From the tragedy to the reconstruction: the place that was the support during floods receives a wine fair in RS

The event in Bento Gonçalves marks the meeting of producers and wine enthusiasts, which symbolizes the overcoming and restart in Serra Gaucha Serra

A year ago, Rua Alameda Fenavinho, 481, in Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, where the FundaParque complex is located, was a support point for the victims of the tragedies caused by the unprecedented rains that devastated the entire Rio Grande do sul. The site, which has 58,000 square meters, received around 1,200 volunteers who contributed to the separation of donations, the Kit Assembly and the delivery of donations.

“It was a war operation. We needed to help save people and then keep them with water, food and basic necessities. They entered trailers and cars to search and distribute all the material we collected. We are very happy to be able to help the victims,” ​​said the president of FundaParque Laudir Piccolo.

This week, although the deep signs of the environmental disaster are still present in the residents and places of the state, the wine producers of Rio Grande Do Sul have been able to look at the complex as a place of hope and start.

Until next Thursday 8, the place hosts the 5th edition of Wine South America (WSA), considered the largest wine fair in Latin America, precisely in the year in which Italian immigration, so remarkable in Serra Gaucha, celebrates 150 years. In 2024, following the extreme climatic event, which victim of 183 lives, the fair did not take place.

The importance of occupying the space with the presence of businessmen, producers and fans of cellars, coming from various parts of the world, is symbolic and was highlighted by the governor Eduardo Leite (PSDB), in the speech at the opening of the event.

“Last year, here in this same region, in this same period, we were collected in front of the greatest calamity that this state has ever seen. But we are here, a year later, celebrating the ability to overcome these challenges. It is a commercial fair, but also a proud movement fair,” he said.

Daniel Panizzi, president of the Brazilian wine union (Uvibra), explained that the rains of September 2023, almost seven months before the catastrophe April 2024, had a greater impact on the vineyards of the region, since the places were sprouting, with some screws, including the flower period, the fact influenced some products, in particular the grape juice.

Furthermore, according to him, when the scenario began to indicate a prejudice of recovery, the floods of April 2024, who victimized people, caused the collapse and closure of the airport. The impact on grape production, however, was not so intense, since the plants were in the period of numbness. The period that happened to the catastrophe, even, was prosperity with regard to the temperature, production and harvest of grapes. However, in the face of the devastating scenario, the only concern was to recover the Region and provide support to the victims.

“It is the most representative fair of all editions. It is very rewarding to see everything that happens after what we have passed. We are talking about more than 15 thousand families that depend on this production for their livelihood. So it is a reason to toast.

*The journalist traveled to Bento Gonçalves (RS) at the invitation of the Italian government.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.