SUSTAINABILITY
Vinha de Ordem has been, for generations, the support for the production of wine, but also the basis for the maintenance and development of a small biotope with numerous plant and animal species characteristic of this region.
The visits of wild boars and foxes are recurrent, as well as the presence of pollinating bees, still possible due to the effort that neighbours make to maintain these species and produce their delicious honey. Bees are the main allies and indispensable to the pollination process.
Plant species such as Oak, Cherry, Chestnut, Amieiro, Rosmaninho, Amoreira, Medronho, Pennyroyal, Hypericão, Esteva and Giesta are present in this small vineyard and property, which also includes a small forest.
Ribeira de São Miguel, which runs with fresh waters through the property, is a source of natural and crystalline life and a tributary of the River Zêzere, allowing the seasonal existence of some fish that go up the river and small reptiles and insects, such as snakes, frogs, dragonflies, butterflies, ladybugs, tailors, all of them very sensitive that only survive in protected and unpolluted places like this.
There is also a rich marsh fed by the winter rains and the waters of the Ribeira that were once held in artisanal dams with the art and ingenuity of stones and systems of sluices (still existing), allowing to feed the water table and where they were once planted legumes or pasture for animals.
The existence of an artisanal stone well for over 100 years, where it used to work with the support of an animal-drawn wheel-in-law, is another attraction. The entire property is on terraces worked by the hand of Man, similar to the Douro Vineyards. Stone by stone in a work of thousands of hours, which never ends, a material heritage was built that is very difficult to maintain.
The property includes about 3 hectares of forest with local plant species alternating with some pine.
Recently, Serra da Estrela, a territory where the vineyard is included, was recognized as a UNESCO GEOPARK. This is undoubtedly a good help for recognition and appreciation of the immense geological and cultural heritage.
Vinha da Ordem is also recognized by UNESCO and a partner of Estrela Geopark, being, therefore, all of it, a space of harmony between nature and built heritage, of preservation of customs and ancient experiences.
What future brings?
In the future, many challenges await us, namely in viticulture. Adaptation to an increase in maximum and average temperatures, as well as a significant reduction in precipitation rates, became inevitable.
The future involves preserving and respecting environmental, social and cultural values based on an approach to the efficient use of resources, as well as the implementation of a circular economy.
One of our pillars of action involves a change or optimization of processes and the consequent mitigation of the environmental impact as well as the reduction and compensation of associated carbon emissions.
In this way, we have regularly calculated the CO2 emissions associated with each process and material, as well as developing and implementing a set of measurable actions that are proof of this continued effort to reduce emissions.
Examples of these measures were replacing old bottles with a lighter model, installing a photovoltaic energy production system so in the moment we can produce more green electricity than what we consume. Optimizing the transport of raw materials and finished products. Preserving and planting the old ancient grapes. Using has much as possible gravity systems in the wine producing has well natural cooling systems opening doors and windows during the night to control the wine fermentation temperature.
In this way, we hope to not only preserve the past but leave a better world.
