Vale dos Vinhedos: Your Next Wine Pilgrimage at Ales Victoria & Spa do Vinho
Imagine this: basalt cliffs crumbling into iron-rich dust beneath century-old vines, golden sunlight painting the hills of Brazil’s only DO region, and a glass of Merlot so vivid it tastes like freedom on horseback. This isn’t Tuscany. This isn’t Napa. This is Vale dos Vinhedos, and at its beating heart are Ales Victoria—a boutique winery rewriting Brazil’s fine wine story—and Spa do Vinho, where vinotherapy meets pure indulgence. I went as a wine professional. I left converted. Here’s why you—wine lover, wanderluster, seeker of the next great terroir—need to go. They are developing Brazil as a wine destination. Ales Victoria: Where Brazil’s Soul Meets the Glass Deborah and Aldemir Dadalt translate their twenty-two hectares of lands, satellite-mapped with surgical precision, sit in the cradle of Brazil’s GI movement. Every vine is a declaration: This is us. This is now. Walk the rows and history breathes. 150-year-old Isabella Labrusca vines—brought by Italian settlers—still fruit under the latada pergola, a living cathedral of green arches you duck beneath. The oldest Merlot? A defiant 25-year-old, roots clawing through basalt so hard it rings like iron, then powdery layers of calcium and iron, semi-precious stones, sand, clay, humus. This isn’t soil. It’s geology in a glass. Sustainability isn’t a buzzword here—it’s survival turned visionary. Water purified by plant roots. Original Atlantic forest preserved. And the future? PIWI varieties—disease-resistant hybrids—being trialed in rested parcels. Brazil’s climate armor. The Dadalts aren’t waiting for change. They’re building it. Twenty years ago, Michel Rolland walked these slopes and designed the front vineyard’s four sacred parcels. The proof is in the bottle. The Tasting: Four Wines That Demand Your Attention Spa do Vinho: Where Wellness Becomes Wine Ritual After the vines, surrender to Spa do Vinho—Brazil’s vinotherapy cathedral, and the crown jewel of a 5-star Autograph Collection hotel perched atop a hill amid 18 hectares of their own vineyards. This isn’t just recovery; it’s a full-body immersion in the valley’s magic, blending French-inspired Caudalie protocols with local terroir twists. Potable mineral water, drawn from the estate and warmed to a soothing 36.5°C (body temperature), powers the hydrotherapy circuits that simulate gentle river streams—think cascading jets, underwater massages, and effervescent grape baths that leave your skin humming. The Vino Spa’s arsenal is a vinophile’s dream: Signature vinotherapy treatments using polyphenolic grape extracts for anti-aging facials, detox body wraps, and restorative massages that melt away jet lag (or post-tasting haze). Indulge in a classic grape-seed scrub or a red-wine bath ritual, then ease into the therapeutic heated pool for zero-gravity floats with vineyard views. Follow with a steam session in the wet sauna, a barefoot trek along the invigorating stone path for reflexology perks, or a sun-soaked lounge in the solarium—panoramic glass walls framing endless rows of Merlot and Tannat. It’s wellness with a 700-label cellar soundtrack. And the Codallie? That ethereal perfume distilled from Chardonnay blossoms—harvested in one fleeting, fragrant week—now feels like the spa’s secret handshake. Spritz it post-treatment, and you’re wearing the vineyard. The hotel itself elevates the stay into a seamless wine-country escape. Check in with a welcome glass of sparkling méthode traditionnelle, then settle into one of 128 air-conditioned rooms—many with private balconies overlooking the vines, stone fireplaces for chilly evenings, pillowtop beds draped in crisp linens, and minibars stocked with local sparklers. Marble bathrooms stock Vino.Spa exclusives: think lavender-infused robes, hair dryers, and rainfall showers big enough for two. Dining? A terroir feast across five venues: Leopoldina Restaurant for elegant Brazilian tasting menus paired with rare vintages; Bistrô Culinária de Terroir’s à la carte farm-fresh plates; sunset parrillas at Esplanada Gaúcha with valley panoramas; casual bites at the Gastrobar; or intimate enoteca sessions at Vino.Libris. Free breakfast is a spread