ESG rapport HJHansen Wine Group 2024 -Engelsk version 04.03.25 - Flipbook - Side 28
Environment
Climate Initiatives at Symington Family Estates
For over 140 years, Symington
Family Estates has cultivated
wine in Portugal’s Douro Valley,
known for its hot and dry climate.
Climate change has intensified
these conditions, with rising
temperatures and more extreme
water scarcity challenging
traditional viticulture.
At our wineries, we have achieved an average water consumption of just 0.8 litres per litre of must,
significantly below the reference standard of 1:1.
Erosion Control in Steep
Vineyards
”At Symington, we have chosen to use
technological and innovative methods
to monitor the condition of our vines.
Between 2015 and 2017, we conducted
Symington’s Hydric Stress Study to
analyse the relationship between water
stress and vine health deeply. Now, we
divide our vineyards into smaller sections
based on various factors such as soil
type, microclimate, and water retention
capacity. We analyse these conditions
using seven weather stations, satellites,
and sensors that continuously provide us
with data on weather, wind, soil moisture,
and more.”
Many of our vineyards in the Douro Valley
are situated on terraces that face an
additional climate-related challenge: soil
erosion. Sudden, intense rainfalls can
cause flash floods, where the soil’s low
absorption capacity leads to topsoil being
washed away from the vines. To combat
this, we use laser-guided technology to
shape terraces that allow rainwater to
infiltrate the soil while excess water is
diverted through drainage channels. This
preserves high-quality cultivation areas
and reduces the risk of landslides.
Optimised Water Use
“At Symington, we want to make proactive
and data-driven decisions. This enables
us to manage our vineyards optimally
in a changing climate. We must ensure
resilience while preserving the quality and
long-standing heritage of our wines.”
Water conservation is a key priority.
Through constant monitoring of vine
conditions, we have clear guidelines
on when to irrigate. When water stress
reaches critical levels, a computercontrolled drip irrigation system delivers
precisely the amount of water required.
The challenge is to balance water
consumption with grape quality.
28
ESG report 2023/2024
Growing wine and data
Rob Symington, 5th generation
and CEO of Symington Family Estates.
Wine Group
