Herdade Barranco do Vale, located in São Bartolomeu de Messines, once again stands out for its commitment to sustainability and appreciation of Algarve traditions, through a pioneering practice in the region: the use of sheep from the indigenous Churra Algarvia breed for cleaning and natural fertilization of the vineyards during the period of vegetative rest, which takes place between the end of the harvest and pruning.
This initiative, unique in the Algarve, allows the estate to combine regenerative viticulture and preservation of the local genetic heritage, by integrating the Churras Algarvias sheep into the ecological management of the vineyards. Animals feed on the spontaneous herbs between the vines, helping to maintain the vegetation cover, retain moisture in the soil and reduce the use of chemical products.
The organic matter resulting from sheep feces is naturally incorporated into the soil, enriching it and making it more resistant to drought — a practice that symbolizes the balance between production and nature, and that positions Herdade Barranco do Vale as a reference in sustainable agricultural practices in the south of the country.
The estate’s environmental commitment also extends to efficient water management, ensured by ponds built in the 1980s, which store rainwater throughout the year and reduce dependence on other water sources.
“We want each bottle from Herdade Barranco do Vale to tell a story of respect for the land and the roots of the Algarve. The presence of the Churras Algarvias sheep in the vineyards is a symbolic and practical way of preserving the ecological balance and valuing the genetic heritage of our region”, says Ana Chaves, producer at Herdade Barranco do Vale.
The estate also cultivates several rainfed agricultural species, such as cork oaks, olive trees, carob trees, almond trees and strawberry trees, in an agricultural mosaic that reflects respect for the Mediterranean ecosystem and adaptation to the dry conditions typical of the Algarve.
This philosophy of harmony with the land is also reflected in the estate’s wines, such as Rosé Negra Mole, produced from an almost extinct indigenous grape variety, today a symbol of the rebirth of Algarve winemaking traditions.
The history of Herdade Barranco do Vale is, above all, a story of family and memory. The project was born from the desire to honor origins and perpetuate the connection between generations — a connection visible even on the wine labels, which include letters written to the grandfather, a symbol of the emotional and cultural legacy that shapes the estate’s identity.
At , nature, family and wine coexist in harmony, in a tribute to Algarve authenticity, made with soul and respect for the land.
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