Hotel Marques De Riscal

Eye-catching against the green of La Rioja’s hills, Hotel Marques De Riscal’s striking and innovative roof has been designed to reflect the precious liquid that’s produced in the celebrated adjoining winery of the same name.

Created by architectural genius Frank Gehry, the roof resembles a sail in the wind. It’s stripes of titanium are coloured in shades of silver that represent a wine cup, gold for the cap of a bottle, and of course, red to embody the wine itself. Catch the hotel on any different day, and its hues will appear to have changed in the sun.

With just 43 rooms divided between two wings connected by a bridge, a stay in this boutique hotel and winery will be an immersive experience. Due to the varying placements of the hotel’s huge windows, each room leaves a difference impression.

When you’re not out sampling the delights of the region’s oldest winery, sit down to a meal in either of the hotel’s two restaurants, one boasting a Michelin star. As expected, the wine list is impressive and features collections which date all the way back to 1862. On a sunny day, there’s nothing more pleasant than enjoying a gourmet meal on the terrace and admiring the views of the distinctive countryside and the quaint town of Elciego. Should you fancy some indulgence, the Vinotherapy spa boasts a design-focused indoor pool and multitude of luxury treatments based on the grape.

If you can bear the crowds, visit in Autumn to experience the full process of the grape harvest. Regardless of the season, you can look forward to wine tours, tastings, and pairings, as well as a profusion of exhilarating outdoor activities such as balloon rides, biking, and horse riding.