This city is known as the "Wine Capital of Brazil." The large Wine Barrel at the south-east corner of Bento Gonçalves (pronounced BEN-toh gohn-SAHL-vees) welcomes all that come to see this jewel of the Gaucho Highlands. One of the most popular ways to see this beautiful region of the state is by traveling on the tourist steam locomotive called Maria-Fumaça (pronounced mah-REE-ah foo-MAH-sah). Maria-Fumaça (literally "Mary Smoke" meaning "Mary the Smoke Engine") is a nickname given to many steam locomotives throughout Brazil.

The Maria-Fumaça steam locomotive starts its journey from the Bento Gonçalves station and runs 15 miles passing through Garibaldi and arrives in Carlos Barbosa. These cities are also part of the wine region. During the train ride, tourists enjoy regional music and wine or grape juice.

Like Caxias do Sul, Bento Gonçalves is considered to be one of the most Italian cities in Rio Grande do Sul and it is one of the most beautiful and elegant cities in the state. The feeling in Bento is very special.