Monte d'Oiro Wine Hotel, Portugal
Counterbalance was involved in the Monte d’Oiro Wine Hotel design competition in 2021. Quinta do Monte d'Oiro (‘Hill of Gold’) is a 42-hectare property with a history of wine-production dating to the 17th century. The current brand, a brainchild of José Bento dos Santos, has produced 100% organic Syrahs, Viogniers, and Petit Verdots, imported from France, since the 1990s, and more recently it has expanded with original labels. For the Monte d’Oiro Wine Hotel competition, participants were tasked with proposing designs for an extension to the current Quinta do Monte d’Oiro vineyard complex – a hotel that could accommodate visitors of the famous vineyard. The hotel should make full use of the vineyard’s beautiful views and landscape, and incorporate a range of supporting facilities to guarantee visitors have an unforgettable stay.

Our Design
Approach
The local village has a long history of wine-production and has formed a natural connection with the property. When the winery does well, the local people do so too. The new hotel, restaurant and events hall will thus help improve the village through additional visitors, building on the spirit of wine making and creating a strong link with gastronomy.
Key to enhancing this idea of public empowerment and shared experience is the new garden with a kids club, playground and pool designed as a public space for the local community to use whilst strengthening the connection between the winery and the village. The masterplan allows for the restaurant and events hall to be used by both visitors and local people all year long and especially during the off-peak tourist season.
The buildings are oriented to allow each of the spaces to maximise the views of the vineyard; whilst taking advantage of the level differences across the site. In turn, this allows for the guest parking to remain hidden beneath the new public garden. The main entrance to the hotel is intentionally designed to be subtle, blocking the view of the vineyard only to reveal its natural beauty and stunning sunset vistas once the visitor steps over the threshold into the hotel reception and rooftop bar, thus creating an unforgettable first impression and experience.







Architectural Design
The proposal is divided into two separate buildings linked via a bridge at ground floor level. The hotel building is organised across four levels with the main entrance/rooftop bar and terrace on the top floor. With a range of hotel room types over the lower three floors.
On the lower ground floor of the events hall building there are 40 car park spaces, SPA facilities (Swimming Pool), Gym, and changing rooms with WC facilities. An infinity external swimming pool allures to the poetry of a place full of nature, wellness and relaxation whilst guests can take in sunset views of golden hills with a glass of wine in hand.
On the ground floor there is a restaurant area with an open plan kitchen and a larger events hall opposite. The hall can be connected and used for business conferences, weddings or events held by the winery. On the first floor there is reception area for 4 meeting rooms of varying sizes with drinking facilities overlooking the vineyard and the new public garden.
It is envisioned that the proposals would make use of local and sustainable materials building on the Portuguese architectural heritage. Sustainable sources of heating and electricity generation through solar panels and thermal pumps will help reduce carbon emissions, whilst making the buildings self-sufficient.




Hotel Rooms
The design allows for a flexible approach to the number of hotel rooms and types by using a standard module which can be easily adapted between a deluxe-suite, double or twin room without any impact on the overall appearance of the building. This also makes it easy to increase or decrease the number of rooms depended on how the brief develops.
The deluxe suites contain extra space for a walk-in wardrobe, bathroom with shower, his/her basins. A separate free standing bath has been designed to give private views of the vineyard. The lounge area and desk space allow the suite to turn into a work space or an area where one can indulge in peaceful reading.
The double and twin rooms are identical in design providing additional flexibility to the hotel operator. All room types benefit from their own private balconies looking over the vineyard providing breath-taking views and stunning sunsets for visitors to enjoy with a glass of wine.

