The Monte d'Oiro Wine Tasting Room is located in a beautiful setting in Portugal, designed to connect visitors with the longstanding tradition of winemaking in the region. Serving as the last stop on the Quinta do Monte d'Oiro tour, the building embodies a modern character while still honoring its historical roots. The design integrates the building with its natural surroundings, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy the vineyard and the wine.

Architecture Concept

The main idea behind the tasting room is to enhance connections—between the space, the people inside, and the vineyard outside. The design alters the existing hard surface area to create a more welcoming courtyard. The building is placed into the slope of the land, which preserves the scenic views while using design strategies for natural heating, ventilation, and cooling.

Spatial Experience

Visitors move from the courtyard to the tasting room through a series of terraces. This gradual shift between spaces encourages exploration and interaction, making it easy to engage with both the wine and the landscape. The layout fosters a shared experience, enhancing the relationship between guests and their surroundings.

Materials and Sustainability

The building uses mass timber, rammed earth, and a vegetated roof. Mass timber provides structural support and adds warmth to the space. Rammed earth helps with insulation and connects the building to the land. The vegetated roof not only keeps the building cool but also integrates it into the landscape, showing a commitment to environmentally friendly design.

Interior Functionality

Inside, the design ensures flexibility with custom tables that can adjust to accommodate different group sizes and tasting experiences. This makes the space comfortable and suitable for various occasions. Essential features like cabinetry, a bar-sink, and a point-of-sale area enhance the service experience for staff while blending in with the overall design.

Natural light pours into the tasting room, drawing attention to both the vineyards and the wine itself. The overall experience is carefully crafted to engage visitors, offering a meaningful opportunity to appreciate the wine and the beautiful landscape around them. The design emphasizes connection, allowing guests to feel part of both the process and the setting.