The Don Laurindo Winery

Vale dos Vinhedos (The Valley of Vineyards) is located in a mild subtropical area in the Serra Gaúcha mountain range. The seasons are very differentiated here: there is frost in winter, but summers are warm. The altitude of about 650 m provides temperature differences much needed at the time of grape maturation. Hillocks and valleys with fertile land are typical of the region. The land has positive influence on the characteristics of the wine.

Vale dos Vinhedos microregion is nationally and internationally well-known for the quality of wine and also as an attraction for tourists.

Marcelino Brandelli came to Bento Gonçalves from Zévio, a small village in the province of Verona in the north of Italy, in 1887. As all immigrants, he also lived on primitive agriculture at first and he planted vine for the family consumption. In 1946 Cezar, Marcelino's son, and his family acquired thirty hectares of land in Oito da Graciema, where he started growing and producing wine. His wine was soon popular among his neighbours and friends. The tradition and craft passed from the father to his son Laurindo, who brought his knowledge to perfection and who, with a help from his sons Ademiro and Márcio with viticulture education and wine makers Adelar and Alfonso, started producing fine wines from cultured varieties.

In 1991 Laurindo and his sons Ademiro, Adelar, Alfonso and Márcio decided to institutionalize the sale of their wines. They established VINHOS DON LAURINDO LTDA - a family limited liability company. The company combines tradition, craft and technology to select grapes and produce excellent wines. Their wine is produced for the family consumption and the leftovers are sold. Thanks to this philosophy, we can taste and appreciate wine of an outstanding taste and high quality.

The family coat of arms symbolizes the magnitude, courage and bravery which left indisputable traces in their history. In Italian historical archives, there are reports of the family's long presence in the province of Verona, of their involvement in the aristocratic council, their abilities and hard work. Brandelli's coat of arms shows the tradition and fame of their ancestors.

The Brandelli family owns 15 hectares of vineyards; under the control of their father Laurindo Brandelli, brothers Adelar and Alfonso are responsible for vine growing and grape production check.

Don Laurindo vineyards are in a prime area with conditions suitable for growing fine grapes of European varieties: Vale dos Vinhedos in the Serra Gaúcha mountain range. This region is geographically similar to northern Italy, a region of valleys and mountains. That is why it is said the main characteristics of the Don Laurindo wines is that they are "mountain wines". The first vineyards with common vine plants are as old as 1889. Starting in 1970 they were replaced with varieties Malvasia de Cândia, Italian Riesling, Chardonnay, Flora, Gamay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat and Ancellota. The microclimate with temperatures around 0 °C in winter allows the vine to rest. Higher temperatures in summer favourably affect the production of sound, ripe, very fragrant grapes, with low acidity, high amount of colour and large content of natural glucose. The fertile land gives vine the strength to grow. The growth is controlled by proper cutting so that the grapes have as much sun as possible.

The wine cellar contains about 150,000 bottles of wine now. Its quality gets higher from year to year, and every year's production has its own distinctive character.

The cellar has been constructed in the heart of family vineyards, in a countryside with wide horizons and beautiful shapes, and its area is 500 m².

Wooden casks from Grappia and oak casks divide the area with stainless steel tanks and modern equipment from nice stone cellars where bottled wine is stored to mature.

Wine must be stored with the same care as when it is produced. When wine is maturing, its features are changing. Wine matures in casks and then it is bottled and stored in wine cellars, where its development continues in natural temperature of about 15 °C in the dark and silence. The time of maturing is detemined for each variety separately with respect to tasting. As far as the senses are concerned, especially reduction in acidity and the development of colour, flavour and bouquet are evaluated.

This charming valley is located among administration districts of Bento Gonçalves, Garibaldi and Monte Belo do Sul. It is a countryside of hillocks covered in vine and sycamores. Just 10 km far from Bento Gonçalves and Garibaldi, there is a good access road, well marked, which winds through the bucolic countryside and past buildings of Italian colonial architecture.

Monday to Friday:
8:00 - 12:00
14:00 - 18:00

Saturday, Sunday and holidays:
10:00 - 12:00
14:00 - 17:00

Only Monday to Friday:
8:00 - 12:00
13:30 - 18:00