Alto do Rio Farm II

Direct impact of the project:

The project to be financed will allow for the use of efficient and renewable energy, supplying the entire water, heating, and cooling systems, through the use of three renewable energy systems:

• Use of geothermal energy: considered one of the cleanest and most reliable sources of energy in the range of renewable energies, the state-of-the-art geothermal heat pump, financed in this project, in addition to using renewable energies to produce heat, uses 70% less energy than a conventional heating and cooling system and 40% less energy than a new heating and cooling system.
• Use of solar thermal system: the production of sanitary hot water is the second largest factor of energy consumption at home, representing 24% of the total energy consumption. Standing out as one of the most renewable technologies in the fight against climate change, the type of solar thermal system equipment, to be financed by the project, allows for average monthly energy savings of 70%, which can increase to 100% where there is greater exposure. At the same time, solar energy does not emit greenhouse gases, so it does not contribute to global warming.
• Use of biomass heat reclaimers: biomass is a 100% natural and renewable energy source for the production thermal energy, at a much lower cost than fossil fuels, while also being carbon neutral.

Indirect impact of the project:

• Preservation of cultural and natural heritage: the reconstruction and expansion of the existing construction will ensure its integration in the surrounding environment, thus valuing the architectural, historical, natural and landscape heritage of the site.
• Promotion of the development of the local community: the Quinta do Alto do Rio project will ensure the revitalization of the economic fabric of Cinfães, through partnerships with local entities, such as outings with pastors, cultural activities and partnerships with food and beverage establishments.
• Promotion of Biotourism: Quinta do Alto do Rio, aims to be the first hotel unit in mainland Portugal with a 100% organic certified service (including the production and food offered to guests).
• Organic Production: planting of 3 ha of cherry trees and 2 ha of chestnut trees. An orchard of 1h a was also created, in order to support the tourist activity.

Quinta Alto do Rio – Sociedade Agrícola e Turística, Lda was created in December 2013 by Tiago Hespanhol Chaves (current President and majority shareholder) and by Paula Hespanhol Coelho. 

In 2014, the company signed a 20-year contract for a property in Lugar de Souto do Rio, in the municipality of Cinfães, with the goal of developing an agricultural and tourism project.

In the same year, a public grant for young farmers was approved. The project included planting three hectares of cherry trees and two hectares of wild chestnut trees and all the necessary infrastructure and support equipment for tourism. The trees were grafted with different varieties, in order to preserve traditional species of the region and at the same time produce several times a year. All production is organically certified by Certiplanet, having had two annual certification audits without any non-compliance points in the last three years. 

Given the high potential of the property for tourist purposes, with a unique view of the Douro River, Bestança, and the Old Port, the promoters want to develop a bio tourism project, that has been approved by the City Council.

The project is based on the following values:

• Ethics: in all actions, acting in accordance with moral principles and integrity.
• Environmental sustainability: ensuring respect for the environment, ecology, and sustainable development of the local community.
• Tradition: ensuring the continuity and transmission of local values and customs.
• Sophistication: in the approach and in all services provided.
• Respect for nature and well-being of all individuals.