This hotel is deeply committed to environmental sustainability, practicing organic, sustainable, and extensive agriculture on its 450 hectares. They are part of the Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Programme and hold Biosphere and ISO:9001 certifications, reflecting their dedication to responsible practices in viticulture, enology, agriculture, and tourism. They prioritize local products and have received recognition for their sustainability in culinary practices.
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Questionnaire
Certifications:
sustainability program of alentejo wines
Do you utilise any renewable energy sources to produce energy on the hotel/accommodation premises?
Solar radiation
What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?
Written environmental policy statement in place
The structure maximizes natural light to reduce the need for lighting and heating
Windows that block heat/cold (i.e. triple-glazed windows)
Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)
Rainwater collection and usage
Use of non-toxic cleaning products
Serving organic food at the restaurant
LED lighting throughout the premises
Environmental manager appointed
Employees are trained to follow environmental policies
Bicycles provided to guests
Electric car charging station(s) available
Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request
Toilet paper made of non-chlorine bleached paper or awarded with an eco-label
Waste is separated into at least 3 categories
No disposable (single use) cups/glasses, plates and cutlery
Most of the ingredients used to prepare meals are locally produced
A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant
Is there anything that you would like to highlight, add or clarify? Environmental Protection The entire property is part of the “Rede Natura 2000“. This special protection zone created by UNESCO in 1998 aims to protect extremely rare species such as the Great Bustard, the Little Bustard, or the lesser Kestrel, the agricultural practices identified and encouraged by it are fully complied with in the "Malhadinha Nova". The sustainability and environmental protection measures supported by European funds cover different practices, such as organic production, efficient use of water, extensive breeding of native breeds, grazing, traditional olive groves, among others. Good agricultural practices are based on respect for ecosystems in the "Malhadinha", privileging the harmonious coexistence between the various species. The production of honey and the maintenance of around 30 beehives in permanent activity also contribute decisively to the balance of the "Malhadinha" ecosystem. As in 2020, the 2021 wine labels had Avifauna as their theme, but in an even more detailed way, since each design depicts a species of bird that is part of this natural heritage so favorable to its creation, development, and preservation. For 2022, scientific illustrations of insects are already under development, together with the Illustrator of the Nature Protection League, and the drawings will be recreations of the most relevant species for the balance of the "Malhadinha" ecosystem. Together with the "Castro Verde Sustentável" program, the "Malhadinha Nova" is working on identifying the most important species, which will be designed by the illustrator and portrayed on the labels by the children of the Soares family, according to the tradition since the Farm's first wine, for nearly two decades. The entire 455 hectares of the property were converted to a biological regime in 2017, having acquired official certification in 2020. The wines that reached the market in 2021 are already fully organic. This means applying good agricultural practices, such as the natural fertilization of the soil using manure and auxiliary crops, the natural cutting of infesting weeds using sheep grazing at certain seasons, the use of rose bushes as they were used to detect diseases in the vines. Species such as broad beans, lupine, clover, planted in the vineyards, serve both to naturally supply nitrogen to the land and to create a perfect habitat for the various species. The reuse of natural manure produced on the property for fertilizing the vineyards is another of the practices carried out for many years at HMN. More recently, the planting of vegetable curtains of various species around the different vineyards to attract and fix auxiliary species in the fight against pests, or the introduction of natural predators in the ecosystem, demonstrates our intention to deepen and improve the sustainability subject.
Herdade dos Grous is listed as a Farm Stay. Farm stays typically involve engagement with a working farm, which can include sustainable agriculture and land management practices. While specific details on their eco-initiatives are not provided, the nature of the property suggests a connection to the rural environment and potentially sustainable operations.
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*Additional taxes or fees may apply. Please check the final price before completing your booking.
