Alto Douro Vinhateiro Cultural landscape, characterized by its accented slopes, by the schist
hardness and water scarcity during estival months shows a singular relationship with natural elements.
According to the candidature project to UNESCO, its character is determined by a wise management of
the soil and water scarcity and result of the constant and intense observation and knowledge built during
centuries of experience, of the adjustment of the vineyards to such hard conditions.
This work is an attempt to understand the relationship between the structures of the vineyards
used in Região Demarcada do Douro and the water erosion of the lands. The structures used in this region
in the last Thirty years, were possible way to take advantage of the natural conditions of the landscape, for
example the slopes, the lithological characteristics and the erosion problems. On the other hand they try to
respond to men‟s needs – economically, technically – in order to improve the work conditions and
maximise the investments already done. In the 70‟s and 80‟s two new systems of vineyard plantations
were adapted: terraces without embankment (vinha em patamares) and what we call “vinha ao alto”
equally without walls.
Although a careful observation has already showed that in accented slopes both structures don‟t
work very well, increasing the hazard of water erosion, gullies and mass movements. Field experiences
made with the purpose of quantifying soil erosion in the different vineyard structures, existing in all region,
allowed us to conclude that vineyards in terraces, because they aren‟t naturally protected by vegetation or
covered by stones, get more vulnerable to the impact of precipitation and show a 51,9 erosion rate higher
than traditional vineyards. Besides that, vineyards in terraces are the ones which we can observe more
gullies.
The Região Demarcada do Douro has to find own way if it wants to keep up with the technological
development and maintain its tradition. It is the future of the most singular man-made Portuguese
landscape that is in risk.