Familia Torres strengthens commitment to sustainable forest management

Familia Torres – one of Spain’s most renowned wine producers – is reinforcing its leadership in sustainable forest management as part of its long-term Torres & Earth program, implemented in 2008 to tackle climate change.

Owning 1,800 hectares of forest surface in Catalunya – nearly double its vineyard holdings – Familia Torres is implementing integral strategies to create climate-resilient landscapes and foster biodiversity across the region.

In Catalonia, only 20% of forests are actively and continuously managed, compared to a European average of over 50%. This limited management increases vulnerability to wildfires, which are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change. Recent rainfall, combined with an extremely warm June, has led to a significant accumulation of biomass, substantially raising the risk of high-intensity wildfires.

Recognizing this urgent challenge, Familia Torres has worked closely with the local communities through Associations for Forest Defense (ADFs) for over 30 years. These are Catalan non-profit organizations formed by volunteers, forest owners, town halls, agrarian or environmental associations that join forces to protect our forests and their ecosystems. This enduring collaboration has been instrumental in implementing effective forest management and wildfire prevention strategies.

According to Miguel A. Torres, President of Familia Torres, “now more than ever, we must promote sustainable forest management to protect our land, preserve biodiversity, and reduce the impact of wildfires, which are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change. As a company that depends on the land, it is our responsibility to protect the territory, and we are greatly supported by the ADFs, who do commendable work.”

Active forest management

Throughout the years, the winery has developed technical forest management plans across its estates that include selective thinning, undergrowth clearing, and the restoration of agricultural land for vineyards. These efforts are designed to break the continuity of combustible biomass, reduce wildfire risk, and promote the emergence of mosaic landscapes that support a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Vineyards themselves serve as natural firebreaks, enhancing the region’s resilience to increasingly frequent wildfires driven by climate change.

Xavier Sort, Sustainability Director at Familia Torres, commented, “Our goal is to fully manage our forest surface in an active, sustainable, and environmentally friendly manner, as part of the Torres & Earth program.”

Livestock integration: A collaborative approach

A cornerstone of Familia Torres’ approach is the integration of livestock into forest management. Through partnerships with local herders and associations, sheep, goats, and horses graze the undergrowth, naturally controlling vegetation, enriching the soil, and maintaining open, healthy ecosystems. This silvopastoral practice not only benefits the land and animals but also serves as a vital tool in wildfire prevention.

Across its estates, Familia Torres implements this practice in a variety of ways. In the Conca de Barberà, sheep and goats graze the undergrowth in collaboration with a local herder, helping to reduce the accumulation of plant material and supporting the regeneration of native flora. On the Mediona estate in the Penedès, a partnership with the Forest Horses association enables horse grazing, which helps control the undergrowth and maintain biodiversity. Meanwhile, on other estates such as Montagut, Mas Jané, and Fransola, also in the Penedès, fire prevention tasks are carried out with herds of native goats and cattle, which help keep the undergrowth and the edges of paths and roads clear.

Through these targeted actions, Familia Torres not only enhances the health and resilience of its forests, but also strengthens biodiversity and supports the long-term sustainability of the landscape.

Biomass for energy: Circular resource use

The winery is committed to circular resource use. Biomass generated from forest management is repurposed for energy, powering a biomass boiler at the Pacs del Penedès winery. This system, fueled by forest residues, vine shoots, and dead vines, enables Familia Torres to reduce its gas consumption by up to 90% and its electricity consumption by up to 10%. Combined with solar panels, this allows the winery to generate 50% of its energy needs on-site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels.

These initiatives are part of a comprehensive global strategy to build resilient landscapes and ensure the long-term sustainability of both the environment and the wine sector.