ECO Life
At Quinta da Cancela, sustainabilty is not just a practice, it is a way of life.
The renovation of the House, our garden and orchard, our winemaking practices, everything reflects our views of the legacy we want for our children!
Self-suficiency is close on the horizon. Sustainability a reality.
"Try and leave the world a bit better than you found it"!
This is our comitement to the next generation !!!
Architectural Features
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The restoration of our 1720 estate was done using traditional and local materials (wood, granite, clay roof and floor tiles)
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ECO - Wine Cellar – Sustainable/Recycled Architecture – Use of reclaimed, recycled shipping containers and materials; cork insulation
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Reused/recycled granite stone wall and antique iron gates recycling
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50 year old, natural spring running water swimming pool with very small use of chemicals
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Passive cooling / No air conditioning cooling


Vineyard & Wine
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Monthly manual operations to keep the vineyard aired and exposed to sun (reduce risks of fungus, therefore reduce need for treatment)
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Reduced treatments (mineral copper and sulfur based)
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Green grass cover on the ground – No ploughing and breaking up the soil – creation of ecosystem that helps balance of plants & retains water.
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No irrigation system in place
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No chemical fertilizers used, nor herbicides ( grass is cut & dropped = composting)
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Manual harvesting of grapes
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Wine fermentation in 300 year old granite tank with stem removal and foot treading.
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Artisanal, handcrafted wine, production of 5000 bottles/year.
Garden & Veg
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Natural indigenous grass “lawns” – Organic grass
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No herbicides and chemical fertilizers
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Organic flowers
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Organic Seasonal Fruit - Oranges, tangerines, lemons, apples, pears, strawberries, black berries, framboise, peaches, plums, wallnuts, …
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Organic vegetables - Pumpkin, lettuce, diverse cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, coriander, potatoes, onions, …
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Spring water & rain water system management
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Garden composting


Guesthouse Day-to-day Operation
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Towels & Bed Linen reuse practice
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Over 50% food/fruit/vegetables/wine/beverage consumed is either our own production, local produce or organic (less than 5 Km radius).
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Clean low emissions energy use only; electricity and propane for heating;
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Dishwasher & Laundry Machines (A+ Class, only using ECO water & electricity saving programs)
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Fireplace wood from our own pruning wood and cut down from garden & vineyard
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Packaging reuse and recycling – cardbox, tin, plastic
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Paper reuse and recycling
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Electronic paperless Invoicing flow (purchasing & sales)