The Quinta de Santo António project is a rare opportunity to write a page into the extraordinary centennial history of the Douro river in Portugal. Both the monumental landscape, which is part of the World Patrimony of the UNESCO, and the ancestral Port Wine production demand for elegant, responsible and subtle architectural solutions.

The new winery and hotel merge harmoniously into the natural features and fully respect the wine making routines to re-program this place internationally as a highly prestigious destiny. As the architecture frames the experience of Nature, the materials pay homage to traditional craftsmanship, while applied into innovative solutions and contexts. Thus, the architecture provides spots for immersion and contemplation, but also invites movement towards discovery and closeness.

Completed in 2024, the winery is carefully embedded in the slopes of the Douro, its interlocking naves following the topography and allowing a gravity-led winemaking process. The wooden gable roof, inspired by vernacular forms, becomes a continuous sculptural element that resonates with the vineyards’ curves. Sustainability guided every choice: schist, granite and timber were locally sourced; geothermal energy ensures stable hydrothermal conditions; and water systems recycle and reuse natural resources. The landscape restores native flora, reinforcing biodiversity and the long-term health of the vineyard.

Designed as both a production facility and a visitor destination, the winery opens onto a tasting gallery, terraces, and event spaces overlooking the river, creating an encounter between architecture, wine, and nature.

PROJECT TYPE: Hospitality

LOCATION: Douro, PT

SIZE: 1200 m2

STATUS: Completed

YEAR: 2019 - 2024

Sérgio Rebelo, La-Salete Carvalho, Tiago Carvalho, Nuno Borges, Joana Portela, Ricardo Gouveia, Lourenço Barreto, Catarina Araújo, Bruna Campos, Fátima Séneca, Tiago Martins, Mariana Pimentel, Bruna Rocha, Paulo Cunha Martins

Thornton Tomasetti - Structural and Sustainability: Scott Lomax, Gunnar Hubbard and Colin Schless.

Still Urban Design - Landscape Design: Sofia Pera.

Eduardo Aires Studio - Graphic Design: Eduardo Aires, Dário Cannatà.

Oenologist: Luís Seabra.

Pormin - Local Engineering: José Guedes, João Guedes and Henrique Araújo

GreenBeelt - Mechanical Engineering: João Sousa

Historian: Natália Fauvrelle

PHOTOGRAPHY - Fernando Guerra FG+SG

• Dezeen Awards, Category: Hospitality, Winner, 2025
• World Architecture Festival, Category: Production, Energy & Logistics, Winner, 2025
• World Architecture Festival, Category: Best Use of Timber, Winner, 2025
• World Architecture Festival, Category: Best Use of Light, Highly Commended, 2025
• Architizer A+ Awards, Category: Unbuilt Hospitality and Popular Choice Award, Winner, 2021
• World Architecture Festival, Category: Leisure Led Development - Future Project, Winner 2021