The Journey of Women in Wine: A Conversation with Silvina van Houten from Tilia Wines
In a recent engaging conversation with Silvina van Houten, Sustainability Specialist of Tilia Wines, a pioneering figure in the world of wine, we explored her unique journey as both a woman and a sustainability specialist in the wine industry. Tilia Wines stands out not just for its quality but also for its commitment to environmentally conscious practices. As of the 2023 vintage, Tilia is now certified organic, further solidifying its role as a leader in sustainability within Argentina's wine sector.
Silvina’s connection to nature began early in Argentina, influenced by a family background steeped in agronomy. Both her father and sister are agronomists, fostering an environment of curiosity about plants and ecosystems. Her academic journey in agronomy led her to participate in various research projects, focusing on sustainable practices in winemaking. Her time in France deepened her understanding of these principles, reinforcing her belief in the importance of sustainability in both the vineyard and winemaking processes.
With the increasing importance of sustainability over the last decade, Silvina has embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly. Upon returning to Argentina, she implemented various initiatives at Tilia Wines, starting with water conservation—a crucial factor given Mendoza’s arid climate. She and her team have worked to optimize irrigation systems, ensuring they use water efficiently and judiciously.
Biodiversity also plays a significant role in her sustainability efforts. By planting native trees and maintaining the ecosystem, Silvina enhances the agricultural environment for both the vines and local wildlife. The introduction of bees to the vineyard is a testament to this biodiversity initiative, providing essential pollination for the grapes while fostering a healthy ecosystem.
Silvina emphasizes that sustainability goes beyond environmental practices; it involves the community and all the individuals working in the vineyards. At Tilia, there’s a concerted effort to include local workers in these sustainability projects, ensuring that their knowledge and practices are respected and valued. By fostering a collaborative atmosphere, they aim to preserve not just nature but also the rich culture and traditions associated with winemaking in Argentina.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of Silvina’s approach. Working closely with Gonzalo Llensa, the winemaker, she ensures that both the agricultural and vinification processes are aligned. Like the bees, they work closely together as a team. They regularly engage in discussions about innovative practices and improvements, understanding that a successful wine is the result of harmonizing efforts from both the vineyard to the winery.
Looking ahead, Silvina believes in the necessity of research and adaptation. By observing their vineyards closely, they understand which practices yield the best results in each unique environment. Silvina’s dedication to ongoing education and collaboration with other experts reflects a commitment to continuous improvement within the industry. Her key piece of advice for aspiring sustainability specialists is to be patient. Science is a process that takes time, often involving trial and error. While some approaches may work, others might not. However, it's important to remember that each experience provides valuable insights about what works best with nature.
We delved into the artistry and meaning behind a captivating label that, like many others, tells a story and has captured the attention of many. "We wanted to create something that goes beyond aesthetics to convey a deeper message. Initially, we featured a Linden tree on the label, but we realized it was essential to emphasize our commitment to sustainability even more. It can be challenging to communicate sustainability to consumers, so we aimed to include meaningful symbols,” Silvina explained. The mountains and flowing rivers depicted on the label represent the vital water sourced from the Andes, crucial for the survival of their vines. Without this natural resource, their viticulture efforts simply wouldn’t thrive. Bees and leaves were also included, symbolizing biodiversity and resilience, reminding us of the rich ecological network necessary to sustain their work. Additionally, a hand is featured, representing unity and collaboration—signifying that together, we are stronger, and that working as a community is essential in the pursuit of sustainability. Ultimately, the label tells a compelling story of environmental stewardship and community effort, inspiring others to join in creating a brighter, more sustainable future.
Silvina shared a surprising detail that many people might not know about her: she enjoys doing silk acrobatics. She finds it incredibly freeing, comparing the experience to flying like a bird. She explained with a laugh “it is a fantastic physical outlet, allowing you to discover muscles you never knew you had.”
Silvina’s journey highlights the vital role women play in transforming the wine industry through sustainability. With Tilia Wines setting an example, there is a growing expectation for more wineries to adopt similar practices. The integration of environmental consciousness with traditional winemaking not only enhances the quality and authenticity of the wine but also ensures a better future for the planet and future generations. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring sustainability specialists and advocates for a more integrated and nature-respecting approach within the wine sector.
