Wine House

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Museum

District: Vila Real > Valpaços > Valpaços > Valpaços e Sanfins

Location

Casa do Vinho (The Wine House) is located in the town of Valpaços, in the municipality of the same name. It is situated in the Valpaços and Sanfins area, placing it at the heart of the town's dynamics and its surroundings. Its presence in Valpaços' urban fabric underlines the community's deep connection to the culture of vineyards and wine, a central element in the region's identity.

History Etched in the Vineyard

In the municipality of Valpaços, the culture of vineyards and wine holds a significance that transcends its historical dimension, playing a fundamental role in social, cultural, and economic aspects. The winemaking tradition is so ancient that, according to some historians, the very name "Valpaços" might have originated from "vinho passum" (passum wine), a wine of excellence produced in this region during the Roman period. This millennia-old legacy is visible in remnants such as the numerous rock-carved wine presses, which are scattered throughout the municipality, testifying to the continuity of this practice over the centuries.

An Interactive Discovery Space

Casa do Vinho was conceived as a place to gather and narrate the history and culture of vineyards and wine in Trás-os-Montes, with a particular focus on the municipality of Valpaços. It functions as an exploration space, where state-of-the-art interactive equipment invites visitors to discover the specificities and characteristics of the region's wines. It also allows for a deeper understanding of the vast archaeological heritage and the scenic beauty that are intrinsically linked to the area's viticultural activity.

The Legacy of Wine and the Region

This municipal infrastructure plays an important role in valuing and promoting the region's primary products, with a focus on wine. Through Casa do Vinho, the rich and diverse patrimonial, landscape, natural, and cultural aspects of Trás-os-Montes, and particularly the municipality of Valpaços, are promoted. The building also houses the headquarters of the Regional Wine Commission of Trás-os-Montes (CVRTM), the entity responsible for certifying wines with the Trás-os-Montes Denomination of Origin and Transmontano Geographical Indication, reinforcing the site's central role in the identity and quality of wines produced in the region.