Before you go
Your trip to Bento Gonçalves.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Bento Gonçalves – RS Destination Serra Gaúcha about 122 km from Porto Alegre
How to get there
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Aeroporto Internacional Salgado Filho (POA) Porto Alegre · 114 km
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Aeroporto Regional Hugo Cantergiani (CXJ) Caxias do Sul · 41 km
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Rodoviária de Bento Gonçalves
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Bento Gonçalves is 122 km from Porto Alegre, a little under two hours by car. Buses leave from the Porto Alegre Bus Station, run by Unesul and Bento Transportes. The nearest airport is in Caxias do Sul, 41 km away; Salgado Filho, in Porto Alegre, 114 km away, has more flights.
How many days
Two days: one for the Vale dos Vinhedos, another for the Maria Fumaça and the Caminhos de Pedra. With three, you can visit more wineries without rushing and include Garibaldi, 14 km away.
When to go
The vindima, the grape harvest, runs from December to March, with events at the wineries. Winter is cold and is high season. In recent editions, Fenavinho, the wine festival, was held together with ExpoBento, between May and June. It rains all year, a little more from October to February.
Do you need a car?
Not in the center: the Vinícola Aurora (winery) and the Igreja São Bento (church) are in town. For the Vale dos Vinhedos and the Caminhos de Pedra, yes, or a booked tour, because the wineries are spread across the countryside. The Maria Fumaça leaves from the Bento station, and the return is by bus.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Bento Gonçalves
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Morning
Vinícola Aurora
The traditional tour goes through the tunnels under the street and ends with a tasting. Book ahead.
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Morning
Igreja São Bento
The kite-shaped church and the wine barrel. A short stop.
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Afternoon
Vale dos Vinhedos
Lunch at a cantina and two visits with tastings. Most wineries require a reservation.
2 days in Bento Gonçalves
Day 1
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Morning
Maria Fumaça Steam Train
It leaves from the Bento station, stops in Garibaldi and goes on to Carlos Barbosa; the return is by bus. It doesn't run every day: buy in advance.
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Afternoon
Vinícola Aurora
In the center, after the train. Book your visit.
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Late afternoon
Igreja São Bento
The kite-shaped church, near the center.
Day 2
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Morning
Caminhos de Pedra
Stone houses of the Italian immigrants, with workshops and cafés serving café colonial. Go by car.
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Afternoon
Vale dos Vinhedos
Lunch among the vineyards and the afternoon's wineries.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book winery visits?
At most of them, yes, especially on weekends and holidays. Some accept walk-ins, but don't count on it.
Can I visit the Vale dos Vinhedos without a car?
Yes, with a booked tour or a tourist bus that stops at the wineries. If you plan to drink, it's the best choice.
Where does the Maria Fumaça train leave from?
From the Bento Gonçalves station, in the Cidade Alta neighborhood. The train goes to Carlos Barbosa, stopping in Garibaldi, and the return is by bus. There are also departures in the opposite direction, from Carlos Barbosa. Operating days change with the season: check before you buy.
Which airport should I fly into?
Caxias do Sul is closer, about 40 km away. Porto Alegre, a little over 110 km away, has more flights and more schedule options.