Bento Gonçalves: Vineyard Lunch & Cristofoli Family Wine Pairing

Summary

Family recipes and vineyard views with every glass poured

You’ll share a slow vineyard lunch in Bento Gonçalves with Cristofoli family recipes and stories at your table. Each course pairs with their own wines or sparkling wines—plus fresh bread, homemade desserts, and time to take in vineyard views. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and leaves you feeling like part of the family for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped out of the car and the first thing I noticed was the way the sunlight hit the vines—sort of golden, like late summer, even though it was just after noon. At Cristofoli Winery in Bento Gonçalves, you’re not just eating lunch; you’re sort of folded into this big family story. I remember being greeted by Ana, who laughed when my friend tried to pronounce “Faria Lemos”—she said it’s okay, everyone stumbles on it at first. The air smelled faintly of yeast and something sweet from the kitchen drifting through the open doors.

Lunch happened in slow stages. There’s no rush here. We started with warm bread that tasted homemade (because it was), and a glass of their sparkling wine that made everything feel like a small celebration. Our guide—maybe cousin or aunt?—kept popping over to explain which wine paired with each dish and why her grandmother swore by polenta on rainy days. I picked the ossobuco with polenta for my main course (couldn’t resist) and honestly, I still think about that sauce. The rosé with the panzanella was another surprise—I’m not usually a rosé person but it just worked.

Between courses, someone told us how their family started making wine out here generations ago, pointing out photos on the wall—faces that looked a bit like Ana’s. There was this easy feeling in the room; people talking quietly, forks clinking against plates, kids running outside between tables. Dessert was Dona Maria’s grape cuca (kind of a crumb cake), soft and warm, paired with a sweet sparkling wine that tasted like summer fruit.

I didn’t expect to linger so long but nobody seemed to mind. Even after dessert, we sat around sipping what was left in our glasses while someone poured us a taste of their grape juice “just to try.” It’s funny how quickly you start to feel at home in places like this—maybe it’s the food or maybe just how everyone treats you like you’ve been coming for years.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Harmonized lunch at Cristofoli Winery

• Arrive at Cristofoli Wine Store
• Walk to vineyard restaurant
• Enjoy welcome dish with sparkling wine
• Choose and eat first course with rosé
• Choose and eat main course with Cabernet Franc
• Choose and eat dessert with Moscatel sparkling wine
• Listen to family stories and wine explanations

Top questions

Is transportation included for this Bento Gonçalves vineyard lunch?

No, transportation is not included; guests arrive independently at Cristofoli Winery in Faria Lemos.

Are vegetarian options available during the harmonized lunch?

You can choose from several menu options for each course; specific dietary needs must be communicated at booking.

How many courses are served during this Cristofoli Family Wines lunch?

The harmonized lunch includes four stages: welcome bite, first course, main course, and dessert.

Are all wines included with lunch?

A different Cristofoli wine or sparkling wine is paired by the glass with each dish; extra drinks after dessert are charged separately.

Is this experience suitable for children or people with mobility needs?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible and infants/children are welcome—with high chairs or stroller space available.

Can I visit if I have food allergies?

You must inform Cristofoli Winery about any allergies when booking; menu changes may not be possible on arrival day.

Where is Cristofoli Winery located?

Cristofoli Winery is in Faria Lemos district near Bento Gonçalves in southern Brazil's Serra Gaúcha region.

What’s included

Your harmonized lunch includes four courses inspired by family recipes—a choice for each stage—with each dish paired by glass with Cristofoli wines or sparkling wines. Still water and house-made grape juice are served throughout your meal. Friendly staff share stories about their winemaking heritage as you dine among the vineyards; accessibility features ensure everyone feels welcome from start to finish.