Our Sustainability Initiative

Preserving the Good

As a sixth-generation family estate, we are guided by a deeply rooted commitment to respecting nature. Climate and environment have a direct impact on viticulture. For this reason, we consistently carry forward our sustainability initiative, the foundations of which were laid by our predecessors.

Johann Tiefenbrunner_Costruttore centrale idroelettrica_1910

Green Energy

Hydroelectric power

In 1910, Johann Tiefenbrunner demonstrated remarkable foresight by constructing his own hydroelectric power plant. With a vertical drop of approximately 190 meters and a single-jet turbine, the facility generated up to 85 kWh of power. Beyond covering the estate’s own needs, it supplied electricity to neighboring communities in Kurtatsch and Margreid until the 1940s.

The historic plant was complemented in 2001 by a modern facility featuring dual-jet technology, hydraulic control and electronic monitoring, reaching a maximum output of 100 kWh.

This continuity allows us to carry forward more than a century of on-site energy production — technologically advanced, yet unchanged in principle.

ENERGY

Solar Power

As the estate evolved, so did its energy requirements. In 2024 and 2026, we expanded our renewable capacity by installing two photovoltaic systems, adding solar power as a second reliable source of clean energy.

Today, more than 97% of our electricity demand is covered by renewable energy generated on-site — from water and sun.

The combination of both systems ensures a stable and largely independent energy supply throughout the year. This significantly reduces our carbon footprint and forms the basis for responsible long-term production.

Responsibility

Sustainable Viticulture and Collaborative Partnerships

Approximately one third of our grapes come from our own vineyards, while the remaining two thirds are supplied by around 58 small-scale winegrowers in South Tyrol. Many cultivate an average of one hectare of vines, often as a secondary occupation and within family ownership for generations.

We therefore see sustainability not only as the responsibility of our own estate, but as a shared commitment within this established regional structure.

In our vineyards, we refrain from using herbicides, promote soil health through targeted cover cropping and apply gentle pruning techniques to extend the lifespan of our vines.

We maintain long-standing relationships with the winegrowers who supply us. Technical guidance, clearly defined quality standards and ongoing dialogue form the foundation for sustainable development in harmony with regional tradition.

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

HERBERT TIEFENBRUNNER

SQNPI - National Sustainability certificate

Making Sustainability Measurable

Starting with the 2025 vintage, selected wines from our estate will carry the SQNPI – Sustainability certification.

The certification annually evaluates environmental, economic and social criteria across the entire production chain — from vineyard to bottling.

For our own vineyards, SQNPI confirms practices that have long been part of our approach. At the same time, it provides a clear and verifiable framework for the winegrowers who supply us, supporting their gradual development toward clearly defined sustainability standards.

In this way, we make our commitment transparent and dedicate ourselves to continuous improvement in the responsible stewardship of resources and landscape.

We do not regard SQNPI as a final status, but rather as a shared process of development — both within our own estate and in collaboration with the winegrowers who supply us.

>> Alto Adige Wines Agenda 2030