of regional cheeses, house-made jams, fresh pastries, and—yes—complimentary espumante to toast the morning. Sip at the rooftop bar as dusk falls, or unwind poolside with craft cocktails. Active souls, rejoice: A 24-hour fitness center keeps you sharp, while outdoor pursuits include tennis courts for a friendly rally, an outdoor infinity pool blending into the horizon, a bubbling spa tub, and even hot-air balloon rides over the DO for aerial terroir scouting. Families or groups? Kid-friendly pools and event spaces (up to 5,400 sq ft for weddings or wine seminars) seal the deal. Free WiFi blankets the property, complimentary valet parking eases arrivals, and a concierge can orchestrate winery tours or cooking classes. It’s 15 minutes from Bento Gonçalves’ center, yet worlds away—a bucolic bubble where service feels familial, not fussy. The cellar? Brazil’s largest: 700 labels, 40,000 bottles, every wine available by the glass via Coravin. Winemakers from Rio Grande to São Paulo gather here. This isn’t a tasting room. It’s a think tank with stemware. Vale dos Vinhedos isn’t “up and coming.” It’s arriving. Ales Victoria proves Brazil can craft age-worthy, site-specific reds and whites that rival the world’s best. Spa do Vinho turns recovery into ritual—and the hotel wraps it in Tuscan elegance amid endless vines. Book the flight. Pack light. Bring hunger—for flavor, for story, for the next great wine frontier. Because the dark horse is running. And it’s headed straight for your glass. Who’s coming with me?
Marcelo’s Alba Gems: Brazil’s Aguardentes
I’m thrilled to introduce our fellow judge, the incredible bartender and cachaça sommelier Marcelo Pereira! His infectious passion for Brazilian spirits and culture lights up the room, and today he’s treating us international judges to two absolute gems from Alba Distillaria. Let me share the magic he’s poured for us — and dive into the heart of aguardente, how it’s crafted, and the story behind this remarkable distillery. The Soul of Aguardente in Brazil In Brazil, aguardente de cana — better known as cachaça — is pure national pride in liquid form. Born in the 16th century with Portuguese distillation know-how, it’s the heartbeat of celebrations, the soul of the caipirinha, and a symbol of resilience and joy. From powering samba nights to once serving as currency in colonial times, cachaça is Brazil’s most beloved spirit, with over 40,000 producers and countless regional styles. It’s not just a drink — it’s heritage, rhythm, and rebellion in every sip. How Aguardente de Cana is Made It all starts with fresh, juicy sugarcane, crushed to release its sweet nectar. That juice ferments naturally (often with wild yeasts) for days, building bold, vibrant flavors. Then comes the artistry: double distillation in traditional copper pot stills using the bain-marie method — gentle heat that preserves purity and character. The result? A crystal-clear spirit between 38–54% ABV, either enjoyed young and fresh or aged in native Brazilian woods like amburana (think vanilla and spice) or jequitibá (subtle, honeyed warmth). Every bottle carries the land, the hands, and the heart of its maker. Alba Distillaria: A New Chapter in Brazilian Spirits Tucked into the wine-soaked hills of Serra Gaúcha in Monte Belo do Sul, Alba Destilaria was born in late 2021 from the bold vision of Pedro Paiva (a former psychologist) and Rosana Cavaleri. After two years of planning, they launched a micro-distillery dedicated to spontaneous fermentation, wild yeasts, and living ingredients only — no shortcuts, no additives. Using local grapes and sugarcane year-round, they craft high-ester, terroir-driven spirits in copper alembics, blending tradition with fearless innovation. Since their first 2022 harvest, Alba has been redefining Brazilian rum and eaux-de-vie, putting the untapped soul of Rio Grande do Sul on the world stage. Aguardente de Uva LorenaFrom the stunning Monte Belo do Sul/RS, this Eau de Vie is crafted from the rare Uva Lorena grape. Distilled in a copper alembic with the bain-marie method, it’s a refined 45% ABV with smooth, fruity elegance, delicate floral hints, and a crisp, lingering finish. Pure sophistication in a glass — like sipping sunlight from the vineyard. Aguardente de Cana VermelhaHailing from Presidente Lucena/RS, this powerhouse is made from Cana Vermelha, fermented for 30 days and distilled in copper. At a fiery 54% ABV, it delivers sweet cane freshness, deep earthy richness, and a crisp, joyful finish that explodes with personality. Brazil in a bottle — bold, alive, and unforgettable. Marcelo, your passion is contagious — and these spirits? They’re proof that Brazil’s liquid legacy is only getting brighter. Cheers to Alba, to tradition, and to the next revolution in every glass! Link to the Instagram Reel – Marcelo & Alba Spirits
