Caxias do Sul: Maria Fumaça Train, Wineries & Italian Park Day Trip

Summary

Wine tasting steam train ride and italian heritage in caxias do sul

You’ll ride the Maria Fumaça steam train with live music swirling around you, taste local wines at Aurora Winery in Caxias do Sul, sample cheeses straight from the source, and get swept up in stories of Italian immigrants at Epic Park. It’s a day packed with flavor and warmth — you might even forget to check your phone.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the Maria Fumaça train to be so… lively? I thought it’d be all old wood and quiet countryside, but as soon as we hopped on in Caxias do Sul, there was music — real accordion and laughter bouncing off the metal. Our guide, Ana, handed us a little cup of sparkling wine right away. The air smelled like engine smoke mixed with sweet grapes. Honestly, it was a bit surreal watching everyone clap along while we rattled past vineyards that just rolled on forever.

We stopped at Aurora Winery next — apparently the biggest in Brazil, which I had no clue about. The place is modern but still feels family-run somehow; maybe it’s the way one of the staff (I think his name was Paulo?) joked about how he’s tasted every batch since he was a kid. The wine tasting wasn’t rushed — I lingered over a red that tasted almost peppery, and Ana kept nudging us to try this cheese from Fetina de Formaio. I probably ate too much cheese for someone who still had more stops ahead.

The Italian Epic Park was something else — there’s this show about the first Italian families who settled here, and even though my Portuguese is shaky, you could feel what they were getting at: hope mixed with exhaustion. I caught myself tearing up a bit when they sang near the end (don’t tell anyone). Afterward, we wandered through Tramontina’s showroom (so many knives) and then Gdom Knitting where my friend tried on a sweater that looked way too warm for Brazilian weather but she bought it anyway. It all kind of blurred together into this mix of food, stories, and people waving you over to taste or touch something new.

By the time we got back to Gramado, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once all day — just too busy watching sunlight flicker through grape leaves or listening to Ana explain why her grandma still makes gnocchi every Sunday. If you’re even half-curious about wine tours near Caxias do Sul or want a day trip that actually feels full (not just ticking boxes), this one sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wineries, train ride, and cultural visits

• Board Maria Fumaça Train
• Enjoy live performances on train
• Taste regional products on train
• Visit Aurora Winery
• Learn wine production process
• Participate in guided wine tasting
• Visit Italian Epic Park
• Watch Italian colonization show
• Shop at Tramontina Showroom
• Taste cheeses at Fetina de Formaio
• Visit Gdom Knitting for shopping

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, round-trip transfers are included from most hotels in Gramado and Canela.

How long does the day trip from Gramado to Caxias do Sul take?

The tour lasts a full day including travel between stops; exact times depend on pickup location.

Are wine tastings included in the price?

Yes, guided wine tasting at Aurora Winery is included in your booking fee.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No full lunch is included; however, you will have wine tastings and can sample cheeses (cheese tasting is not included in price).

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join; infants may ride in prams or sit on an adult's lap.

What languages are spoken by guides?

Tours are typically conducted in Portuguese; check availability for other languages when booking.

Do I need to provide ID or passport details?

Yes, you'll need to provide full names and passport numbers (or RG for Brazilians) after booking.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel transfers from Gramado or Canela, entry fees and guided wine tasting at Aurora Winery, plus time to explore Epic Park and browse local shops before heading back home in the evening.