Facing water scarcity and an increasing frequency of adverse climatic phenomena for several decades, the Alentejo developed an early awareness of sustainability, long before this theme became a global priority for farmers and wine producers. This anticipation and the pioneering initiatives of some of the oldest local winemakers have allowed the region to prepare effectively for environmental challenges.

The international recognition of the Alentejo's viticultural sustainability is evident, especially considering that the region represents only 0.3% of the world's vineyard area. Since the creation of the Alentejo Wines Sustainability Program (PSVA) in 2015 and subsequent certification in 2020, the region has seen significant results. The PSVA is considered one of the best and most demanding sustainability programs in the world. In ten years, it has built a solid reputation and transformed winemaking practices in the Alentejo, requiring a great deal of work, investment, process adaptation, and the involvement of people and plants.

Thanks to the collective effort of the entire viticultural ecosystem in the region, about 30% of the vineyard area in the Alentejo, approximately seven thousand hectares, is now certified. This group of 23 certified producers is a restricted but growing club, surpassing the number of certified producers in the rest of the country. The transformation of the vineyard, strictly following the PSVA manual, brings not only internal improvements in efficiency and resilience but also significant commercial advantages, especially in export markets.

Certified producers see an increase in the average sale value in international auctions, with prices often four times higher than non-certified ones. This trend is particularly evident in Scandinavian markets, the United Kingdom, and Canada, where certification is highly valued. Since the CVRA certification seal was introduced, exports to countries like Sweden have increased exponentially, with a 250% growth in 2022. Other markets, such as the United Kingdom and Brazil, are also opening up, especially after marketing actions focused on sustainable production certification. Brazil, a traditionally important market for the Alentejo, is beginning to show increasing interest in sustainability, and it is believed that, over time, this market will positively discriminate in favor of certified wines.

At the end of 2023, the PSVA was updated to version 2.0, even more demanding, incorporating new concepts and working methodologies, such as regenerative agriculture and circularity. This evolution is necessary to keep up with changes and respond to current and future needs, maintaining the high level of demand that characterizes the program. With these updates, it is expected that more producers in the region will achieve certification, ensuring that the Alentejo continues to be at the forefront of sustainable viticulture.

In conclusion, the Alentejo not only faces climatic challenges with preparation and innovation but also positions itself competitively in global markets through sustainability certification. This combination of tradition, innovation, and international recognition makes the region a reference in the world of sustainable viticulture, and the trend is for more and more local producers to follow this path, ensuring that no one is left behind in sustainable development and sector competitiveness.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes