Azores Wine Company
ILHA DO PICO / HOTEL / WATCHLIST
A homage to Azorean wine, the Azores Wine Company is designed by a local Pico island architecture firm, SAMI, basking in views of the sea & mountains. Facing Pico volcano (the highest peak in Portugal) & the Atlantic, volcanic rocks protect the property from sea breeze (or rough winds, depending on when guests visit!), enclosing six beautiful apartments. A cloister pro-vides access to tasting rooms, a restaurant, the winery & bedrooms with shapes that echo the old vineyard water tanks, with their naturally sloping roofs & the island’s monasteries.
Interiors are inspired by Pico island’s volcanic – almost lunar-like – landscape, complete with soft earthy textures that contrast with the ruggedness of the rock outside. The decoration is a local affair; bedside lamps are blocks of wood, cut by Mário Medeiros, an artisan from São Miguel while stools & tables are by José Adriano, a carpenter from Pico. Elsewhere 1960s Danish armchairs sit on natural fibre carpets & rooms are lit by industrial ceiling lamps from the latter half of the 20th century. For the final touch, one that will excite the design-led oenophiles amongst our community, traditional mini-bars have been transformed into climate-controlled mini-wineries where guests can sample rare or sold-out wines.
Room Service
Location: Pico Island, Azores.
Price: Start at 150€ per night.
Highlights: The rehabilitation efforts of founders António Maçanita, Paulo Machado & Filipe Rocha are to be applauded. The property was bought abandoned & the three partners planted vineyards of Azores indigenous grapes, no small feat.
Services: Daily turndown services are provided & the on-site restaurant, wine tastings & gastronomical experiences are not to be missed.
Designed by SAMI – Arquitectos with interiors by Ana Trancoso.
Photography by Francisco Nogueira.
The Neighbourhood: The building faces the volcano & the sea, & is surrounded by hectares of ‘currais’, walls made with volcanic rocks that protect the vineyards from the elements. These ‘currais’ give Pico a unique landscape that UNESCO declared a World Heritage in 2014.
Things to know: The Azores have a unique microclimate meaning the weather is often, quite frankly, all over the place. As long as you’re prepared it’s not an issue, but try to avoid visiting in December through February. It’s best visited in the Spring, Summer & early Autumn when temperatures are moderate & rainfall isn’t completely torrential…
The Map
The Azores Wine Company is located on Pico Island in the Azores islands of Portugal. Fly to São Miguel Island & take a small plane, using the ferry system to island-hop while you’re there.
Other Azores Stays…
Adega do Fogo / Home / Ilha do Pico
Lava Homes / Guesthouse / Ilha do Pico
Pink House / Home / Ilha de São Miguel