Union Distillery: History, Whisky Range and Visitor Guide
Union Distillery has roots in wine and spirits production in Veranópolis in Brazil's Serra Gaúcha wine region, dating back to 1948.
The Borsato and Ziero families took control in 1972 and redirected the business towards malt whisky distillation. The operation developed a distinctive Brazilian whisky portfolio, rather than merely importing whisky and bottling it locally.
In this guide
Explore the distillery history, grain production, actual bottles, notable milestones, visitor information, FAQ and sources.
Summarise with AI
Union Distillery at a glance
Distillery history and founders
Union Distillery has roots in wine and spirits production in Veranópolis in Brazil's Serra Gaúcha wine region, dating back to 1948.
The Borsato and Ziero families took control in 1972 and redirected the business towards malt whisky distillation. The operation developed a distinctive Brazilian whisky portfolio, rather than merely importing whisky and bottling it locally.
Owner and people
Borsato and Ziero family-owned business. The current owner should not be confused with the original founders.
How whisky is produced
The distillery uses malted barley, fermentation, copper pot stills and maturation in oak in southern Brazil.
The Union portfolio includes Pure Malt, Turfado and Extra-Turfado expressions, with the smoky intensity varying. A 'pure malt' label should not automatically be replaced with the regulatory Scotch 'single malt' designation.
Whisky bottle range
Union Pure Malt Whisky
Brazilian malt whisky bottled under the Union Distillery label.
Union Turfado
Peated Brazilian malt whisky with a smoky character.
Union Extra Turfado
An expression with stronger peat influence.
Pictured: a genuine Union Pure Malt Whisky bottle associated with this whisky producer.
Awards and important developments
Moving from wine to malt whisky in 1972 was its main historic milestone. Any tasting medal should be verified for the specific Union bottle.
Visiting Union Distillery
Union runs distillery visitor experiences in Veranópolis, with tours explaining copper distillation and oak maturation. Check current booking requirements.
Tour programmes, prices, opening hours and whisky stock are date-sensitive. Confirm them with the operator before travel.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the distillery?
Veranópolis, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
When did it begin?
Business origins in 1948; whisky focus from 1972
Who owns it?
Borsato and Ziero family-owned business
What whisky does it make?
Union Pure Malt Whisky, Union Turfado, Union Extra Turfado.
Can I visit?
Union runs distillery visitor experiences in Veranópolis, with tours explaining copper distillation and oak maturation. Check current booking requirements.
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Sources and image credits
Researched 23 October 2026. All external sources and image credits are at the end.
About the author
Whisky Clan researches whisky production and authentic bottles using published and verifiable sources.
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