MENIN WINE COMPANY
Sustainability
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Our Commitment
We aim to evolve our company, respecting the limits of our planet.
We currently face several imminent environmental challenges that affect and shape the future of the Earth. We are aware of these challenges and, just as a wine becomes unique by combining a terroir with the best grape varieties, with time and talent, we take responsibility and commitment to make this possible for many years, adapting our company to support a healthier and more sustainable future, with determination and innovation.
This implies promoting within the company the objective of preserving and protecting the heritage of humanity where we are located, a unique region in the world, which makes Douro wines so special.
Goals
1. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
A. Minimize the environmental impact in the development of our products
B. Optimize processes with the lowest environmental impact
C. Continuous improvement of environmental management
D. Promote and protect biodiversity
E. Promote technologies for research and development of more sustainable practices
2. SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
A. We chrish people and local communities
B. Create more job opportunities
C. Instruct our employees on more sustainable practices
D. Help more and more institutions and social causes in local communities
Our Measures
A. BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION
a) Preservation of terraces
The oldest vineyards are planted on traditional terraces supported by stone walls, which we preserved and reconstructed not only because of their importance for sustaining the land, but also for the settlement of reptiles.
These walls were built by hand on the steep slopes and then filled with land brought from the river bank. Classified as a World Heritage Site, the terraces form one of the most inspiring wine landscapes in the world.
b) Preservation of old vines
We have 11 hectares of vineyards on adjacent terraces, with 54 indigenous Douro grape varieties duly identified. This is the largest area of old vines in the Douro region, which we preserve and grow.
c) Organic olive oil production
H.O Wines will celebrate its first year of organic olive oil production in 2024. At Menin Douro Estates we are also moving towards achieving this goal.
d) Integrated production
Our vineyards are cultivated under the Integrated Production protocol. This is an agricultural system for producing food and other high-quality food products, with rational management of natural resources and prioritizing the use of natural regulation mechanisms in replacement of production factors, thus contributing to sustainable agriculture.
e) More sustainable combat against grapevine moth
At H.O Wines we use puffers – an aerosol pheromone emission system – mainly in the most sensitive varieties such as Touriga Franca. The sexual confusion device is easier to use, more durable and sustainable. The pheromone is emitted precisely to reduce pest damage effectively and sustainably.
f) APP for counting grapevine moth and green leafhopper
This is a monitoring support tool, which allows us to detect pests and their level of danger, at the peak of flights, and aims to help us make timely decisions. The grapevine moth flies four times during the grape growing season: three times before the harvest and once after. To assess the risk that these insects pose, it is necessary to observe and count how many there are, following specific rules for some pests of grape plantations. If the estimated number of insects exceeds a certain limit, we must use products to control them. However, we only utake this step if the risk of damage is greater than the cost of treatment, plus any undesirable effects it may cause, such as pollution or negative impacts on bees and other useful animals, in addition to production waste.
B. REDUCTION OF CO2 EMISSIONS
a) Solar panels
With the aim of providing our facilities with autonomous renewable energy production capacity, we installed solar panels in our logistics center in 2023. In 2024, 90 panels will be installed at H.O Wines. After this implementation we will have the capacity to produce energy to supply 50% of the electricity in buildings.
b) Electric cars
Most of our vehicles are electric or hybrid. In the near future we intend to reach the point where our company’s vehicles have zero emissions.
C. HUMAN RESOURCES
a) Job creation in the region
We prioritize people from the region to work with us. We employ 37 people full time, increasing to more than 45 at harvest.
b) Equal pay
We are committed to equal pay for men and women in all areas of our operations, including permanent employees, contractors and seasonal workers at harvest time.
c)Training and development
We support the ongoing learning and development of our employees by offering opportunities and incentives to gain additional training and qualifications.
d) Support
We are alert to external events that may negatively influence the well-being of our teams, and we do everything we can to support them in overcoming challenges, whether personal or collective.
D. IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY
a) Local charities
We support several local charities, including Bagos d’Ouro (support for disadvantaged children in the Douro region) and many others with our aCRESCEnta Program.
ABOUT
Menin Wine Company has always been distinguished by the importance given to Social Responsibility in the communities where it is established.
This program is aimed at civil society organizations in the third sector and individuals with projects of proven value in favor of the social, economic and cultural development of the region.
It is directed to the Douro region, namely the municipalities of Santa Marta de Penaguião, Sabrosa and Vila Real. Projects should focus on social components, education, arts/crafts and entrepreneurship.
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
All projects, existing or new and that prove their contribution to the increase in the standard of living of the community and the region, giving great emphasis to the establishment of new generations in the territory.
COVERED AREA
Douro region with a focus on the municipalities of Santa Marta de Penaguião, Sabrosa and Vila Real.
SUPPORT ASSIGNED
The program does not provide for support in monetary form, but in equipment, materials and works.
ANALYSIS OF PROJECTS
Projects will be subject to a compliance review as part of the process of evaluating incoming applications. After the selection and implementation of projects, they will be monitored on dates to be established.
CALENDAR
Application period: until 31 January 2024
Evaluation phase: February to March 2023
Results presentation: april, 2024
