Our environmental pledge
A SENSE OF NATURE
A sense of duty
Over the centuries, Bergerac-Duras winemakers have protected the land and its biodiversity through polyculture and farming as they have a sense of duty towards the region. Their responsibility towards the environment is more integral to their methods than ever. Taking care of this ecosystem means taking care of a vital work tool and paving the way for the future.
A sense of values and the future
Agriculture Biologique
Agriculture Biologique, or organic farming, bans the use of herbicides and synthetic pesticides with a respect for balance and diversity in the soil.
HVE3
HVE3, or High Environmental Value, promotes biodiversity in vineyards (hedgerows, undergrowth, ponds etc.) and encourages owners to use fewer products on soil and harvests (inputs).
Biodynamie
Biodynamie, or biodynamic farming, promotes natural ways for vines to be self-sufficient over chemical treatments and is based on the lunar cycle.
80% of the surface area (8250ha) has environmental labels (24 million bottles)
60% of Bergerac and Duras vineyards have environmental labels (30% organic farming, 30% HVE3).
100% of vineyards are committed to an environmental policy by 2024!
A sense of action
A sense of action
Agroforestry
Bringing trees together with crops on farmland is a smart way to operate. Planting trees improves the water supply and minerals in the soil, aids fertilisation, stops nitrates polluting water tables, boosts wildlife (bats, insects, birds etc.) and habitats as well as improve adaptation to the climate. This technique can significantly reduce the amount of inputs farmers use.
Just take “Monbazillac en fruits”. Winemakers launched the project in autumn 2020 to encourage biodiversity in the vineyard. 800 fruit trees were planted on the edge of the vines with 55 different species identified using signage and a mobile app: Monbazillac en fruits.
Download the app
Bats
The European grapevine moth is the scourge of winemakers. Its worm tunnels through the grape which makes it go mouldy and significantly affects the harvest. To avoid using insecticides, high school students in Bergerac built bat boxes and installed them in the vineyards so they could prey on the moth. The Bat’Viti community project is the perfect example of biological control in viticulture.
Weather
A reliable weather forecast is essential to prepare for diseases that can harm the vine. The OPTIVITI project has 10 connected weather stations all over the area and helps vine growers plan when it's time for pesticide treatments or when it's time to reduce them. Every station measures temperature, humidity, rainfall, leaf wetness, wind speed and solar radiation. Summarising these elements provides vine growers with a 14-day forecast and data that's 100 times more accurate than regular weather websites. Result: 30% less pesticides.
Robotics
Effort-free weeding that protects the soil is now possible with artificial intelligence to save the environment. TED is a robot designed by a French start-up that Cave de Monbazillac winemakers are now using to cut underground roots and till the soil. Two things that stop weeds growing.