winery · Bento Gonçalves, RS
Vinícola Aurora
A cooperative founded in 1931 by 16 families, it now has more than 1,100 members and is in the city center. The guided tour goes through the underground cellars, with casks and tanks, and ends with a tasting.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Vinícola Aurora
Vinícola Aurora is a cooperative founded in 1931 by 16 grape-growing families in Bento Gonçalves. Today it has more than a thousand members in towns across Serra Gaúcha and is the largest wine cooperative in Brazil. It was also the first winery in the country to open its doors to tourism, in 1967.
The traditional tour takes place at the headquarters, in the city center. It's an urban winery: the facilities take up four city blocks, linked by underground passages that run beneath the streets. There are no vineyards around it; the tour shows the cellar and the production.
The guide tells the cooperative's story and explains how wines, sparkling wines and juices are made. The route passes through the underground cellars, with giant wooden casks assembled without nails and held together by iron bands, stainless steel tanks and the oak barrels used to age the reserve wines. Along the way there are small niches with religious images, a reminder of the immigrants' faith. The tour ends with a tasting.
The traditional tour is free and wheelchair accessible. It's also offered in English, Spanish, Italian and Libras (Brazilian Sign Language). Children can join and taste the grape juice.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About an hour is enough for the guided tour and the tasting at the end.
Best time
All year. Since the visit is almost entirely indoors and underground, it's a good option for rainy or cold days; go in the morning or early afternoon, within visiting hours.
How to get there
The headquarters is at Rua Olavo Bilac, 500, in the Cidade Alta neighborhood, in central Bento Gonçalves. You can get there by car, taxi or ride-hailing app.
Tip
Book by phone, WhatsApp or email with the winery before you go, especially for groups and in high season. Check hours on the official website.
A look at the place
Vinícola Aurora 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 Vinícola Aurora
Is there a fee for the Vinícola Aurora tour?
The traditional tour, with a tasting at the end, is free. There are more complete tasting experiences, which require booking.
Do I need to book?
It's recommended. Groups must reserve; bookings are made by phone, WhatsApp or email with the winery.
How long does the visit take?
About an hour, including the cellar tour and the tasting.
Are there vineyards at Vinícola Aurora?
Not at the headquarters. The downtown Bento Gonçalves site is urban and shows the cellar and production. The grapes come from members' properties across Serra Gaúcha.
Can children take the tour?
Yes. Children join the tour and taste grape juice at the tasting.