The socio-spatial economic formation of Garibaldi (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) and its relationship with viticulture

Abstract

Viticulture constitutes a structuring element of the spatial, economic, and cultural organization of the municipality of Garibaldi, located in the Serra Gaúcha region, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Since the late nineteenth century, with the arrival of Italian immigrants, grape cultivation and wine production have become part of local daily life, influencing territorial occupation, modes of production, labor relations, and regional identity. This article analyzes the socio-spatial economic formation of Garibaldi and its relationship with viticulture, highlighting the transition from an artisanal model—characterized by family-based production conducted in house cellars—to a modern, industrial, technologically advanced system integrated into national and international markets. The research is grounded in the concepts of geographic space, spatial organization, and economic and social formation. Methodologically, the study is based on a literature review, documentary analysis, and fieldwork, including semi-structured interviews with wine growers and local agents. The results demonstrate that viticulture goes beyond its economic dimension, constituting a central element of territorial dynamics, responsible for the integration between rural and urban spaces, local industrialization, the strengthening of tourism, and the consolidation of Garibaldi as the “Brazilian Capital of Sparkling Wine”. It is concluded that the municipality’s spatial organization results from the articulated action of different social agents over time, with viticulture serving as the structuring axis of the historical and territorial process.