On December 14, EADA’s Sustainability Club organised its first event: a guided tour at Familia Torres’s sustainable winery production. Tickets sold out in just one day, showing the excitement of the students to explore one of the oldest and most prestigious wine family businesses in Europe.
A Legacy Rooted in Respect for the Earth
Established in 1870, Familia Torres has spent over a century cultivating a deep connection with the land. Guided by the motto “The more we care for Earth, the better our wine,” the Torres family has consistently prioritized long-term ecological stewardship. Their fifth generation continues to innovate with bold strategies to address the climate crisis, transitioning from sustainability to regenerative agriculture.
During our visit, we were guided by two permaculturists who shared the intricate details of Familia Torres’s regenerative practices. On lands that receive minimal rainfall, the winery has adopted innovative techniques to conserve water and restore soil health. For example, they plant cover crops to create natural mulch, which protects the soil and maintains humidity. Chickens roam the vineyards, eating pests and fertilizing the soil naturally, showcasing a harmonious integration of biodiversity and agriculture.
It was such a nice experience, to get to taste and eat the tapas. It was nicely organized by the Sustainability club and it was great to understand the company and its regenerative practices. This event let us realize the effort that goes into everyday products such as wine that we take for granted.
Tristan Maris, Master in Marketing
Regenerative Agriculture: Beyond Sustainability
Regenerative agriculture represents a paradigm shift—one that goes beyond reducing harm to actively reversing damage. For Familia Torres, this approach includes:
- Soil Regeneration: By introducing cover crops and minimizing soil disturbance, they restore fertility and improve water retention. These measures also enhance the land’s capacity to sequester carbon, playing a vital role in mitigating climate change.
- Biodiversity Protection: Integrating plants and animals into the vineyard ecosystem helps create a balanced and resilient environment.
- Water Conservation: Their techniques optimize limited water resources, a critical need in arid regions like Penedès.
A Tour of Sustainability in Action
As we toured the winery, we observed how innovation meets tradition. From underground cellars that maximize energy efficiency to renewable energy systems, every aspect of their operation reflects a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. Their Torres & Earth program, launched in 2008, exemplifies this mission. By 2019, they had already achieved their goal of reducing CO2 emissions per bottle by 30% and are now aiming for a 60% reduction by 2030.
One highlight was seeing the wine barrels nestled in an environment designed for optimal energy use, demonstrating the seamless integration of quality production and sustainability.
“The trip to the Familia Torres winery was a great event! I quite enjoyed the tour given by the guides and learning about how their wine is made. The tasting session was quite fun and insightful (in fact I bought one of the bottles). The organization by the Sustainability club was impeccable, I would definitely recommend this experience!”
Phillip Baris Salli, International MBA
International Wineries for Climate Action: Collaborating for Systemic Change
Familia Torres recognizes that combating climate change requires collective action. This understanding led them to co-found the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) alongside Jackson Family Wines in 2019. This alliance unites environmentally committed wineries worldwide to adopt a science-based approach to reducing carbon emissions and building resilience against climate impacts.
The decision to join forces was rooted in necessity. Familia Torres was already experiencing the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures and shifting growing conditions.
By collaborating with other wineries, they aim to amplify their impact, share best practices, and inspire industry-wide change. Members of IWCA commit to ambitious goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and conducting annual greenhouse gas audits across their operations.
This collaboration highlights the importance of systemic change. No single organization can tackle the climate crisis alone, but through partnerships like IWCA, businesses can drive transformative solutions that benefit both the planet and their industries. For Familia Torres, this alliance is a testament to their dedication to securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
“My experience in the vineyard was exciting because we got to see how Familia Torres’s process is different from the rest and how they are making it more and more sustainable with the new generation of the family, keeping the values and roots as they have been since the beginning. The Sustainability club did a super good job because it was easy for all of us to get there and enjoy the whole experience.”
Ximena Sanduri, MBA
Inspiring Change: Lessons for the Future
Familia Torres’s journey underscores the importance of adopting a long-term vision that prioritizes the 3 Ps: People, Planet, and Profit. Their efforts show how businesses can not only adapt to climate challenges but also lead the charge in creating positive change. The Torres family’s commitment to legacy—to leaving the land better than they found it—is a powerful reminder that the choices we make today ripple far into the future.
As students and future leaders, we left the event inspired by their example. Familia Torres reminds us that sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a continuous journey of innovation, respect, and regeneration. Their story challenges us to think bigger and act bolder in our endeavors to care for our planet.
