A vinha, o vinho e a arquitetura na afirmação cultural da Bairrada: as cooperativas vitivinícolas

Abstract

During the Estado Novo period, several organisations were established with the purpose of regulating wine production and distribution. The objective of this initiative was to stabilise the sector and provide support to small vine growers. The establishment of a network of cooperative wineries was one of the solutions adopted. The Bairrada region, distinguished by its long-standing winemaking tradition, had wineries in Mogofores and Mealhada in the early 1950s, with plans to construct six new structures, of which only those in Vilarinho do Bairro and Cantanhede were completed. However, over time, some of these buildings were unable to adapt to changing market demands, leading to their eventual closure. Consequently, the Adega Cooperativa de Cantanhede is the only one that remains operational. This dissertation is divided into five sections, beginning with the historical contextualisation of viticulture in Portugal, the role of wineries and the cooperative model, highlighting the influence of the Junta Nacional do Vinho. This is followed by an analysis and characterisation of the Bairrada region. The four cooperative wineries are then mapped and studied, including an assessment of their current conditions. The following section reflects on the heritage value of these structures. Finally, proposals for architectural intervention are presented, emphasising the design scenarios developed, which consist of a set of strategies intended to adapt the wineries for contemporary use. By preserving historical testimonies and the community's relationship with viticulture and winemaking, the work simultaneously promotes the cultural, social and economic enhancement of the region.