The Algarve’s historic ÚNICA – Adega Cooperativa do Algarve winemaking cooperative is set to temporarily relocate to Silves while the municipal council of Lagoa prepares to build it a new home.
The move comes after the cooperative was notified to vacate its longtime premises in Lagoa at the end of last year. The building was sold in 2018 to a private investor to help the cooperative address financial challenges, with ÚNICA remaining on-site under a lease agreement.
Speaking to Lusa news agency, Lagoa mayor Luís Encarnação explained that the municipality is committed to keeping ÚNICA in Lagoa, although he acknowledges that the winery’s temporary relocation to another borough is necessary right now.
“We are working on a solution that allows the winery to remain in the municipality, preserving its economic and cultural significance,” the mayor said.
Founded in 1954, the Adega de Lagoa is one of Portugal’s oldest wineries. Located near the national road EN125 at the entrance to Lagoa, it has long played a central role in regional wine production. After facing financial difficulties, it merged with the Lagos cooperative in 2008, forming ÚNICA – Adega Cooperativa do Algarve. Today, it is the only active cooperative winery in the Algarve, receiving grapes from across the region and producing wines from traditional grape varieties.
The cooperative sold its original building to a German investor to help settle debts while continuing operations under a lease. The building has been on the market, and the owner recently sent a notice terminating the lease, requiring the cooperative to vacate by the end of October.
Mayor Encarnação ruled out the possibility of the municipality purchasing the building due to the high asking price, instead proposing the construction of a new facility to host the cooperative.
“There is ongoing coordination, and we are working closely with the winery management on a temporary move to Silves, with a later return to a new facility in Lagoa,” he said.
The municipality has already submitted a Preliminary Information Request (PIP) to determine the appropriate planning path with the local planning unit and the Municipal Master Plan (PDM).
