Recife = Specialists from the Brazilian Agricultural Research Company (Embrapa) and universities in Spain and Portugal will take part in the First International Workshop on Research about Wine Production in Tropical Regions, from Tuesday (17) to Thursday (19).

The idea of the event, which will be held at the Technological Institute of the state of Pernambuco (Itep), is to gather scientists to discuss the application of science and technology to the production of wine grapes in regions with tropical climates. According to Jorge Tonietto, an Embrapa researcher, tropical climates and soils contribute to the production of grapes that result in wines with original flavors.

The wines produced in the São Francisco Valley, in Northeastern Brazil, have been gaining a growing share of consumer markets at home and in Europe. In the region, which is home to eight wineries, six million liters are processed annually, representing 15% of domestic wine production. This activity currently accounts for US$ 4.97 million in annual business, but entrepreneurs expect that the amount will increase to US$ 16.5 million in the next four years, based on the use of new production technologies.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Márcia Wonghon
Translator: David Silberstein
08/16/2004