Soalheiro certified by the National Sustainability Benchmark, recognition of the virtuous circle of valorization of the territory and family viticulture that began in the first continuous Alvarinho vineyard in Melgaço
It was in 1974 that João Cerdeira and his family dedicated the whole of a field to Alvarinho in Melgaço for the first time. This vineyard, called Soalheiro, began the revolution that family viticulture brought to the town. The continuous search to enhance territory and Alvarinho vineyards showing the world the greatness that is made locally, has created a virtuous circle of innovation and sustainability that began in 1974 in the first vineyard – in times when the words innovation and sustainability were not yet in style – when an enduring attitude was planted.
In December 2024, Soalheiro became the first brand in Monção and Melgaço to be certified by the National Sustainability Benchmark, the most important national certification in the wine sector. For Maria João Cerdeira, Soalheiro’s manager, this is the recognition of work that began in the family vineyard and garage and has spread to many other families:
“Soalheiro’s sustainability strategy has always existed, long before the word was in vogue. Involvement with the community is part of our identity, as is the desire to protect and value the uniqueness of this territory that we don’t want to leave. This certification makes us very proud because it recognizes the work of many people, the passion and willingness to innovate of our team, the dedication and knowledge of the Viticulturists Club, and the work of the Soalheiro family.”
Maria João Cerdeira, Soalheiro’s manager
With the aim of enhancing family viticulture of Alvarinho in Monção and Melgaço, which for many families in this territory of smallholdings is a complementary income that helps create alternatives to coastalization and emigration, Soalheiro’s sustainability strategy has given rise to several projects in recent years. Giving as an example the reduction in packaging weight in which the brand was a pioneer in the region in 2020, having since reduced the glass used in bottles by more than 19% and the cardboard used in boxes by more than 39%, Maria João Cerdeira describes the team’s approach to sustainability as a virtuous circle:
“The weight reduction in bottles and boxes that we have been carrying out over the last few years, in addition to the reduction in the use of glass and cardboard, as well as emissions during transportation, has a direct economic impact that we integrate into the value chain, contributing, for example, to the valorization of the Alvarinho grape among the more than 200 families of the Viticulturists Club, which in this period grow 30%, being an example for us of how thinking about the concept of sustainability in a circular way can bring various benefits to the Soalheiro family, the territory and the planet.”
Maria João Cerdeira, Soalheiro’s manager