LINKING WINE CULTURE, IDENTITY, TOURISM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN A DENOMINATION OF ORIGIN TERRITORY (NW OF SPAIN).

The role played by synergies between wine culture, territorial identity and tourism may be crucial for rural development. This research focuses on the perception and experiences about this topic by the local actors in the territory of the Denomination of Origin Ribeira Sacra (NW Spain). The research relied on twelve in-depth interviews. The wine culture, along with its landscape and heritage, favors the consolidation of tourism strategies. The synergies between the world of wine, identity and tourism generate values that are essential for rural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]