winery · São Joaquim, SC
Vinícolas de altitude de São Joaquim
Vineyards planted above 1,200 meters produce some of the most awarded fine wines in Brazil. The wineries welcome visitors for tastings and vineyard tours.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Vinícolas de altitude de São Joaquim
São Joaquim, in the Serra Catarinense, is the main center for Santa Catarina's so-called high-altitude wines. In the region, the vineyards sit between about 900 and 1,400 meters above sea level. The mountain cold lengthens the vine's cycle and slows the ripening of the grapes, which gives the wines a style of their own.
Fine-wine production in the region took off in the early 2000s, with pioneering wineries such as Villa Francioni, founded in 2001. In 2021, the area received from INPI (Brazil's intellectual property office) the Geographical Indication Vinhos de Altitude de Santa Catarina, which covers towns in the mountains and the midwest of the state.
The outing goes from winery to winery. In São Joaquim, wineries that welcome visitors include Villa Francioni, Quinta da Neve, Pericó, Leone di Venezia and D'Alture. There is usually a vineyard tour, an explanation of the winemaking process and a tasting, and some offer food experiences. Grapes grown include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Italian varieties such as Sangiovese and Montepulciano.
Most wineries only receive visitors by appointment, and each has its own format for tours and tastings. The outing is relaxed, with no great physical effort, but it includes short walks among the vines, sometimes on grass or dirt. It is a program for adults who enjoy wine and for anyone who wants to see the mountains' rural landscapes.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow one to two hours per winery; to visit two or three, plan on a full day.
Best time
The grape harvest takes place in late summer and early fall, with the vines heavy with fruit; in winter, the landscape is colder and there may be frost. Go during the day, to see the vineyards in daylight.
How to get there
The wineries are scattered across the countryside of São Joaquim, in the Serra Catarinense, generally outside downtown and along rural roads. The easiest way is by car or with a tour agency; confirm the address and access with each winery when you book.
Tip
Book visits in advance, especially on holidays and winter weekends, and decide who will drive, because tastings include alcohol.
A look at the place
Vinícolas de altitude de São Joaquim in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vinícolas de altitude de São Joaquim
Do I need to book to visit the São Joaquim wineries?
For most, yes. The wineries usually only receive visitors by appointment, and spots can run out on holidays and weekends. Arrange it directly with each one.
When is the best time to visit the high-altitude wineries?
The harvest takes place in late summer and early fall, when the vines are heavy with grapes. In winter the mountains are colder, with a chance of frost, and the outing suits the weather.
Is there a fee to visit the wineries?
It depends on the winery. Each has its own format for tours and tastings; when you book, confirm whether there is a charge and what is included.
How long does a winery visit take?
Plan on one to two hours per winery. To visit two or three on the same outing, allow the whole day.
Can I visit the wineries without a car?
It is difficult, because they are in the countryside, outside downtown. The easiest way is by car or on a tour with an agency; that way no one has to drive after the tasting.