Serra Negra, a highlight of the Water Circuit with wellness, gastronomic and rural tourism

With a population of approximately 30,000 inhabitants, according to the 2022 Census, the city stands out for its consolidated infrastructure focused on family tourism, well-being and seniors, taking advantage of its tradition as a spa resort. 

Wines and artisanal tradition in the Silotto Family

Located in the Três Barras neighborhood, the Silotto Family Winery and Distillery preserves centuries-old practices inherited from Italian immigrants, producing artisanal wines and cachaças from grapes such as Moscato, Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, aged in oak barrels. The space offers tastings and intimate tours, and will soon feature a picnic area, allowing visitors to enjoy the production and the landscape, while highlighting Italian cultural heritage.

The Carra Family Experience: Wines, Cachaças and Sustainability

At Sítio Bom Retiro, the Carra family keeps Italian tradition alive, combining history, flavor, and innovation. Producing wines, sparkling wines, and cachaças by hand, the family uses traditional techniques, such as natural clay cellars and careful aging, and high-quality products to create drinks with their own unique identity. A visit to the farm offers an educational and sensory experience, bringing tourists closer to the world of family viticulture and reinforcing the social relevance of rural tourism in Serra Negra.

Dortmund Bier: Craft Brewery and Local Innovation

Founded by Marcel Longo in 2011, Dortmund Bier stands out for producing craft beers and pure malt draft beers, following the German Purity Law. With a variety of labels, such as Witbier, Stout, and IPA, the brand combines tradition and innovation, attracting tourists interested in sensory and educational experiences about beer culture.

Nonno Marchi Coffee: From Cultivation to the Perfect Cup

Café Nonno Marchi, run by Rosana and Roberto Marchi, combines Italian tradition, sustainable farming, and rural tourism. With 100% Arabica coffee grown at an altitude of 1,150 meters, the property offers workshops with Batista Diego Silva and tastings that reveal each stage of production, from bean to roast, ensuring a unique sensory experience.

Alto da Serra: panoramic views and extreme sports

The city's highest point, at 1,300 meters, offers panoramic views spanning more than ten municipalities. Besides contemplation and photography, Alto da Serra is a starting point for paragliding and jeep tours, connecting tourists with the region's nature and rural culture. In addition to its natural beauty, Alto da Serra offers basic infrastructure, such as benches, restrooms, and food trucks.

Jeep tours with Serra 4x4

The Serra 4x4 company, founded by Bruno Lastoria Mantovani, offers off-road tours that pass through wineries, coffee plantations, and viewpoints, combining rural tourism, gastronomy, and adventure. The experience allows immersion in the mountain landscape and highlights the region's natural and agricultural heritage.

Italian cuisine in Serra Negra: Central Pizza and Bar

Central Pizza e Bar offers artisanal Neapolitan pizza with natural fermentation, select ingredients, and vegan and gluten-free options. With a welcoming atmosphere and family-run history, the restaurant combines Italian tradition with Brazilian creativity.

Shangri-La: haute cuisine and well-being

At Hotel Pousada Shangri-La, French-Italian cuisine meets a wellness experience amidst the Blue Moon Valley. With sophisticated dishes, a spa, swimming pools, and wedding services, the hotel offers luxury tourism and comprehensive experiences, highlighting Serra Negra as a destination for haute cuisine and refined accommodations.

La Terrazza and the transformation of gastronomic tourism

Managed by Rafael Accorsi and Tatiana Mosca of Grupo Café Boteco, La Terrazza elevates Italian cuisine in Serra Negra, combining contemporary dishes, sustainability, and a focus on local producers. The restaurant is a go-to for events, weddings, and exclusive experiences, and also boasts a jazz club.

Balneário SPA by Sandra Perez: European tradition and Brazilian thermal baths

The Balneário SPA, founded by Sandra Perez, combines radioactive mineral waters with natural therapies, offering treatments for bone, neurological, and rheumatological problems. Using European and Arabic methods adapted to Brazil, the spa promotes wellness, health tourism, and relaxation experiences unique to the region. The spa highlights the importance of integrating tradition, innovation, and sustainability in health tourism in Serra Negra.

Where to stay: Shelton Hotel, a favorite for 60+

Located just a few meters from the Central Square, the Shelton Hotel is a leading lodging destination for guests 60 and older in Serra Negra. With 50 comfortable rooms, welcoming common areas, and the Chácara Mantiqueira—a leisure space with swimming pools, a sports court, and a gym—the hotel combines strategic location and convenience.

ASHORES-SN: strengthening local tourism

Under the leadership of Cibele Dib, Shelton is a member of the Serra Negra Association of Hotels, Restaurants, and Similar Establishments (ASHORES-SN), which has 48 members. The organization promotes the city, supports rural tourism, and promotes local cuisine, reinforcing the unity of sectors to establish Serra Negra as a tourist destination in the Water Circuit.

Report and photo: Mary de Aquino.