Rio Grande do Sul
The industrial sector is the largest component of GDP at 42.6%, followed by the service sector at 41.1%. Agriculture represents 16.3% of GDP (2004). Rio Grande do Sul exports: footweares 18.1%, soybean 14.2%, tobacco 13.6%, vehicles 8.1%, frozen meat 7.2%, chemicals 6.8%, leather 5.3% (2002).
*Share of the Brazilian economy: 6.7% (2005).
One of the most prosperous Brazilian states, Rio Grande do Sul is known especially for grain production, viticulture, ranching, and for its considerable industrial output. Constituting less than 6 percent of the total Brazilian population. The main products exported by Rio Grande do Sul are shoes, wines, tobacco, automobiles, grains, beef, leather, and chemicals. Natives of the state are known as Gaúchos, named after the cattle herders and ranchers who settled the state's pampa regions.
The largest concentration of wine producers in Brazil is in the Serra Gaúcha region. To the south of the Campanha region (the southern frontier region), is the second most important wine-producing area. The wineries of Rio Grande do Sul have won international awards for the high quality of their wines and sparkling wines.Rio Grande do Sul’s privileged geoclimatic situation, stretching along parallel of latitude 30º and longitude 50º, is considered ideal for growing wine grapes. This allows the state to produce noble European grape varieties like Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, among others. As in the best wine growing production regions of Europe, the production of grapes and wines in Rio Grande do Sul makes use of the most advanced techniques.The Valley of the Vineyards, near the town of Bento Gonçalves,is a tourist route that combines the pleasures of wine tasting with Italian and Gaucho food. The main wineries have opened their doors to visitors, who can taste the best wines and enjoy the typical local food in excellent trattorias, in an environment specially created for tourists to enjoy. In the Valley of the Vineyards, tourism promotes the local winesand generates business.
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