Sustainability is one of the topics on the world’s agenda for many reasons. What not everyone is aware of is that, in its fullest sense, Sustainability does not only include the adoption of a program or actions of an environmental nature, but also extends to the economic and social domains. At Quinta da Raza, as the first producer operating exclusively in the Vinho Verde Region to be certified with ViniPortugal’s National Sustainability Benchmark for the Wine Sector, we are fully aware of this multidimensionality and have set our goals so that we don’t leave behind or neglect any of the aforementioned areas.

In the social sphere, our commitments include providing a healthy environment for our team, encouraging the creation of a group spirit based on responsibility, ethics and respect for others and the environment. Equally important is the relationship established with the local community, through, for example, our volunteer program and some measures to support institutions. In this area in particular, we should mention the implementation of the SAUD’ARTE Project, which, through art therapy, seeks to provide the local community with a better quality of life, health and well-being. As part of this project, two editions have already taken place, in 2023 and 2024, of the Vinh’Arte Experimental Painting Workshop, in partnership with TEQUE – Associação Cultura e Artística, where all the participants were called upon to express their creativity and artistic flair, using one of our most iconic indigenous grape varieties, Vinhão, as the main pigment. All the proceeds from these events went to the institutions that are part of the SAUD’ARTE Project.

More recently, and in anticipation of the forthcoming Christmas season, Quinta da Raza launched another charity campaign. Putting into practice relevant concepts in the area of Sustainability, such as Circular Economy and Waste Management, we decided to give a “second life” to the corks from our wine tastings and wine tourism experiences, challenging the users of the Center for Activities and Training for Inclusion (CACI) of the Basto Social Solidarity Association (ASSB) to make key rings. These will be sold at the symbolic price of €1 in Quinta da Raza’s physical and online stores. The money raised will go to help fund the ‘Garden of the Five Senses‘, an inclusive therapeutic space where CACI users will have the opportunity to explore sounds, aromas and textures that stimulate the senses and provide well-being, regardless of their abilities.

Since Christmas is a special time of communion and sharing with family and those we love the most, we appeal to everyone’s spirit of solidarity. Why not give your children, godchildren, parents, siblings or friends a key ring that, in addition to its originality, has been made with dedication and care by CACI users? More than just objects, these key rings are symbols of empathy and support for inclusion.

In fact, we also used used corks from our wine tourism experiences for the fall decoration of our wine store. The beautiful and endearing pumpkins you can see in this article’s featured image were made by the users of the “ Centro de Dia Casa da Partilha – Encontro de Gerações ” in Gandarela de Basto, to whom we are very grateful for making the space where we welcome our customers and visitors more beautiful and welcoming.

This Christmas, when you’re buying presents and selecting wines, don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference! With your contribution we will promote a fairer and more welcoming society for all.

Best wishes for an excellent Christmas!