Viñedos del Contino has become the first winery in Spain to obtain the ZERYA certification, which guarantees that its grapes are completely free of pesticide residues. This achievement represents a significant step forward in sustainability and the production of safer, cleaner wines, marking a milestone in the wine industry.
The process to achieve this certification began in 2022 and involved the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, biological controls, and the responsible use of pesticides. According to Irene Bonilla, vineyard manager, the system does not prohibit the use of phytosanitary products but carefully regulates their application to ensure the purity of the grapes. Comprehensive audits and analyses confirmed compliance with the requirements to obtain the ZERYA certification, guaranteeing a pure product that is also respectful of the environment.
The ZERYA certification, which establishes a maximum residue level of 0.01 parts per million, also reflects Viñedos del Contino’s commitment to biodiversity and innovation. Additionally, initiatives are being implemented in the vineyard, such as the creation of biological corridors with diverse plant species, the construction of insect hotels, nesting boxes for bats and small birds, soil moisture sensors, and a weather station to optimize agricultural decisions.
Viñedos del Contino also aims to extend its certification to its finished wines, reaffirming its role as a benchmark in environmentally responsible practices and high-quality winemaking.