The first academic seminar on winemaking, technologies, and architecture, titled “The Architecture of Wine,” was held on April 19, 2024, at the Center for Advanced Postdoctoral Research – CAPRIS UKIM under the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. The seminar opened with speeches from the Vice-Rector for Science at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Prof. Dr. Valentina Gechevska, who highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration among different scientific fields and areas realized by the university’s units. Other speakers included the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at UKIM and manager of CAPRIS UKIM, Prof. Dr. Ognean Marina, and the Director of the Agricultural Institute at UKIM, Prof. Dr. Viktor Gjamovski.

The idea for the scientific seminar “The Architecture of Wine” stems from the need to explore the connections and synergies between two seemingly separate scientific areas, which produce exceptional results through their collaboration and synergy.

In his welcome speech, Prof. Dr. Ognean Marina emphasized: “At first glance, when we talk about wine and architecture, it might seem that we are discussing two separate worlds, two distant and divided areas. However, they share many more common features than one might initially assume. Both fields are based on the artistic skill of the creators, craftsmanship, a deep understanding of the context, respect for traditions, and understanding of the materials and production technologies.”

He added, “The saying ‘in vino veritas’ (in wine there is truth) fits perfectly into the philosophy of architecture. Wine, with its complex flavors, reveals the truth of its origin – the unique terroir from which it springs and which carries the specifics of the climate, soil, and the skill of the winemaker. Similarly, true architecture that creates new spatial experiences, strives for honesty in expression and use of materials, where each element serves not only the functionality of the building but also to express the spirit of the time and place where it is built. Moreover, both wine and architecture create strong spatial experiences and sensations. Architecture with its spaces not only meets basic human needs but also creates environments that affect our feelings and emotions. The space can inspire, calm, or provoke dialogue. Similarly, wine creates a sensory experience where wine tasting turns into a ritual in which all sensations are clearly recognized, creating a unique journey through space and time and leaving a deep impression long after the taste fades.”

Thus, both wine and architecture combine art, science, and philosophy. Each stage of winemaking is analogous to the processes in planning and building an architectural work. From selecting the location, through shaping the form, building the structure, achieving balance, elegance, and aesthetics of the final product, the soft or robust texture of the final product, to the ultimate goal of creating a unique experience based on the beauty of life,” concluded Prof. Marina.

The Director of the Agricultural Institute at UKIM in Skopje in his speech reflected on the beauty of the joint creation between winemaking and architecture: “Perhaps the deepest connection between architecture and wine production lies in their common ability to evoke emotions and create lasting memories. Just as a beautiful building can inspire awe and wonder, a fine wine has the power to transport us to another time and place and evoke memories of special moments. In both cases, the beauty lies not only in the final product but in the journey – the precise planning, careful craftsmanship, and unwavering dedication. Whether we are admiring the simple, free-standing, and voluminous buildings of post-earthquake Skopje or enjoying the robustness of a perfectly matured Vranec, we are reminded of the creativity and passion that drive us to create, innovate, and seek beauty. Thus, the connection between architecture and wine production reminds us of the power of human creativity, the beauty of the natural world, and the pursuit of excellence,” he concluded.

The seminar featured seven scientific and professional lectures by top experts in their fields, attended by more than 50 participants, including architects, enologists, sommeliers, viticulturists, representatives of wineries, and wine enthusiasts.

Prof. arch. Vladimir Lojanica, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Belgrade and visiting professor at the Faculty of Architecture at UKIM in Skopje, delivered a lecture on the design and execution of a small family winery in Serbia titled “Designing with Purpose – Winery Acumincum.” The process of creating this winery was particularly interesting due to the discovery and integration of archaeological findings within the existing structure, which, as the lecturer Prof. Lojanica pointed out, added additional quality to the new winery and an authentic experience in getting to know and tasting the wines from this small family winery in Vojvodina.

Prof. Dr. Klime Beleski from the Agricultural Institute at UKIM in Skopje spoke about the history of grape and wine production in Macedonia, and Prof. Dr. Goran Milanov discussed wine production technology. Prof. Alexander Radevski from the Faculty of Architecture at UKIM in Skopje presented the project for the Stobi Winery in Gradsko. Prof. Dr. Dushko Nedelkovski from the Agricultural Institute at UKIM in Skopje gave an exceptionally detailed overview of the indigenous and local wine varieties in Macedonia.

The series of scientific lectures on wine and architecture was rounded off with a presentation by M.A. Branka Kostic Markovic dedicated to wine and art. M.A. Kostic Markovska gave a special review of the role of wine in art, folklore, and particularly traditional folk music. This lecture was superbly illustrated by a performance by Matej Tuševski, a student at the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology at the PMF of UKIM in Skopje, accompanied by the Orchestra of Traditional Instruments of DMBUC “Ilija Nikolovski Luj” who performed several folk songs dedicated to Macedonian wine.

The scientific seminar and the day dedicated to wine, architecture, and art were concluded with the insights of sommelier Alexander Vuchkovski on the pairing of wine with food, followed by a tasting of wines from Macedonian wineries that graciously donated their wines for this purpose. The seminar was supported by Тиквесх Њинерѕ, Kamnik Winery, Dalvina Winery, Brzanov Winery, Popov Winery, Badi Winery, and others.

The tremendous interest in the scientific seminar, complemented by the extraordinary organization in the inspiring space of the Center for Advanced Postdoctoral Research CAPRIS UKIM at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, confirmed the success of the idea based on the need for further interdisciplinary action and research into the values and qualities that emerge through the collaboration of different scientific fields and the need for organizing such events that will enable the creation of new values and knowledge.