A Sip of Tradition: Visiting Velho Alambique Cachaçaria in Brazil
Welcome, wine lovers and spirit enthusiasts, to another adventure with The Happy Vine! Today, we’re stepping away from the vineyard and diving into the vibrant world of cachaça, Brazil’s beloved spirit, with a visit to the charming Velho Alambique Cachaçaria. Nestled in the heart of Brazil’s sugarcane country, this small, family-owned distillery is a treasure trove of tradition, passion, and some seriously sippable cachaça. So, grab a shot glass and let’s explore! Nestled in the rolling hills of Santa Tereza, Rio Grande do Sul, Velho Alambique is a family-run gem producing organic, artisanal cachaças from their own sugarcane fields. With a nod to tradition and a flair for wood-aged innovation, their lineup showcases the distillery’s mastery of blends and native Brazilian hardwoods. The distillery sits on a modest 10-12 hectares of sugarcane fields, a plot that’s been lovingly tended by the family for generations. The current owners, João and Maria, have passed down their passion to the next generation, their daughter Laura and son Gustavo, who are now steering the distillery into the future with pride and innovation. Velho Alambique churns out an impressive 40,000 liters of cachaça each year, all from a single harvest in June when the sugarcane is at its peak. That’s right—one harvest, one chance to capture the essence of the land in liquid form. The process is as much art as it is science, with every step infused with the family’s dedication to quality. From the moment the cane is cut to the final bottling, you can feel the care that João, Maria, Laura, and Gustavo pour into every drop. What makes Velho Alambique truly special is their experimentation with 35 types of wood for aging their cachaça. Yes, you read that right—35! They use exotic woods like balsam, each imparting its own unique character to the spirit. Laura shared that the level of toasting on the barrels plays a fascinating role in the final product: less toasted wood gives the cachaça a deeper, richer color, while more heavily toasted barrels result in a lighter hue but bolder, smokier flavors. It’s like a painter’s palette, with each barrel adding its own stroke of genius. According to Brazil’s cachaça regulations (set by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply), there’s no cap on the types of wood you can use to age this spirited gem. The only rule? Aging happens in “suitable wooden barrels” (think classic oak or vibrant Brazilian hardwoods) up to 700 liters, for at least one year to earn that coveted envelhecida (aged) cachaça title. But here’s the exciting part: the guidelines throw the doors wide open for creativity, letting distillers play with a dazzling array of native woods to craft bold, unique flavor profiles that make every sip a journey! As we toured the distillery, Laura explained the concept of the “angel’s share”—the 3-5% of cachaça that evaporates during aging, a little gift to the heavens (or maybe just the Brazilian humidity). It’s a reminder of the patience required to craft something extraordinary. The cachaça here is made with respect for tradition but also a playful curiosity, as Laura and Gustavo experiment with new woods and techniques to honor their parents’ legacy while keeping things fresh and exciting. We enjoyed churrasco—Brazilian barbecue—and sampled their range of cachaça, from unaged white varieties to those aged in various woods, revealing deep amber hues. I was genuinely impressed by the breadth of flavors and distinct spirit profiles.My personal favorite was the amburana-aged