
You will visit Miolo Wine Group, Lovara, and Garibaldi cooperative. Each offers unique stories and wine styles.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from designated meeting points in Canela or Gramado is included, in vans or minibuses.

What should I bring?
Bring a valid ID for alcohol tasting, comfortable shoes, and any personal items you might need for the day.

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the tastings are the focus, non-drinkers can still enjoy the scenery, learn about wine production, and participate in the guided tours.

How many people will be on the tour?
Maximum group size is 30 travelers, ensuring a friendly, manageable experience.

When should I book?
Most travelers book about 43 days in advance, so plan early if you want a spot.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility.

Final Thoughts

The Gran Reserva Valley of the Vineyards Tour offers a comprehensive, relaxed way to explore Brazil’s wine scene. You’ll love the variety of wineries visited—each with its own character—and the chance to taste a curated selection of wines without the worry of driving. The inclusion of educational moments and the personal touch of a souvenir glass make this a thoughtful choice for wine lovers and curious travelers alike.

While it’s a full-day commitment, most find the experience worth the time for the insights and memories gained. It’s especially enjoyable if you appreciate authentic stories behind the wines and a scenic, leisurely day in the countryside.

If you’re seeking a well-organized, value-packed tour that balances learning, tasting, and sightseeing, this trip is an excellent way to experience the Valley of the Vineyards in style and comfort.

Enjoy discovering Brazil’s wines in Canela—rich flavors, captivating stories, and scenic vineyards await. This tour isn’t just about wine; it’s about understanding how tradition and family craft make each bottle special.