A stone castle in the interior of Santa Catarina It preserves one of the oldest traditions of Italian immigration in southern Brazil. new veniceThe Borgo Winery has transformed the Gava family's heritage into wine and receives around 60 visitors a year.
The building is located in Saint Benedict Upper And it catches the eye of anyone passing through the region. Inspired by the old stone houses of northern Italy, the castle now houses all the production of wines, liqueurs and jams of the brand.
From Italy to the basement of the barn.
The story began around 1893, when Italian immigrants arrived in the interior of Santa Catarina. The families of Nevio Colombo and Lúcia Gava already produced wine in their homeland and, in Brazil, they began planting grapes and making the beverage in the cellar of the barn for their own consumption.
The name carries this origin. “Borgo has Italian origins and means village. Initially, the name was Borgo Gava, that is, Vila Gava, combining the meaning with the family surname, although today the word Borgo has become more famous,” explains Greice Goulart Schneider, commercial manager of the winery.
A castle as a tribute.
Built about 25 years ago by the fifth generation of the family, the castle was made of stone as a tribute to their ancestors. “This is very reminiscent of Italy. If you travel through Italy, you'll notice how most of the buildings are actually made of stone, especially the older ones,” says Greice.
Built gradually, the complex gained new wings and, about six years ago, an expansion that now concentrates all the winemaking. The winery processes about 60 tons of grapes per harvest.
From colonial wine to limoncello
The flagship product remains the colonial wine, in the Bordô and Niagara varieties. The winery also produces fine dry labels, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Marcelan, and Alicante, as well as sparkling wines, juices, and non-alcoholic versions.
Production goes beyond wine. “We maintain the production of cachaças with various flavors, liqueurs, and the famous limoncello, which is a typical Italian drink. And we also produce jams, always making use of everything that's in grandma's backyard and from neighbors,” says the manager.
To meet the demand, Borgo maintains partnerships with families who grow grapes in the Urussanga region and the Serra Gaúcha.
how to visit
The Borgo Winery is located on Travessa Giovanni Gava, in São Bento Alto, Nova Veneza, approximately 18 kilometers from Criciúma and 232 kilometers from [unclear - possibly a city name]. FlorianópolisIt is open every day from 9 am to 18 pm, with free admission.
On weekends, there are guided tours with tastings and pairings, by reservation only. The tour lasts about an hour and a half and includes a presentation of the production process. (With information from...) NDmais and 4oito, based on an interview with Greice Goulart Schneider)
