2023 · Terramatter Alvarinho Bio

Soalheiro is a third-generation family estate in the Monção & Melgaço sub-region of Vinho Verde, Portugal, now run by siblings António Luís (winemaker) and Maria João (viticulture director) with their mother Palmira. Founded in 1982, it was the first Alvarinho brand in Melgaço, originating from a pioneering continuous vineyard planted in 1974. The estate farms about 16 ha of certified organic vineyards at altitudes up to 1,100 m and sources grapes through a Club of over 150 local families, supporting socio-economic sustainability and biodiversity. Annual production is around 800,000 bottles of Alvarinho-focused still, sparkling, and experimental wines. Sustainability and innovation are core values: the winery follows UN Sustainable Development Guidelines, operates an Innovation Centre for projects in green architecture, winemaking, and social integration (like Project Germinar), and produces organic herbal teas. The winery building is designed for low energy impact, and viticulture emphasizes minimal intervention.