Government Authorizes Colares Vineyard in Protected Ecological Zone, Citing Public Interest
The Portuguese government has officially authorized the planting of a new vineyard within a protected area of the National Ecological Reserve (REN) in Colares, Sintra, in a move that recognizes the project's significant public interest. This landmark decision, formalized under Dispatch no. 7484/2025, is being seen as a critical development for the preservation of the region's traditional viticulture and sets a precedent for reconciling agricultural activities with stringent environmental protections. The project promoter stated, “This decision marks an important step for the preservation of the traditional viticulture of the area and shows that it is possible to reconcile agriculture with environmental protection.”
The initiative is being advanced by the company Vow, Vinhas e Vinhos, Sintra, S.A., and has received support from A2S – the Association for the Sustainable Development of the Saloia Region, as part of the PDR2020 rural development program. A key hurdle for the project was securing permission to establish the vineyard on land designated as “Dunas Costeiras Interiores” (Interior Coastal Dunes), a sensitive classification within the National Ecological Reserve that carries heavy restrictions on land use. The successful authorization demonstrates a nuanced approach by regulators, allowing for development when it serves a greater cultural or economic purpose.
The official approval was the culmination of a complex, multi-agency collaborative effort. Key stakeholders involved in the process included the Sintra Municipal Council, the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-LVT), the Ministry of Territorial Cohesion, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. The joint effort underscores a coordinated government strategy to support and preserve the unique agricultural heritage of the DOC Colares, which is recognized as one of the oldest and most distinct wine appellations in all of Portugal. The final decision was officially published in the Diário da República in July, cementing its legal standing.
This authorization is more than just a victory for a single company; it represents a significant legal and regulatory milestone. For landowners and potential investors with interests in rural or protected lands across Portugal, this case provides a clear example of the government's willingness to consider well-founded projects of “relevante interesse público.” It suggests that a strong business case, rooted in the preservation of local heritage and sustainable practices, can successfully navigate the country's complex environmental regulations. The decision could unlock new potential for agricultural and eco-tourism projects in areas previously deemed undevelopable.
The successful petition by Vow, Vinhas e Vinhos, Sintra, S.A. will likely be studied by other developers and investors looking to operate within REN-designated zones. The involvement of local development associations like A2S and the alignment with municipal and national government bodies were clearly instrumental in achieving this outcome. The ruling not only supports the economic viability of the historic Colares wine industry but also provides a tangible framework for future land use negotiations in protected areas, balancing the needs of conservation with the imperative of preserving Portugal's valuable cultural and agricultural legacy.
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