The Adega Cooperativa de Pinhel wine cooperative is the cornerstone of the cooperative wine sector in the Beira Interior region and one of the largest in the country. As such, it is known as the wholesale ‘supermarket,’ from which many of the most prestigious companies source their wines. Since its founding in 1947, it has processed grapes from local growers, who gradually came to appreciate the benefits of outsourcing vinification. By 1980, with over a thousand members, the winery was processing around ten million kilograms of grapes. At the turn of the millennium, it had surpassed two thousand members, delivering around fifteen million kilograms annually.
As with other regional cooperatives, it has seen a reduction in membership, falling to roughly half over the past twenty years. However, grape intake has not followed this trend: despite a notable drop between 2000 and 2010, volumes have since risen, which suggests the remaining members have increased their vineyard area and production. In fact, the highest volume of grapes ever delivered to the cooperative was recorded in 2021, bucking the trend seen elsewhere.
The cooperative’s growth has necessitated successive expansions, enabling it to keep pace with technological advances and to make the most of the quality grapes it receives. In bumper harvest years, it certainly faces operational challenges due to the sheer quantity received, yet it continues to produce excellent wines. Currently the main focus is on red wines, whether blended or varietal, some whites, and a small volume of partially fermented grape must, with rosé production now minimal. Given its vast output, around 75% of the wine produced is sold in bulk – as non-appellation wine, PGI Terras da Beira, or PDO Beira Interior. PGI Terras da Beira wines appear mainly under the Pinhel label, as Encostas do Côa. The latter, labelled ‘Reserva’, is sold as PDO wine, though in limited volumes. PDO Beira Interior wines are primarily sold under the brand D. Manuel I, which is gaining well-earned recognition, with smaller volumes released as Varanda do Castelo. This cooperative has a new brand “Solares” as an honour to Pinhel town, as it has many solar houses in the historic centre. The cooperative also produces traditional-method sparkling wine and has recently begun producing frizzante wine.
