Sustainability
From the vineyard to the bottle, our commitment is to produce quality, sustainable wines. At Herdade das Servas we have adopted practices that have been approved worldwide, and we are currently complying with 171 of the evaluation criteria, covering the three pillars: economic, social and environmental.
Taking into account the reality of the Alentejo, we highlight the points with the greatest impact. Since water scarcity is an inevitability, 85% of our vineyards are planted on dry land. In this way, as well as producing wines that express our terroir more authentically, we ensure that the plants become more resilient, because they need to look deeper for water, creating longer roots, which leads them to live better for more years. With this measure, we are respecting the normal cycle of the vines, which produce fewer grapes; saving water and energy associated with the irrigation process.
With this policy, grape production at Herdade das Servas is around 4,000 kg/ha, well below the average for the region. As all our wines are produced only from our own grapes, thus guaranteeing effective control of sustainable practices, the production of bottles/ha is lower. Only in this way can the project be environmentally and economically sustainable.
Most of the vineyards are rainfed
Water scarcity is a reality. That’s why 85% of our vineyards are rainfed and not irrigated.
In addition to producing wines that better express the terroir of their origins, the plants live longer and are more resistant (due to the depth of their roots). This saves a lot of water and energy in the process.
The different grape varieties are planted in plots – according to their agronomic characteristics – to enhance the quality of the fruit and the aromatic expression of the wines.
A measure that reflects our commitment to quality and respect for the land, since dry farming reduces wine production and the number of bottles per year.
“I believe that a great wine begins with its origin. That’s why all the grapes produced and harvested come from our own vineyards. Creating a wine of excellence requires effort and dedication. And this has been the family’s path for generations,” says Luís Serrano Mira, owner of Herdade das Servas.
Our commitment to good agricultural practices prioritizes sustainability and human health.
100% of our wines come from our own vineyards. This guarantees control of the most sustainable practices and processes, from the planning of the harvest to its distribution.
What we do environmentally:
1. Respecting nature and implementing energy efficiency measures
2. Reuse and reduce waste and residues produced
3. Use green products, such as cork stoppers, barrels and other materials from certified forests
4. Saving water – a precious commodity in the Alentejo – and electricity
5. Use fewer pesticides
6. Preserving ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity
7. Good soil management
8. Integrate integrated and organic production methods
What we do on a social level:
1. Generating work in the region, which allows families to support themselves and the local population to stay put
2. Guarantee fair wages with the best working conditions
3. Investing in training for agricultural workers and the community
4. Assuming a role of social responsibility in the community What we do on an economic level:
i. Contribute to the development and generation of wealth in the Alentejo
ii. Partnerships with small producers and local cooperatives
iii. Promote the region as a world enotourism destination
iv. Provide visitors with wine and gastronomic experiences
From the vineyard to the cellar and bottle: our commitment to producing high quality wines, with the best sustainable practices worldwide.
As wine producers, we are proud to be recognized for our commitment to adopting the best sustainable practices in three areas: environmental, economic and social.
A credible, holistic and inclusive guarantee of production that meets the world’s highest sustainability requirements (out of 171 evaluation criteria).
From the harvest, to the cellar ageing process and the bottling of the wine, our production process is as sustainable as possible. By respecting the cycles of nature, fair labor, environmental protection and the economic sustainability of the region.
From the vineyard to the cellar and bottle: our commitment to producing high quality wines, with the best sustainable practices worldwide.
As wine producers, we are proud to be recognized for our commitment to adopting the best sustainable practices in three areas: environmental, economic and social.
A credible, holistic and inclusive guarantee of production that meets the world’s highest sustainability requirements (out of 171 evaluation criteria).
From the harvest, to the cellar ageing process and the bottling of the wine, our production process is as sustainable as possible. By respecting the cycles of nature, fair labor, environmental protection and the economic sustainability of the region.
As a consumer, your power lies in your choices
By drinking our sustainably produced wine, you guarantee the future of our families, but also that the Alentejo wine-growing region of today is the same as that of tomorrow.
