A enogastronomia no processo de formação de identidade territorial do Vale dos Vinhedos/RS.

Abstract

Nowadays many regions seek to express their habits, culture and their life way through products or processes to differentiate themselves from other regions, providing exclusivity sensations from the regional experiences to the visitors and hosts. Gastronomy has received, along with regional appreciation, scientific research theme status over the past years. However, studies related to Gastronomy and Wines segments fusion and its relations with regional development have received little attention as academic subject in the country. Wine and gastronomy is the segments association supported by three pillars: farmers, companies (wineries and restaurants) and territory where theoretical, technical and pratical knowledge are applied and developed, providing especific products with quality to the final consumers. The purpose of this research is to analyze the wine and gastronomy contribution in the territorial identity development process of the Vale dos Vinhedos/RS. The study period extends from 1990 until present days. The theoretical framework is referenced to the historical dialectic materialism. The research has qualitative character as data survey method, with bibliographic and documental research and semi-structured interviews. Interviewed cathegories were created, grouped in three segments: businessmen group in cultivation and wine production and gastronomic sector, employees group linked to these sectors and family farmers group that provide raw material to the wine and gastronomy sector. The data interpretation procedure is referenced in the content analysis. The survey results show the development process du terroir impact and geographical indication certification in the territorial identity development of the Vale dos Vinhedos, as well as the contradictions that permeate this reality.