“It is a major challenge to have the whole of Herdade da Esporão using organic farming methods because of the climate we have. Cold winters with some rain and very hot summers, with temperatures above 40º C, which makes it difficult to manage the vineyards and olive grove.
To meet this challenge, we have been adapting our methods. We created drainage water lines in the vineyards to deal with excess water and avoid soil compaction. When we use machinery, compaction is much greater if the soil is very wet. Good drainage also helps prevent the onset of diseases, especially fungi. When we reduce diseases, we use fewer crop protection agents, which means a better-quality product.

Also, to reduce pests, we planted grass in the summer to attract auxiliary fauna, as well as protective hedges in the vineyard.
Creating the ampelographic field was also very important in helping us discover which grape varieties are best adapted to all these climatic changes. This is an area with 189 grape varieties that we planted to study their resistance to the pests and diseases normally found at Herdade do Esporão. With this knowledge, we can improve our vine population, which is a great help in producing quality wines.”