The city of Bento Gonçalves is located in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the Serra Gaúcha region. With a population of nearly 115,000 inhabitants, it is one of the centers of the Italian immigration in the country, known as the ‘wine capital of Brazil’. The average elevation of Bento Gonçalves is nearly 700 meters above the sea level. The weather in the month of November is pleasantly moderate, with temperatures varying between 14 oC and 25 oC.
Its exuberant countryside views with rolling hills, vineyards, historic buildings and the Italian heritage have made this city one of the cherished tourist cities in the country. Some of the main attractions include: the Vale dos Vinhedos, the first Brazilian wine producing region with Designation of Origin; the ride on the Maria Fumaça steam train; the Caminhos de Pedra, a countryside route with historical stony houses that are open to visitations; cycling and hiking outdoors activities.
The closest commercial air services are in the city of Caxias do Sul, with a distance of 41 km, and in the capital city of Porto Alegre, which is 121 km away. More information regarding transportation to Bento Gonçalves will be available on the conference website.