Serra Gaúcha

The Serra Gaúcha (Gaucho Highlands) is a cultural region comprising the mountainous areas in the northeastern portion of Rio Grande do Sul state in southern Brazil.

Several tourist routes run through the most picturesque cities of the Serra Gaúcha, particularly the Rota Romântica, following the tracks of German colonization; the Italian-flavored Caminhos da Colônia; the wine tasting Rota da Uva e o Vinho; and the Região das Hortênsias, landscaped with beautiful hydrangeas ("hortênsias" in Portuguese).

Several small towns resemble German villages from centuries ago, but on a backdrop of luscious subtropical rainforest and araucarias.

In the towns settled by Italian immigrants, wine production is considered an important component of the local culture and vineyards can be seen everywhere.

The city of Caxias do Sul celebrates the region's wine heritage during the Festa da Uva festival.