Epamig carries out modernization works at the experimental winery in Caldas

The Agricultural Research Company of Minas Gerais (Epamig) carries out works to modernize the winery's facilities, located in the Experimental Field of Caldas (South of Minas). The interventions, worth approximately R$500 thousand, using own resources, will allow the structure to be updated, providing greater security and more convenience for employees.

“The improvements include construction of new bathrooms and changing rooms for the team, installation of handrails, construction of a staircase, elevator for transporting equipment, in addition to covering and expanding the basement for storing production”, highlights winemaker Lucas Amaral .

Tradition and new terroirs

The Caldas Viticulture and Enology Experimental Station was inaugurated in 1936, by the then President of the Republic, Getúlio Vargas, it was one of the first three research centers specialized in grapes and wine in Brazil and the first experimental winery in the Southeast region. Granted to Epamig in the 1970s, it met the demands of winegrowers in the region for the production of table wines and grape juice. In the early 2000s, research began into the production of fine wines, using the methodology of double pruning the vine.

In addition to work aimed at enhancing the production of table wines and training small producers in municipalities in the region, the Unit disseminates technologies for the production of fine and sparkling wines in different parts of Brazil. It also offers support to new producers and services such as elaboration and preparation of wines for arrival on the market. Research encompasses identification and introduction of new cultivars, rootstock testing, management, pest control and combating rot, use of Brazilian wood for aging wines, precision viticulture, wine tourism, among others.

Currently, there are 26 wineries served (with production processing carried out at Epamig), 16 from Minas Gerais, nine from São Paulo and one from the state of Rio de Janeiro. “We welcome producers who already have experience in agricultural activities and also those who are starting out in winemaking business”, comments Lucas Amaral.

The expansion of double vine pruning technology has led to the emergence of new producing regions in the Southeast and Center-West of Brazil. “Before double pruning, it was impossible to imagine the production of high quality wines, for example, in municipalities like Uberaba, Araxá (MG) and Petrópolis (RJ). Epamig has been testing these new terroirs with excellent results. A recent example is the Quinta do Carcará wine, produced in Capitolio (MG), which in its first harvest was classified among the five finalists of the CNA Brasil Artesanal Wines and Sparkling Wines Award and will be evaluated by the popular jury on November 18th. and the competition for a medal at the end of the Competition in December”, adds the winemaker.