Quinta do Mosteiro Adega: A fusion of nature and design

In the picturesque Minho region of northern Portugal, nestled within a sprawling family estate, Quinta do Mosteiro Adega stands as a testament to the seamless integration of architecture and winemaking expertise.

This visionary winery, designed by Studio Nicholas Burns, marries innovation with tradition, encapsulating the essence of Vinho Verde production while harmonizing with the surrounding landscape.

GALLERY  

Perched on the hilly terrain, the winery is strategically embedded in the side of the hill, harnessing the earth’s stable temperature to recreate an ideal climate for winemaking. Studio Nicholas Burns, in collaboration with local winemakers, has meticulously crafted a space that respects natural cycles, epitomizing a flawless production process grounded in decades of local expertise.

Quinta do Mosteiro Adega unfolds over two levels, ingeniously connected by a double-height section that facilitates a gravity-fed production process. This design ensures the pure and rich quality of the resulting wine, with the juice flowing seamlessly from the top to the bottom. The lower level hosts the technical activities, housing machinery and storage, while the ground floor features a professional kitchen doubling as a laboratory for wine tasting.

Functionality remains a priority, but the architects have not overlooked the importance of experience. Fully glazed walls offer expansive views of the estate, framed by strategically positioned windows that capture glimpses of the surrounding landscape and trees. The design ethos extends to the exterior, where a meticulous selection of materials – charred wood, weathered steel, and natural slate – pays homage to the forest and agricultural spirit.

The charred timber, sourced locally from oak, not only provides climate protection but also blends into the shadows, visually diminishing its scale as it gracefully recedes into the hill and forest. The weathered steel and slate, aging gracefully over time, pay homage to the other buildings on the estate and underscore its agricultural essence. The traditional roof typology is reinterpreted with a modern twist, featuring a brigade steel structure and thin, elegant edges that stretch beyond convention.

Quinta do Mosteiro Adega is a captivating blend of functionality and aesthetic finesse, where the marriage of gravity-fed winemaking and architectural brilliance creates a haven for Vinho Verde production. As the rusting steel gently settles into the landscape, and the charred wood weathers with time, the winery stands as a timeless testament to the symbiotic relationship between nature, design, and the artistry of winemaking.

Images by Mathyas Kurmann via designboom

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