Our Sustainability Initiative

Preserving the Good

As a sixth-generation family business, we are deeply committed to respecting nature and minimizing our impact on the environment. Our winemaking has always been directly impacted by environmental and climate factors. Therefore, we recognize the importance of maintaining and enhancing our sustainability initiative, which foundation was already laid by our ancestors.

Johann Tiefenbrunner_Costruttore centrale idroelettrica_1910

Green Energy

Hydroelectric power and solar energy

In 1910, Johann Tiefenbrunner displayed remarkable foresight by constructing a hydroelectric power plant. The plant, featuring a single-jet turbine and water regulator, operated at a pressure of 18.5 bar and surmounted a 190-meter height differential, providing a peak output of 85 kW. Moreover, the power plant not only fulfilled the company's own energy demands but also provided power to nearby neighborhoods in the municipalities of Kurtatsch and Margreid until the late 1940s.

In 2001, we erected a new power plant beside the historic one, featuring modern dual-jet technology, hydraulic control, and electronic monitoring, with a peak output of 100 kW. This exemplifies our unwavering passion for in-house energy production.

ENERGY

Solar Power

With technological advancements and ongoing modernization, our energy needs have continuously increased. To meet this growing demand while actively contributing to climate protection, we complemented our proven hydropower with solar energy as a second energy source. In 2024, we installed a state-of-the-art photovoltaic system that ensures a reliable electricity supply. Environmentally friendly solar energy, combined with the power of water, guarantees that we will continue to be sustainably supplied with sufficient energy in the future.

Our measures

Sustainable and ecological practices in the vineyard

In our own agricultural operation, we refrain from using herbicides:
~ Enhanced soil quality
~ Robust and thriving grapevines
~ Preservation of a balanced vineyard ecosystem

Impementation of alternating mulching in every other row of vines and sowing:
~ Protection of the soil from erosion
~ Enhancement of biodiversity and promotion of green manure

Low-wound pruning according to Simonit & Sirch since 2012
~ Risk of fungal and other diseases is minimized
~ Number of pruning wounds is reduced --> less stress for the vine + faster healing
~ Health of the grapevines is promoted

Dry stone walls
~ Help prevent erosion and maintain soil quality
~ Provide habitat for numerous plant and animal species, promoting biodiversity
~ Enable natural irrigation by storing rainwater
~ Constructed from local natural stone, eliminating the need for long transportation distances of building materials

"Sustainability means keeping the next generation in mind in everything we do."

HERBERT TIEFENBRUNNER

SQNPI

Sustainability certificate

The South Tyrolean Provincial Decree 3821/2022 enables the South Tyrolean Wine Association to develop a region-specific sustainability certification based on the SQNPI standard for integrated viticulture and fruit growing.
We have supported this initiative from the beginning and have already initiated concrete steps toward implementation. If everything proceeds according to plan, a first selection of our wines will bear this certification starting with the 2025 vintage.
This underscores our long-term commitment to the careful management of our natural resources and the preservation of South Tyrol's unique cultural landscape for future generations.