In 2024, Familia Torres, one of Spain’s most iconic and sustainability-driven wineries, reached a significant environmental milestone: a 40% reduction in CO₂ emissions per bottle across its entire value chain—from vineyard to consumer—compared to 2008 levels.
Even more impressively, direct emissions (scopes 1 and 2) have been cut by nearly 60%, according to the independently audited 2024 carbon footprint report for Miguel Torres S.A.. This achievement marks a major step in the winery’s long-term goal of becoming a Net Zero emissions company by 2040.
A Decade and a Half of Climate Commitment
Since launching its Torres & Earth climate action plan in 2008, Familia Torres has invested more than EUR 23 million in sustainability initiatives. These include decarbonisation projects, water and energy management systems, and reforestation programs. Today, over half of the winery’s energy needs in the Penedès region are met through renewable sources—specifically, photovoltaic panels and a biomass boiler.
In terms of sustainable mobility, the winery uses hybrid and electric vehicles across its operations and has even installed a solar-powered electric train at its visitor centre to reduce tourism-related emissions.
Innovation Driving Sustainability
Familia Torres has embraced innovation at every stage of production. Among the most groundbreaking projects is the capture and reuse of CO₂ released during wine fermentation—an initiative launched in 2021 that sets a new benchmark for emissions management in winemaking.
Another key element of the winery’s sustainability strategy is its water regeneration plant, operational since 2016, which allows for the reuse of nearly 50% of treated process water. The company has also transitioned over 50% of its 1,000 hectares of organic vineyards in Catalonia to regenerative viticulture. This not only improves soil health and vineyard resilience but also enhances carbon sequestration in the soil.
Looking Ahead: Ambitious Plans for 2025
Determined to maintain momentum, Familia Torres is launching several new sustainability initiatives in 2025, particularly targeting scope 3 emissions—those generated by suppliers, logistics partners, and other external actors, which constitute nearly 90% of the winery’s total carbon footprint.
Key actions include:
- Promoting rail transport to reduce emissions linked to European wine distribution.
- Adopting ultra-light bottles (weighing just 300 grams) for selected wines. Currently, 99% of the bottles used by the winery are already classified as lightweight.
- Installing lithium batteries at the Penedès visitor centre to further increase energy independence.
- Expanding regenerative viticulture across all Catalonian vineyards.
- Offsetting emissions through reforestation, using company-owned land.
Additionally, the winery will take part in innovative research initiatives such as:
- SOLARWINE, an agrivoltaic project integrating solar energy with vineyard management.
- VITIBOSC, an agroforestry project combining vines and forest for biodiversity and carbon storage.
A Message of Urgency and Hope
As the climate crisis accelerates, Familia Torres continues to serve as a model for environmental stewardship in the wine industry. Miguel A. Torres, the winery’s president, underscores the urgency:
“We cannot afford to stop; we must continue to work with determination and keep our sights firmly set on the ambitious target we have set for the future. The pressing need to act in the face of the climate crisis demands responsibility, commitment, and collaborative effort. I am convinced that wine can become a symbol of resilience in the fight against climate change.”
With a legacy rooted in tradition and a future defined by innovation, Familia Torres stands at the forefront of a global movement toward sustainable winemaking—proving that great wine can, and should, be made with care for the planet.
Source: Familia Torres