Californian wine growing region Napa Valley has acquired Geographical Indication (GI) status in Brazil, which will prevent it from being misrepresented in the South American country.

An agreement to this effect has been signed by the US and Brazil on the sidelines of International Wine Law Association’s conference being held in Bento Goncalves.

Napa Valley Vintners’ executive director Linda Reiff said, "This is another important milestone for our trade group in protecting our appellation’s name from fraudulent use in yet another high-profile, emerging wine market."

The Valley already has such status in various other countries including India, Thailand, Canada and the European Union region.

GI status is an indication that the wine has been produced in a particular region, adhering to the local traditional production practices.