The mountainous region of Serra Gaucha is the heart of Brazil’s wine industry. This winemaking region is located in the state of Rio Grande do Soul near the nation’s southern border with Uruguay. According to the latest estimates, Serra Gaucha produces 90% of the nation’s wine, with the best wines coming from the subregion of Vale dos Vinhedos (literally, Valley of the Vineyards), which officially became Brazil’s first official appellation of origin.