Família Geisse – Brazil’s Sparkling Pioneer With a Soulful Story

The story of Família Geisse begins far from Brazil. Mario Geisse grew up in Limarí, Chile, in a family where grapes, wine and pisco were a part of daily life. As a young boy, he walked the streets delivering his father’s wines — and somewhere along the way, he discovered the irresistible pull of winemaking.

A passion shaped across continents

After studying agronomy and oenology, Mario worked in several Chilean wineries before receiving an unexpected opportunity: in 1976 he moved to Brazil to help establish the local arm of Moët & Chandon. But what truly captured him was the untouched potential of southern Brazil — the altitude, the soil, the freshness in the air. Just three years later, in 1979, he founded what would become Família Geisse in Pinto Bandeira, a small high-altitude enclave in Serra Gaúcha.Today, it stands as one of South America’s most respected sparkling-wine houses — a quiet revolution built on precision, patience and vision.

Why Serra Gaúcha? What makes the terroir special?

Pinto Bandeira sits around 800 meters above sea level, a height that slows ripening and preserves acidity — the holy grail for crafting elegant sparkling wines.

Mario introduced innovations that were, at the time, revolutionary for Brazil:

• Espaldeira trellising — allowing ideal sun exposure and airflow for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

• Eco-conscious farming — vineyards managed with organic or biodynamic principles, avoiding aggressive agrochemicals.

• Traditional-method sparkling wine — using long lees ageing, gentle pressing and meticulous parcel selection.

In 2022, the region received official DO recognition for sparkling wine — largely thanks to the trail paved by Geisse.

What makes Geisse sparkling wines remarkable?

✦ Elegance & fresh tension

The altitude brings slow ripening, bright acidity and refined aromatics. These are not heavy or overripe wines — they’re structured, vibrant and layered.

✦ Low yields, high precision

Each parcel is harvested and vinified separately. This micro-vinification approach gives the winery freedom to blend with intention and purity.

✦ A New World wine with Old World soul

Geisse wines have the backbone and finesse of classic European sparklers, with a brightness and energy unique to Brazil’s Serra Gaúcha.

✦ A house defined by craft

Everything here is done with patience — from vine management to lees ageing. No shortcuts, no compromises.

A New Sparkling Discovery at Under The Grapevine

We’ve recently added the fantastic sparkling wines of Família Geisse to our collection — and we couldn’t be more excited. These wines are vibrant, expressive and crafted with incredible precision, and we’re genuinely thrilled to share them with you.

If you love discovering something new, something with a story, something that over-delivers… then make sure to stop by the shop. You know us — we always have something special waiting for you.