National Sustainability Certification for the Wine Sector

The most important certification in Portugal in the field of wine sustainability.

In December 2024 , Soalheiro became the first brand from Monção and Melgaço to be certified by the National Reference for Sustainability Certification in the Wine Sector , the most important certification in Portugal in the field of wine sustainability .

This recognition is the result of decades of continuous work in promoting environmental, social, and economic sustainability throughout the entire vine and wine value chain, from the vineyard to the final product.

What is the National Sustainability Certification Referencial?

The National Standard for Sustainability Certification in the Wine Sector is a certification system developed in Portugal to recognize organizations in the sector that implement sustainable practices in all dimensions of their activity — environmental, social and economic .

This benchmark was created in collaboration with the Portuguese Institute of Vine and Wine (IVV) and is managed by ViniPortugal, with the aim of promoting viticulture that:

Respect the environment and minimize negative environmental impacts.

Respond to the social and cultural challenges of the territory;

Maintain economic viability and sustainable competitiveness;

Promote good management practices and continuous improvement.

Certification is available to producers, bottlers, winegrowers, and other industry organizations that adopt responsible and integrated practices.

The meaning for Soalheiro

For Soalheiro, the certification represents formal recognition of a sustainability strategy that has always existed, long before the concept became widely known.

Certification values:

Family-based viticulture of Alvarinho wine in Monção and Melgaço;
The enhancement of the territory through integrated and long-term practices;
the ongoing involvement and cooperation with the more than 200 winegrowers of the Viticulturists' Club;
The introduction of environmental and efficiency measures, such as reducing the weight of bottles and packaging, decreasing the use of glass and cardboard, and reducing emissions associated with transportation;
The positive impact on the community and the region's economy.

This recognition symbolizes the collective work of many people: the team, winegrowers, and families, placing sustainability at the heart of Soalheiro's vision and practices.

Sustainability in Action

The national certification distinguishes Soalheiro's performance not only by the final results, but also by the strategic and integrated approach that combines:

Responsible agricultural practices and adaptation to climate change;
Social commitment and preservation of family viticultural heritage;
Innovation and efficiency in production and packaging;
Complementary projects that reinforce sustainability — such as the INVINOTEX fabric , the Grape Game , and the Pintar a Manta Project .

The importance

Being certified by the National Sustainability Referencial for the Wine Sector places Soalheiro and the Monção and Melgaço region in a prominent position on the Portuguese and international stage. The certification:

Publicly acknowledges robust and reliable sustainable practices;

It reinforces the confidence of consumers and partners in the environmental and social commitment of the wines produced;

It adds economic value to the Alvarinho grape and the families that produce it;

This serves as an incentive for other organizations in the sector to move towards more sustainable models.

Lugar da Charneca, 4960-010 Alvaredo, Portugal
Phone: +351 251 416 769 (call to the national landline network)
Email: contact@soalheiro.com
Recruitment: rh@soalheiro.com