Porto Protocol: Saving Resources Requires Financial Investment
The Porto Protocol – an organization focused on ecological approaches to production and the climate challenges faced by winegrowers and winemakers – held an online conference with the participation of PP members and the international specialized press. A columnist from Drinks+ and the Wine Travel Awards took part in the Porto Protocol open meeting.
As announced by Adrian Bridge, CEO of the Porto Protocol, the meeting’s agenda focused on reviewing projects launched in 2024–2025, assessing achievements, and outlining future plans. A key topic of the meeting was the efficient use of water, both in vineyards and throughout the wine production process.
Water management and the reduction of water footprints remain central concerns for the Porto Protocol. To address these issues, the organization engages experts from various fields to ensure that their latest research and innovative practices can quickly benefit the community. These promising discoveries are shared with members through online Climate Talks discussions and offline presentations at international conferences, exhibitions, and other industry events.
Mr. Bridge emphasized that the only factor holding back more active research and the overall development of Porto Protocol projects is limited financial resources. He therefore called on community members and all those concerned with climate change to support these important initiatives by becoming sponsors.
Robin Lail, a prominent figure in Napa Valley winemaking and founder and president of Lail Vineyards, shared her experience as an international ambassador for the Porto Protocol during the meeting. Ms.Lail has made it her mission to engage winemakers and winegrowers across the United States in efforts to combat the climate crisis and actively pursue sustainable solutions.
The next speaker at the meeting was Marta Mendonça, Head of the Porto Protocol, who shared the organization’s vision for the future. That vision is to remain a central hub for the global wine community in the search for solutions to combat climate change – becoming a self-sufficient organization with a dedicated team and representation in key wine regions around the world. The Porto Protocol aims to serve as a strong and widely recognized bridge between research and practice.
Ms. Mendonça also shared updates on both independent and collaborative projects, as well as statistics about the community. A separate point of discussion was the financial sustainability of the Porto Protocol. As is well known, the organization was founded in 2018 by Taylor’s, which still funds 90% of its operations. Therefore, Ms. Mendonça emphasized the organization’s goal of gradually achieving financial balance through member contributions, sponsorships, donations, partnerships, and a charity auction.
To conclude the meeting, partners of the Porto Protocol presented their projects. Tom Croghan of Vineyards at Dodon spoke about Living Vineyards 2025–2026. Other speakers included Muriel Chatel (Sustainable Wine Solutions), Diana Seysses (Domaine Dujac & Snowden Vineyards), Jihany Brecci (Stella Pietro), Valentina di Chiara (University of Padova), Becky Sykes (Regenerative Viticulture Foundation), and Etienne Neethling (International Vintage Master).
In closing, the organizers emphasized the importance of expanding communication efforts around the Porto Protocol’s activities to ensure broader awareness and engagement.
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