The facility utilizes a traditional 'barbaquá' drying process, an artisanal method that preserves the specific flavor profile of the leaves.
The business has remained a family-operated enterprise for multiple generations.
The site is located within the Caminhos de Pedra, a tourist circuit renowned for its concentration of 19th-century stone architecture.
Yerba mate produced here is processed according to standards reflecting the historical consumption habits of the local gaúcho culture.
The House of Yerba Mate, known locally as Erva-Mate Ferrari, is an operational processing plant and historic site situated in the rural region of São Pedro, Bento Gonçalves. It demonstrates the traditional production cycle of yerba mate, from the drying and milling of leaves to industrial packaging. Visitors can observe the authentic manufacturing process, which preserves techniques brought by Italian immigrants to the Serra Gaúcha region. The site features an on-site retail shop where various grades and blends of mate are available for purchase. It functions as a working facility, offering educational insight into the cultural and economic importance of the herb in Southern Brazil.
The exterior stone facade of the historic mill building.
Taste the different varieties of mate available in the shop before purchasing, as flavor profiles vary significantly.
Combine this visit with a tour of the surrounding Caminhos de Pedra historic houses.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as you will be walking through an active processing facility.
Do not expect a sterile, museum-only environment; this is an active industrial space, so stay clear of equipment.
Avoid touching machinery or crossing safety barriers in the production area.
