Goethe Grape Valleys in Santa Catarina, Brazil

Viticulture encompasses all stages of grape production, which the local study of vine cultivation and the selection of production techniques, taking into account socioeconomic, cultural and environmental aspects.

Currently, the concept of terroir, defined as being part of this universe, unites technology and art through the interaction between the environment and human factors.

But to what extent can we believe that professionals in this area will come to stop to be essential in the creation of wine?

In the coming years, we will certainly be experiencing technology transforming the way we think, work and solve problems, opening paths for innovations, from technological industries to the most conventional ones.

But will technology be able to replace the sensory expertise of a winemaker? Probably not. It can add to it, but not replace it!

As an example of this entire advance, we can highlight the cultivation of the Goethe grape, a symbol of winemaking in the south of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The cultivation area is characterized by predominantly clayey soils, in a humid subtropical climate, with regular rainfall and wide temperature variation, and is located between the coast and the plateau, what reflects in the characteristics of the Terroir, as well as in the production of the wine are deeply intertwined with the region history, Italian colonization, and economy.

A variety originating in the United States around the 1850s, it found its best adjustment for cultivation in the southern wine-growing region of Santa Catarina around the 1890s.

SOURCE: PROGOETHE (2023)

White and hybrid variety, containing 87.5% genes from Vitis viníferas varieties and 12.5% genes from American grapevines (Vitis labrusca), with flavor and characteristics reminiscent of the Moscatel grape, which makes it more resistant to pests and diseases, and better adapted to the humid subtropical climate of certain Brazilian regions.

Thus, the Goethe Grape and Wine Producers Association - PROGOETHE, in partnership with SEBRAE – Micro and Small Business Support Service, EPRAGI – Agricultural Research and Rural Extension Company of Santa Catarina and UFSC – Federal University of Santa Catarina, obtained the registration of Geographical Indication (G.I.) and Provenance Indication (P.I.) with INPI – National Institute of Industrial Property in 2012. And, recently, the Denomination of Origin (D.O.) seal in June 2025. This recognition highlights the unique character and quality of the wines produced from this grape in this specific area.

The geographical area of the D.O. delimited for the production of Goethe Wines, with D.O.V.U.G. quality, is located in the municipalities of Urussanga, Pedras Grandes, Morro da Fumaça, Cocal do Sul, Treze de Maio, Orleans, Nova Veneza and Içara.

Furthermore, we can highlight that the human factor has been one of the main elements in obtaining certifications for the Goethe Grape Valleys, with relevance in agricultural techniques in the field, showing its quality and linking stories and cultures represented by the heritage of immigrants who colonized the region.

PROVENANCE INDICATION (PI) SEAL

LINKS:

PROGOETHE - Goethe Grape and Wine Producers Association

SEBRAE - Micro and Small Business Support Service