cachaça: exceptionally smooth, with warm, spicy notes reminiscent of cinnamon. Sipping their cachaça was, of course, the highlight. Each glass told a story—of the land, the family, and the craftsmanship of João, Maria, Laura, and Gustavo. Whether it was a smooth, golden cachaça aged in lightly toasted balsam or a crisp, unaged version bursting with fresh sugarcane notes, every taste was a celebration of Brazil’s spirit (pun intended). Velho Alambique proudly upholds the denominação de origem (DO) status, a mark of quality and authenticity for cachaça. Brazil currently recognizes seven DO regions for cachaça, each with its own distinct terroir and production methods, and Velho Alambique’s offerings shine as a testament to their region’s unique character. As I left Velho Alambique, the sun was setting over the sugarcane fields, casting a golden glow that felt like a nod to the liquid gold in their barrels. This little distillery is a testament to the beauty of small-scale, family-run operations—where João and Maria’s vision lives on through Laura and Gustavo’s passion, tradition, and innovation come together in every bottle. If you ever find yourself in Brazil, make the trek to Velho Alambique. And if you can’t, track down a bottle of their cachaça and let it transport you to those sun-drenched fields. Until our next adventure, keep sipping, exploring, and finding joy in every glass. Link to the Instagram Reel: Vamos! Velho Alambique
The 24th Brasil Selection Wine & Spirits Lights Up Bento Gonçalves!
Olá, my delightful vine explorers! 🍷✨ Imagine this: rolling hills kissed by the southern sun, air humming with the promise of fresh grapes, and the unmistakable buzz of passion in every pour. That’s Bento Gonçalves for you – Brazil’s beating heart of wine country – where the 24th edition of the Brasil Selection Wine & Spirits held on October 19 to 22nd 2025 just wrapped up like a perfectly aged vintage. Held over three unforgettable days, this gem of an event, organized by CMB (Concours Mondial de Bruxelles), turned the Serra Gaúcha into a playground for palates and a toast to viticultural magic. Let’s rewind the reel a bit. Picture 35 expert judges – including five international stars hailing from Canada, Peru, the USA, and the UK – diving deep into a sea of excellence. They evaluated a whopping 200 wines and 300 spirits, each one a story bottled up from Brazil’s diverse regions. The wine squad? They powered through 96 samples across those sun-soaked days, noses attuned, tongues dancing. But oh, it wasn’t just about the sips! The program wove in cultural gems, lively samplings, and those heartwarming moments that make you feel like family. (Stay tuned for the juicy details on pairings and hidden gems – I’ve got scoops coming your way!). The closing gala unfolded at the prestigious USC Escola de Gastronomia, where the organizers announced next year’s epic celebration will take place in the enchanting Flores da Cunha! This isn’t your average tasting; it’s a full-on showcase of Brazil’s viticultural prowess. From the bold reds echoing Italian roots to the crisp sparklers that rival the world’s best, these wines and spirits are proving that South American soil is crafting world-class wonders. Culminating in the big reveal of this year’s top-tier honorees, it’s the kind of event that reminds us why we chase that next glass – for the discovery, the joy, and the sheer felicidade it brings. A massive, heartfelt obrigado to the incredible volunteers and CMB crew who poured their souls into making it all seamless. And shoutout to the Spa do Vinho staff – your hospitality turned every moment into pure bliss. You created an unforgettable tapestry for every participant, judge, and wide-eyed attendee. Here’s to you, the unsung heroes behind the vines! Fellow wine lovers, if you’re not already plotting a pilgrimage to Bento Gonçalves (Brazil’s official “Capital of Wine,” with over 600 wineries calling the Serra Gaúcha home), what are you waiting for? This event is a siren call to explore, taste, and fall head over heels for Brazilian brilliance. Grab a bottle from a past winner, raise it high this weekend, and let’s keep the conversation bubbling. Saúde to more adventures on the vine!