(22 November 2019) – The Alentejo wine sector, the market leader in Portugal, sells four in ten bottles on the Portuguese market. It has become professional and ‘rejuvenated’ in recent decades and aims to be recognised worldwide.
“People with a very professional vision and young people with training and experience in other parts of the world have joined the profession”, Francisco Mateus, president of the Alentejo Regional Winemaking Commission (CVRA) said. “There are many people working in Alentejo today who have studied outside Portugal or had professional experiences outside the country and, therefore, come with more ‘world’ experience and that’s good. We’re more open to innovation”, he explained.
The Alentejo Wine Sustainability Programme (PSVA), a pioneering initiative in Portugal promoted by the CVRA (although it exists in other parts of the world), is one of the examples of how innovation has marked the region. Launched in 2015, the programme aimed at grape and wine producers in the region, but also involves networks with research institutions, higher education, regional and national bodies, among others.
The voluntary PSVA encourages good environmental and sustainable practices in vineyards and wineries. (EurActiv / Lusa.pt)