Not Our Problem?
We may think of the environment as someone else’s problem. The effects of pollution and a changing climate can seem remote or we may feel powerless to act. But if we all play our part, however small, we can make a difference. Sometimes, all that is needed is for someone to take the lead.
Taylor’s John Fladgate showed leadership in face of environmental catastrophe.
Leadership in the face of environmental crises is not new for Taylor’s. When the vine louse, Phylloxera, arrived in Europe in the 1860s, it destroyed most of the Douro Valley’s finest vineyards. Faced with such desolation, many despaired. But one man rose to the challenge. Taylor’s partner, John Fladgate, decided to lead the fight against Phylloxera. He shared his research with fellow farmers, showing them what they could do individually to counter the scourge. In recognition of his achievements, he was made a Baron by the Portuguese Crown.
The Leadership Challenge
Today we face even greater challenges and need leadership to match. Taylor’s managing director, Adrian Bridge, realised that the company, and the wine business as a whole, were well placed to provide this leadership. Like Taylor’s, many wine producers are family concerns and have the interests of future generations at heart. They are vulnerable to climate change and experienced in dealing with it.
Adrian Bridge announces the launch of the Porto Protocol
To achieve his vision, Adrian organised two Climate Change Leadership Summits bringing to the city of Porto climate and environment experts from around the world. US President Barack Obama and Vice-President Al Gore were keynote speakers. The conferences challenged delegates from government and business to lead the way by taking action themselves and encouraging others to follow.
The conferences gave birth to the Porto Protocol, a global movement mentored by Taylor’s. It commits its members to take steps, however small, to combat climate change and to share their experience with others.
Pipes and Panels
So what action has Taylor’s taken? We started by using less energy and water. Modern bottling machinery is efficient but still uses plenty of electricity. It also occupies lots of space, meaning plenty of roof area for solar panels. Today our own panels generate 76% of the power used by our bottling lines.
Solar panels contribute a large proportion of our energy needs.
This is a major impact. But smaller actions, like using energy saving lamps or reminding colleagues to turn off idle appliances, can also add up to a big saving.
An old vine like this can find water 10 metres underground and needs no irrigation.
One of the planet’s most valuable resources is water. Fortunately, our vineyards use very little. We train our vines’ roots to find water deep underground, making irrigation unnecessary. But we do need clean water to wash our wineries and bottling lines.
Simple solutions can have a big effect. How many times have we left a garden hose running instead of walking to the tap? Our hoses are fitted with nozzles that shut off as soon as the operator lets go. Staff are trained to use water efficiently and avoid wastage. We now use 70% less water to wash the tubes and hoses in our bottling plant. And the water we do use can be purified and recycled. We used to need 4.4 litres of water for every litre of wine made. Today we use only 1.7 litres, a saving of almost two thirds.
New Banking Model
As a Port producer, it is up to us to care for the unique environment of the Douro Valley while continuing to produce top quality Port. Taylor’s sustainable vineyard model does just that. The original Port vineyards were planted on terraces supported by dry stone walls. Today, terraces are made using earth movers and are separated by tall earth banks. These sometimes cut across natural water courses, absorb heavy rain and are prone to erosion. The earth banks are invaded by aggressive weeds which compete with the vines for water and must be removed with chemical herbicides.
A carpet of vegetation on Taylor’s sustainable terraces stifles weeds and eliminates herbicides.
Taylor’s sustainable model solves these problems. Terraces are narrow and angled inwards at precisely 3 degrees, creating a balance between water absorption and run off, avoiding erosion. A cover crop of vegetation on the low banks and alongside the vines is mown mechanically and dies back in summer, stifling native weeds and avoiding chemical use.
As well as stabilising the banks, the stubble creates a refuge for insects and allows wildlife to flourish.
Sowing Our Wild Oaks
We know we need to look beyond the vineyard. In Portugal, a vast area of forest is lost every year to fires and deforestation. This includes native woodland and its diverse environment. We are starting a reforestation project in the Douro Valley to replant two native species, the Pyrenean and Portuguese oak. Our aim, of course, is to do all this while continuing to make the best Port for you to enjoy. With a delicious glass of Quinta de Vargellas 2005 Vintage Port you can celebrate the wonderful vineyards of the Douro and drink to their future. A magnificent expression of the character of Taylor’s flagship estate and its carefully nurtured vineyards, it is now drinking beautifully.
Taylor’s Quinta de Vargellas 2005 Vintage Port. Ready to drink for your Christmas celebrations.