Madeira Wine Reaching for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Status

Universidade da Madeira Advances Bid for Madeira Wine to Become UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

The University of Madeira (UMa) has formally submitted a proposal to recognize Madeira wine as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. The project emphasizes the cultural and social traditions surrounding the production of wine, which has been deeply rooted in the region since the 18th century.

Saber Fazer, Saber Contar, Saber Apreciar": The Core of the Candidacy

António Marques da Silva, coordinator of the project and a researcher at UMa, outlined the key pillars of the bid. According to him, it is all the social and cultural practices associated with Madeira wine, from production to marketing or use. The core candidacy is about:

• saber fazer: refers to the "know-how" or "technical skill."

• saber contar: refers to the "ability to tell" (likely referring to storytelling or explaining).

• saber apreciar: refers to the "ability to appreciate" or "understanding how to value something."

He highlighted the craftsmanship required to produce Madeira wine, which sets it apart from other varieties, as well as the importance of storytelling in simplifying its complex production process.

The project highlights the “know-how,” the “know-how to tell,” and the “know-how to appreciate.” António Marques da Silva explains that Madeira wine has a very specific “know-how,” different from other wines, involving “a lot of manual labor and a great deal of artisanal knowledge."

Observador

Madeira Wine's Global Impact: A Unique Cultural Symbol

Madeira wine, known for its distinctive high alcohol content, has significance far beyond the island. Marques da Silva noted that it holds cultural importance in over 60 countries, symbolizing both the island’s heritage and its global reach. The international appreciation of this wine is central to the bid's justification for UNESCO recognition.

Application Supported Across Public and Private Entities

While the University of Madeira leads the initiative, it is supported by a broad coalition of public and private entities, including the Regional Government and the Madeira Chamber of Commerce. The next step in the process is a preliminary evaluation to assess whether the bid meets the criteria for formal submission to UNESCO.

Sources:
Observador
Diário de Notícias da Madeira