Goiás is a Brazilian state traditionally associated with the Cerrado, its natural beauty, and sertanejo culture. However, in recent years, a new attraction has stood out in the region: enotourism. The tourism practice focused on wine culture has been gaining momentum in Goiás, which, although not as well-known for its wineries as other regions of Brazil, offers a unique setting for those seeking to enjoy fine wines, beautiful landscapes, and a rich cultural experience.
In this article, we will explore what enotourism is, the growth of this practice in Goiás, and the main wineries that have been attracting tourists from all over the country.
What is Enotourism?
Enotourism is tourism specialized in wine. It involves activities such as visits to wineries, tastings, tours of vineyards, and immersion in viticulture, that is, wine production. For wine lovers, enotourism offers a unique opportunity to see firsthand the processes involved in making wine, from planting the grapes to producing the wine, while enjoying charming rural landscapes.
Enotourism is also a fantastic way to learn more about the differences between types of wine, production techniques, and local traditions. Each wine region has its unique characteristics, and Goiás stands out for its innovative wineries and the production of wines with traits that reflect the state’s climate and soil.
The Growth of Enotourism in Goiás
Historically, Goiás was not a state widely associated with wine production. However, starting in the late 20th century and early 21st century, with investments in technology and the adaptation of wineries to the Cerrado climate, the state began to stand out for producing quality wines.
The hot and dry Cerrado climate, although challenging, has proven to be ideal for growing certain grape varieties, such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. These climatic conditions favor the production of bolder and more complex wines, which has attracted both producers and tourists seeking new experiences.
With the growth in the production of quality wines, enotourism began to gain strength, with more and more wineries offering personalized experiences for visitors. Some of them have integrated enotourism circuits, offering guided tours, tastings, and special events, providing a complete immersion into the wine culture.
Wineries and Enotourism Destinations in Goiás
Now that we know a little about what enotourism is and how Goiás has stood out in this sector, let’s explore some of the most important wineries for those looking to experience it in the state.
1. Jabuticabal Winery
Located in Ipameri, the Jabuticabal Winery is one of the pioneers in enotourism in Goiás. The winery offers visitors tours through the vineyards, where they can learn about grape production and the care involved in viticulture. In addition, guided tastings are available, featuring award-winning wines produced on-site. The winery also has a restaurant that serves dishes specially designed to pair with its wines, creating a complete gastronomic experience.
2. Santa Maria Winery
Situated in the municipality of Santa Maria do Rio Claro, the Santa Maria Winery stands out for its artisanal production and for being one of the first wineries in Goiás to become nationally known. The winery offers excellent facilities for visitors, with tastings, tours of the vineyards, and even accommodation, allowing tourists to experience the daily life of a winery. During the visit, guests can learn about the cultivation methods and wine production techniques, as well as enjoy a beautiful view of the Cerrado.
3. Vale do Sol Winery
Located in one of Goiás’ most promising regions for viticulture, the Vale do Sol Winery offers rich and informative tours, providing visitors with an immersive experience in the world of wine. During the tours, tourists can explore the winery’s facilities, such as the cellars and fermentation tanks, and participate in guided tastings of the best wines produced in the region.
4. Villa Francioni Winery
Although Villa Francioni is located in Santa Catarina, it’s important to mention the growing interest in wineries from all over Brazil, which has driven enotourism in Goiás. Many Goiás wineries are seeking to stand out in this segment, and the experience of visiting wineries in other states has inspired more investments in the infrastructure of Goiás’ wineries.
What Else to Do Besides the Wineries
Although the wineries in Goiás are undoubtedly the main attraction for wine lovers, the state offers many other activities to complement the enotourism experience. Some of the options include:
- Hiking and outdoor tours: Goiás’ Cerrado is an area of impressive natural beauty, and many wineries are located in regions surrounded by mountains, rivers, and green areas. Visitors can take hikes to explore the local fauna and flora, as well as enjoy the scenery.
- Harvest events: During the grape harvest season, many wineries offer special events where tourists can participate in the harvest, learn about cultivation techniques, and even help with wine production. These events are a unique opportunity to experience rural life firsthand.
- Local cuisine: Goiás is known for its regional cuisine, which blends Cerrado influences with traditional sertanejo cooking. During enotourism experiences, tourists have the chance to sample local dishes that pair perfectly with the wines, such as freshwater fish, roasted meats, and desserts made with regional fruits.
Final Considerations
Enotourism in Goiás offers a unique experience that combines the tradition of wine production with the natural beauty of the Cerrado and the local culture. The state’s wineries have invested increasingly in infrastructure and quality production, making Goiás an increasingly attractive destination for wine lovers.
If you’re looking for an authentic tourism experience, with great wine options and stunning landscapes, Goiás is certainly a destination to consider. In addition to the wineries, the state offers a rich environment for relaxation, leisure, and learning about the production of one of the world’s most beloved beverages.
