At Paço do Conde estate we understand that biodiversity and the communion of species with the flora’s diversity are essential to maintain the richness that the land gives us. We bet on the diversity of cultures. 230ha of vineyard and 2100ha of olive grove make up half of our plantations, to which are added others such as sunflower, wheat, corn, both sown and natural pastures and horticultural crops.
In order to make our contribute to Sustainability, we are always looking for innovative approaches that lead to the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity, generating opportunities for growth and crops enhancement.
Sustainability
Biological Diversity
Herdade Paço do Conde covers around 4,400 hectares on the banks of the Guadiana river, in Baixo Alentejo, southern Portugal.
Diversity is one of our foundations.
Preservation of the ecosystem
We keep the natural ecosystem preserved, the wild fauna and flora, which live in harmony with the work in the field.
Respecting the most demanding European environmental
standards all the production is occurs
through an integrated production system.
Sustainable Wine Production Seal
Herdade Paço do Conde is proud to be at the forefront of sustainability in world winemaking.
We have been awarded the Sustainable Wine Production Seal for the Vinhos do Alentejo.
This seal confirms our passion for the land. We take care of our vineyards, always bearing in mind the environmental and human impacts that may exist. We believe that the interaction between the vine and biodiversity is fundamental to having a healthier plant and consequently, better quality grapes.
Defendemos que a interação da vinha com a biodiversidade é fundamental para termos uma planta mais saudável, e, consequentemente, uma uva de melhor qualidade.
We keep on producing our wine but we always take care of our ecosystem.
The daily work of a great team! Congrats!
fauna
With its unique natural features Alentejo is one of the richest regions in wildlife. It houses numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, of different sizes, shapes and colors.
The long-term conservation of species and habitats is a key requirement in our daily lives.
There are many species that can be found at Herdade Paço do Conde.
One species that we find in the Guadiana river in its perfect habitat is the otter, which due to the abundance of unpolluted freshwater systems in this region, manages to present a stable and relatively high population. The otter is even represented in one of our wines, Ribeira do Guadiana.
The bustard is one of the most charismatic bird species in the Alentejo. The name comes from the Portuguese late bird (ave tarda) de to the delay in taking off. Males can reach 16km, it is the heaviest bird in Europe and its males make spectacular nuptial parades in April.
We create conditions for the animals to stay here: shelters for bats, ponds and reservoirs and preservation of shelters for mammals and birds
flora
In addition to the cork oak, the holm oak and the olive tree are the most common trees in the Alentejo and constitute a very specific ecosystem with a delicate balance, responsible for a large part of the biodiversity of fauna and flora in the region.
Renewable Energies
We invest in renewable energies such as photovoltaics, to respond to part of the electricity needs, whether in the different cultures through pumping water, or in the cellar and olive press for the various activities that require electricity.
For example the stone obtained from olive oil extraction is used to heat the facilities and the water used.
Water
In addition to being an important and limited, structuring and strategic natural resource, water is also an essential factor for the economic development of any company. Facing the growing threats posed by climate change, namely more intense summers and less rigorous winters that lead to consistent drought phenomena, the need for an improved and more efficient management of water resources is therefore of extreme importance.
To guarantee the diversity of cultures and the preservation of species, we gradually built dams throughout the estate. We currently have more than 20 dams, of greater or lesser dimensions, which are the main source of the biodiversity explosion that exists on the property today.
Water is needed for cleaning, and is also distributed for use in different stages of the production process In the cellar and the olive press. All consumption is duly monitored and controlled in order to be as efficient as possible, and all waste water produced is treated, stored and reused in the crops that allow it. Thus, we achieve zero production of wastewater.
Local Comunity
We promote close communication with the local community. We collaborate with different entities in order to contribute to the development of the community.
