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History

 
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The cooperative winery of Mangualde had its foundation in the 60’s, a decade marked by the valorization, expansion and implementation of the cooperative values in Portugal. It is a fact that the agriculture, enhanced by the cooperative movement, was able to grow and develop, becoming a structural socio-economic component in the different Portuguese regions. Thus, on the 4th December of 1963, based on democratic values and social responsibility, the Cooperative Winery of Mangualde was officially created, by public deed.

In the 70’s, the winery, already with its own headquarters and infrastructures, was laboring for the first time; with approximately half a million kilo of grapes from all the members of the cooperative. Without any state aid, all the investment and resources came directly from the members of the cooperative. 

During the 90’s it was initiated a process of modernization and investment, in terms of facilities, oenological laboratory equipment and quality wine tasting. For the first time, the winery has resorted to state and EU funds, building a vinification and stabilization of wines center and investing in its own bottling line.  Also in terms of human resources there was a commitment to train and hire qualified staff in the areas of winemaking and management and were developed partnerships with entities as local institutions.

Currently, Mangualde’s winery seeks to maintain and improve its quality standards, which are reflected in the winery’s wines. In addition to the technological and social evolution, the cooperative of Mangualde presents a marketing culture in constant development, based on sensory stimulation. In this context, there is a dynamic design of brands and wines for specific targets.

There has been an evolution and increasing links between tourism and agriculture. Thus, the wine and the work associated with its production and conception, attracted a growing interest to society and local economies, not only as a gastronomic component, but also in the wine tourism component.