Aqui Winery

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Project type

Winery, hospitality, retail

Status

In progress

Location

Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

Time

Ongoing

Client

Ralf Wenzel, AQUI

The Uco Valley in the province of Mendoza is located in the foothills of the majestic Andes Mountains. Wine produced in this region is considered among the best in Argentina. In this context, GRAFT was commissioned to design a unique location dedicated to wine production, based on the AQUI brand’s philosophy of bringing people together through wine. To underline this, the winery also offers guest accommodation developed around the idea of creating rituals for a community brought together by their passion for wine.

Taking inspiration from nature, the winery is shaped by the local surroundings—the rock formations of the High Andes, the sun’s movement through the year and the views of the landscape.

Using these features characteristic to Mendoza, GRAFT created four giant stones that embody specific rock geometries found in the high mountains. They are arranged to frame a central plaza, in which the life of the winery is concentrated: arrival and reception, harvest, tasting, wine festivals and celebrations. Shaped by the celestial movement of the sun, the stone volumes act like a calendar by reflecting the cycles of a year—just like a bottle of wine.

The design reflects the philosophy of the brand by embracing the rituals of community, but also derives a spatial narrative from its function. Organized over two levels in order to take advantage of gravity instead of the use of pumps, the winery has been developed using the idea of experimental circularity over that of rigid linear production. This allows for interesting shortcuts and unusual juxtapositions in terms of both production and experience, enhancing creativity and innovation in approaching what is by far the most complex product mankind has ever invented: wine.