There is a subtle thread connecting the land to the hands of those who work it. It is the thread of care, responsibility and respect for what has been given to us and which we must pass on intact to those who come after us. In the hills, amidst rows of vines that change colour with each season, sustainability is not an abstract concept: it is a daily gesture, a promise that is kept harvest after harvest.
For Vinchio Vaglio, which has been safeguarding the wine-growing heart of Monferrato for over sixty years, this commitment took concrete form in 2023 with the certification of Sustainable Winery Equalitas. And it takes on a new form today with the publication of its second Sustainability Report.
This is not a simple declaration of intent, but rather a strategic document from a technical and administrative point of view, as it involves measurement, communication and accountability to all internal and external stakeholders directly or indirectly involved in the company’s activities… and therefore, yes, to you, too.
The road to sustainability in Vinchio Vaglio
With the Equalitas certification, Vinchio Vaglio has formalised its long-standing commitment to sustainability according to a set of standards that assess not only environmental impact, but also our social, cultural and economic impact. The company’s commitment to sustainability extends to our entire supply chain, with rigorous and verifiable standards that are established by international regulations dedicated to the wine sector of excellence.
The certification includes a series of criteria, including:
- water resource management
- carbon footprint
- landscape and biodiversity protection
- sustainability in agronomic and oenological practices
- the well-being of the winery’s employees and winegrowers at work
But more than just a label to show off, Equalitas is a starting point for Vinchio Vaglio, a beacon that will guide us as we continue along this path, as demonstrated by the actions that have been implemented since the certification was awarded.
The latest innovations introduced in the winery
After 2023, Vinchio Vaglio has implemented concrete measures that confirm its determination to continue moving forward:
- Efficient refrigeration: we have invested €400,000 in a new system that uses 4.0 technologies and green gas, improving efficiency and reducing energy impact.
- Solar energy and storage: we have installed a solar system that now reaches 400 kWh of power, with a 100 kWh storage battery, making the company almost self-sufficient for most of the year, except for the harvest period.
- Reduction in bottle weight: 80% of production now uses lightweight bottles weighing approximately 395 grams. This choice has a positive impact on the sustainability of logistics, transport and energy costs (we discussed this here), as well as on CO2 emissions.
- Bag-in-box: approximately two-thirds of total production is destined for this format, which has a lower overall impact (materials, transport, disposal) than traditional bottles.
These innovations and improvements demonstrate our concrete commitment to making sustainability a stable and integrated part of our production model.
Here you can read about all the choices (and actions) we make to be a Sustainable Winery.
Because every little choice makes a difference and means:
- Environmental responsibility
An environmentally friendly policy and responsible use of resources protects the land, which for us is not just a moral obligation but rather an added value for the production of quality wines.
- Value for the consumer
An increasingly informed public seeks wines with certifications, transparency in practices and lower ecological impact. This relationship of trust increases international competitiveness in more demanding and attentive markets, where demand increasingly rewards those who invest in “green” practices.
- Synergy with history
Preserving old vineyards and protecting the landscape also means preserving historical and cultural heritage. It is not just about producing well, but also ensuring that the historical and territorial context remains alive.
- A future for our people
Since its foundation in 1959, Vinchio Vaglio has been on a mission that goes beyond wine: creating opportunities for winegrowers in the hills of Vinchio and Vaglio Serra, allowing them to remain in these lands and live with dignity. This commitment still translates today into responsibility towards the local community, providing a viable future without having to abandon their land.
This is our approach to the future: ethical and practical, since generations.