Brazil – wine growing regions

While Brazil has a relatively large number of vineyards, a large part of them produce table grapes, and only some produce Brazilian wine. As much of Brazil is close to the equator, most of the country unsuitable for viticulture due to heat and humidity. Most of the wine production of Brazil is concentrated in the south of the country, away from the equator, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, around 29°S, which is close to Uruguay and Argentina, with small amounts of wine made, from more than one crop a year, in the hot, tropical Vale do São Francisco in the north-east of the country.. In that area, many of the vineyards take advantage of cooler climates at higher elevations. While better quality wines are produced from Vitis vinifera, many of the rest are American vines or hybrid vines, many of which are easier to cultivate under Brazilian growing conditions. Of the 89000-ha planted for wine grapes, only 10000 are Vitis vinifera. Of these European varieties, Merlot and Chardonnay are showing the most potential but these varieties are known for being adaptable to a wide range of climates. Like much of South America, wine making began in the 16th century with the invasion of conquistadors and missionaries but has been slow to develop a viable industry. Most of the wine produced in Brazil is consumed within the country but there are international investors with Chandon, a derivative of Moët and Chandon being an important influence on the industry.