Bento Gonçalvescity, northeastern Rio Grande do Sul estado (state), southern Brazil. Situated in the hills overlooking the Jaguari River valley, Bento Gonçalves is a commercial centre in a fertile agricultural region settled by Italians in the late 19th century. Viticulture is the primary economic activity. The city is the hub of Brazil’s wineries, and the National Wine Festival, held annually, is an important tourist attraction. Bento Gonçalves is also home to a federal agrotechnical school. The city is a railroad junction on the Pôrto Porto Alegre–Curitiba line, and it is also accessible by highway, particularly from Caxias do Sul and Pôrto Porto Alegre. Pop. (2005 est.) 91,600.