Brazilian Wineries Send First Signature Wines to France Under New Mercosur-EU Trade Pact

The ratification of the trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union is creating new opportunities for Brazilian agribusiness, with a special focus on the wine sector. In February 2026, Brazil will launch the “Vin du Brésil” project, sending its first batch of signature wines from six selected wineries in Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul to France. The initiative aims to introduce Brazilian wines to French consumers, who are known for their high standards and deep-rooted wine culture. Organizers see France as a strategic entry point, hoping that success there will open doors across Europe.

The project’s leadership includes international figures such as French chef Benoit Mathurin and Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Montoneri. They emphasize that wine in France is not only about quality but also about identity and emotion. To prove the value of Brazilian wines, “Vin du Brésil” organized a tasting event inspired by the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris, where innovative Brazilian labels were presented alongside established names.

Currently, six wineries are participating: Bárbara Eliodora and Estrada Real from Minas Gerais, and ArteViva and Manus from Rio Grande do Sul, among others. The plan is to expand to 15 wineries by the end of 2026, increasing the diversity of Brazilian terroirs available to European consumers. The project’s goal is to reach $1 million in annual sales by focusing on quality and exclusivity.

Despite these ambitions, political resistance remains. French President Emmanuel Macron has voiced skepticism about the Mercosur-EU agreement, calling it a “bad deal.” He argues that the treaty could harm French agriculture by allowing South American products to take over the European market. This position reflects concerns among French farmers and winemakers about increased competition from abroad.

Even with these challenges, those behind “Vin du Brésil” believe that presenting high-quality, distinctive wines can help change perceptions. They hope that by winning over French consumers and sommeliers, Brazilian wines can gain a foothold in one of the world’s most competitive markets. The next months will be crucial as the first shipments arrive in France and tastings begin in key cities such as Paris and Lyon. The outcome could shape not only the future of Brazilian wine exports but also broader trade relations between South America and Europe.