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Dec 18 2025
2025 historic harvest in DO Penedès: The world’s first 100% ecological region
Although its history dates back some 2,700 years, this 2025 harvest marks a new era of winemaking in the DO Penedès region of Catalonia, Spain. Commitments to the future of sustainable wine production, forged with heritage and prestige, have led to 100% of the DO Penedès wineries obtaining their ecological certifications ahead of this year’s harvest.
The sustainability promise
Spain is the leading country for organic wine production in the EU and ranks 7th worldwide. It is not surprising then that the large sweeping plains of Penedès between Barcelona and Tarragona have already been focusing on organic wines for the last four decades. But the new progressive ecological plan by DO Penedès was approved in 2014. This plan came into fruition with the 2025 harvest, as 100% of its wineries now comply with EU standards. From the vine to the bottle, all of the processes are aligned with the strict criteria of sustainability, traceability, and respect for the environment.
Good news for the environment
To achieve this certification, each family must comply with farming regulations so that the winery is integrated with its surrounding environment, using organic compounds to help protect the vines, instead of using synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or harmful herbicides.
The land is considered at a regenerative level. Some wine producers are now leaving a portion of grass around the vines, to be able to capture and maintain CO2 levels, and adding compost from the pruning and cuttings, so that the soil itself does not degenerate from annual ploughing.
It is not uncommon to find solar panels as a principal power source in much of DO Penedès, as wineries have invested in renewable energy systems to reduce their overall carbon footprint.
Aside from the ecological aspect, there are also wine makers who have the biodynamic certification. This means that as well as working organically, they also maintain a life-cycle between the earth, the vines, and the animals, to create a harmony with natural energies.
The ecological shift has had various positive effects on the local flora and fauna. There is an increase in organic material creating fertile soils, and pollinating species have returned.
Competitive edge and leadership
Within Spain’s broader innovative context in organic wine production, the DO Penedès has firmly committed itself to leadership in this field. Previously known for producing quality white wine or being the birthplace of cava, the region's pioneering choice to convert to 100% ecological appeals to the modern consumer looking for transparency and sustainability. What’s more, 2025 marks the year that all DO Cava of the Guarda Superior range - Reserva, Gran Reserva and Paraje Calificado categories - also become 100% organic. The Penedès has not only set the standard for other DOs to follow, but has also reinforced its brand, aligning tradition with sustainability.
Future global implications
The DO Penedès has created a clear message – through investment, education, and creating attainable long-term goals, each DO can look to building their own ecological framework. The benefits easily surpass the work required, especially considering the resilience of these wineries facing climate change. Sustainability is not only an ethical choice, but also a solid strategy for the future of the wine sector at a global level. Making history in 2025 by becoming the world’s first 100% ecological region, DO Penedès is a reference for positive change, while elevating the reputation of Spanish winemaking.
