A first for São Paulo, the 1st edition of São Paulo Wine Week takes place on April 10–21 . Featuring over 200 activities spread throughout the city, some of which are free! The program spans bars, restaurants, wine bars, wine schools, as well as parks and cultural venues in São Paulo.
The activities aim to cater to a diverse audience, including those living near downtown parks, in the West Zone, and in outlying areas. The goal is to bring together wine lovers, industry professionals, and those simply curious about the subject. The week combines wine, gastronomy with guest chefs, and, of course, plenty of jazz.
The official opening took place at the Wine&Jazz Sessions festival, considered the largest in Brazil’s wine and jazz sector. It was held on April 11 and 12 with free admission at Villa Lobos Park. The initial idea came from businessman Renato Paiva, who, with support from the Gastronomy Observatory, conceived the week.
São Paulo’s connection with wineries
The city’s history with wine dates back a long time. The arrival of Italian immigrants to the region led to the establishment of numerous wine-producing hubs around the capital. With this in mind, the famous Wine Route was created. The route passes through São Roque, Louveira, Jundiaí, and other municipalities that have seen their tourism numbers increase by up to 27% as a result of their involvement in the project.
Today, the wine industry also drives the food sector, services, and creates jobs throughout the state. São Roque, a city with 16 wineries and the closest to São Paulo, produces 16,000 liters of wine per year. It employs around 2,500 people.
Wine tourism has become so popular that a theme park was even opened in São Roque. It features scenic wineries and Instagram-worthy spots to attract even more visitors. Cities like Vinhedo and Jundiaí preserve the history of wine in their museums and memorials that commemorate the arrival of immigrants. In addition, wine festivals take place and boost the regional economy.
Currently, we are experiencing a new trend in tourism. Instead of wine traveling from the countryside to the capital and into consumers’ glasses, the routes take consumers to discover the place where it all begins. With structured itineraries and immersive experiences at wineries.
What to expect from São Paulo Wine Week?
In addition to the opening festival, today, April 13 , the Japanese restaurant Aizomê will host an event dedicated to Japanese wines. The event will pair rare Japanese wines with a special menu created by Chef Telma Shimizu. There will also be the launch of Enoteca Nacional’s own label and tastings at three locations of Miya Wine Bar.
Another tasting, this time a blind tasting, will take place on April 17 at 3:00 p.m. at Buchette del Vino – Casa Grilo. There, there will also be a historical tour of Bixiga, highlighting the neighborhood’s Italian roots. In addition, the program includes courses, lectures by professionals, promotions, and events at stores and bars.
Check out the full schedule and see which experiences are paid or free on the São Paulo Wine Week website or on the event’s official social media channels.