SUSTAINABILITY

Certifications

In 2022 (our second year) we obtained the Portuguese Integrated Production Mode certification (PRODI) https://www.dgadr.gov.pt/producao-integrada, that we have maintained continuing to work hard ensuring that every bottle represents our dedication to a greener and healthier future for the planet.

In 2024 we reached the Developed level of the regional sustainability program https://sustentabilidade.vinhosdoalentejo.pt, of which we have been members from the start. Having completely eliminated the use of herbicides (from day 1) we prioritize the use of bio-certified products and only use anything else when and if absolutely necessary as required by PRODI.

Cover Crops + No Tilling

From the start we invested in converting the vineyards from conventional to sustainable farming with no tilling and no irrigation, and established a mix of cover crops, with which we are still experimenting to optimize carbon capture, soil de-compaction, lowering soil temperature, improving water retention, reducing run-off and erosion, and last but not least increasing the levels of organic matter and general soil health.

No Herbicides + No Fungicides + No Pesticides

We manage weeds exclusively by mechanical means. In practice that means we have an inter-row cultivator and cut in between the rows with a shredder that cuts the cover crop as well as all the pruning materials, leaving them to protect the soil and slowly increase organic matter.

As for fungicides to the extent possible we use natural substances only (such as orange oil and chitosan based products). We don't use any copper-based products (although this is permitted in bio/organic farming), because it's a non-degradable toxic heavy metal that runs off and accumulates in the soil, harming soil organisms and ground water.

In extreme situations we may apply synthetic products that break down in a matter of a few weeks as we consider this less harmful to the environment than copper.

Winery Practices

Packaging comes in many forms and types, and we strive to minimize the environmental impact of all the materials we use, from labels to boxes, whether it's using materials from certified renewable sources, staying away from plastics and minimizing the amount of printing and waste.

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