Located in the parish of Guardizela, in the municipality of Guimarães, Quinta de São Gião presents itself as a project rooted in local agricultural tradition while also oriented toward the future of oenology and cultural tourism. The project proposes the construction of a new winery—an integrated structure designed to meet the demands of vinho verde production and to welcome visitors.

Set within a fragmented and characterless urban context—marked by the spontaneous proliferation of buildings of contrasting scales: single-family homes of domestic scale and monumental industrial structures, interspersed with forested and agricultural land—the urban fabric is dispersed and ambiguously defined, a characteristic common to most suburban areas in northern Portugal. The cultivation of vineyards contributes to a more defined and distinctive landscape, and the development of culturally oriented projects tied to vinho verde can positively transform the place.

With over 40 hectares of vineyards, Quinta de São Gião is already a benchmark in the production of vinho verde. The new building addresses this need by incorporating technical winemaking facilities, tasting and reception areas, as well as exhibition spaces. A significant portion of the estate’s contemporary art collection will be integrated into the project, displayed in the visitor reception area, offering the public a multidimensional experience where oenology, art, and architecture converge.

The choice of concrete as the construction system for the winery is based on principles such as durability, flexibility, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and controlled impact on the landscape. The proposal’s triangular form and its integration into the terrain promote harmony with nature and respect for the local heritage. The in-situ cast concrete ensures strength, safety, thermal efficiency, and design flexibility, while also being a cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution using locally sourced materials. The façade will be defined by solid, angular lines that give the building a striking presence within the territory. The extensive green roof, with six skylights over the winemaking area, enhances thermal comfort and helps integrate the building into the rural landscape.

The design for the new winery building at Quinta de São Gião is based on a layout where winemaking is centralized and compact. The building is horizontal, spreading across the site through three distinct wings:

1. Grape reception and processing;

2. Storage area;

3. Public reception and wine tourism area.

More than just an agricultural facility, this winery represents the affirmation of a vision: to create a cultural and productive destination that reflects the authenticity of the region and positions Guimarães as a reference point on the international wine tourism map. With vinho verde as its guiding thread, Quinta de São Gião becomes a place where tradition and innovation meet — a new landmark for the landscape, economy, and culture of the Ave Valley.

PROJECT TYPE: Hospitality and Commercial

LOCATION: Guardizela, Guimarães, PT

SIZE: 2083 m2

STATUS: Ongoing

YEAR: 2023 -

Sérgio Rebelo, La-Salete Carvalho, Joana Portela, Tiago Martins, Maria Pinto, Matheus Astori, Giulia Campos