Producer Profile
Miss Vitis Wines
Beira Interior, Portugal
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Miss Vitis Wines
Beira Interior, Portugal
Part of the Wine by Sail project – Wines transported by wind power from Portugal to the UK.
Farmed in Portugal’s Beira Interior region, the Bal Da Madre range is the creation of winemaker Gil Taveira. The vineyard sits over 650 meters above sea level, making it the highest wine-growing region in Portugal. The unique geography, combined with Gil’s passion for sustainable winemaking, forms the foundation of Bal Da Madre’s distinctive wines.
Location: Beira Interior, Portugal
Viticultural standards: Organic certified
Working with us since: 2024
Website: missvitis.com
The Wine-by-Sail Project: Bal Da Madre wines are part of the innovative “Wine by Sail” project. This traditional transportation method harnesses the power of the wind to deliver wine across oceans, dramatically reducing carbon emissions. By using sailboats instead of conventional cargo ships, the process cuts up to 97% of the emissions typically associated with wine transportation.
Wine by Sail represents a return to the old ways of trade, where the journey itself becomes part of the wine’s story. The ships used in this project often restored historical vessels, and rely entirely on wind power, making the transportation process nearly silent, which reduces disruptions to marine life.
Miss Vitis’s wines
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SALE
Bal Da Madre Organic Branco
£17.50 -
SALE
Bal Da Madre Organic Rose
£17.50 -
SALE
Bal Da Madre Organic Tinto
£17.50
The name “Bal Da Madre,” translating to “Valley of the Mother,” is a heartfelt homage to the earth and its nurturing role in the vineyard. For Gil, viticulture is a deeply personal affair, rooted in traditions from his grandfather. His approach reflects a commitment to regenerative agriculture, where the land is cared for in a way that ensures its long-term health. This careful stewardship of the environment, combined with organic farming methods, makes his wines not only a product of nature but a tribute to it.
Viticulture and Winemaking Philosophy
The vineyards are situated in the highlands of the Estrela, Marofa, and Malcata mountains. These areas experience sharp contrasts in temperature, with a continental climate that provides wide temperature ranges both daily and throughout the year. The soils, a complex blend of granite, shale, and quartz, contribute to the rich aromatic profiles and unique mineral qualities in the wines.
The grape varieties planted here — such as Síria, Malvasia Fina, Fonte Cal, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, and Rufete — are chosen to thrive in these high-altitude conditions. Gil’s winemaking principles emphasize minimal intervention, allowing the grapes to express the true character of the terroir. The winery is both vegan and organically certified, aligning with the philosophy of sustainability that permeates every aspect of production.
From vineyard to glass
As one of the few UK importers participating in the Wine by Sail project, we see this as an opportunity to connect consumers with wines that have a unique sustainability story.
It’s a way to enrich the sustainable story of each bottle.
This initiative also resonates with the growing number of consumers who prioritise sustainability in their purchasing decisions. Wine by Sail offers a meaningful way for these consumers to enjoy fine wines while supporting efforts to protect the planet. For us, this is more than just a method of transportation, it deepens the connection between producer, importer, and customer.
By choosing to enjoy Bal Da Madre wines, you are not only tasting the unique terroir of Beira Interior but also supporting a broader movement toward sustainability in the wine industry.