What makes this place the best?

Bodegas de Los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal, from Rioja, has been voted number one in the new World’s Best Vineyards list.
But what makes it so special? Canopy takes an in-depth look at its main features to produce a checklist for wineries that wish to provide an equally unforgettable wine experience for visitors.

Iconic architecture

The winery’s most striking feature is its avant-garde hotel, designed by Frank Gehry.
The titanium-clad structure, completed in 2006, has become a landmark in La Rioja.
This bold architectural statement blends modern design with the traditional landscape of the vineyards. The undulating ribbons of titanium in pink, gold, and silver echo the colours of wine and Riscal’s bottles.

Luxury hospitality

The five-star hotel is part of the ambitious City of Wine complex which is what truly sets Marqués de Riscal apart in the realm of wine tourism. The complex, launched in 2006, also includes a spa and two restaurants – one of which has a Michelin star.
This revolutionary concept transformed the traditional winery visit into an immersive, multi-faceted experience that goes way beyond a tour and tasting. And the bold approach has not only enhanced the brand but has also played a significant role in boosting the image and appeal of the entire Rioja wine region.

Rich history

The complex, in the heart of Rioja, cleverly combines the modern and historic, and stands as a testament to the business’s winemaking heritage – with a tour including the historic cellars from1883.
Marqués de Riscal actually has more than 160 years of winemaking tradition. Founded in 1858 by Guillermo Hurtado de Amézaga, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest wineries in Rioja. Its journey began with a vision to produce high-quality wines that could compete on the international stage – using techniques borrowed from Bordeaux.

Acclaimed wines

Marqués de Riscal consistently produces high-quality wines, particularly reds. The flagship wine, Finca Torrea, is highly regarded by wine critics worldwide.
The diverse range of wines goes from traditional Riojas to more modern blends.

A choice of tastings

Marqués de Riscal offers a range of tasting experiences for visitors:

• The Classic Tasting includes a tour of the winery and a tasting of three wines from the current portfolio;
• The Premium Tasting features a selection of reserve and gran reserva wines, including some older vintages;
• The Vertical Tasting allows guests to sample multiple vintages of a single wine to understand its evolution over time;
• The Food and Wine Pairing combines wine tasting with local cuisine, showcasing the versatility of the wines;
• While the Blind Tasting Experience challenges guests to identify wines based on their sensory characteristics.

Winemaking pioneer

Marqués de Riscal has been at the forefront of Spanish winemaking since its establishment, introducing many innovations over the years. These include:

• Bringing Bordeaux-style vinification techniques – such as longer maceration periods and barrel ageing – to Rioja;
• Pioneering bottle ageing in Spain and developing a special system for cataloguing and storing vintages from 1862;
• The early adoption of temperature-controlled fermentation tanks in the 1970s, resulting in more consistent quality;
• Among the first in the region to plant Cabernet Sauvignon and return to low-intervention techniques.

Blending innovation and tradition

The historic winery has managed to keep up with the times. Recent innovations include:

• Experimenting with lesser-known indigenous grape varieties like Graciano and Maturana Tinta;
• Exploring international varieties suited to changing climate conditions;
• Using clay amphorae for fermentation and ageing;
• Introducing optical grape sorting, micro-vinifications, and precision viticulture;
• Employing drones and satellite imaging for detailed vineyard management.

Diverse experiences

The experiences range from Michelin-starred dining to spa treatments. The spa, Vinothérapie Spa by Caudalie, even features wine-themed treatments:

• Grape Seed Scrub – exfoliating treatment using crushed grape seeds;
• Wine Bath – immersion in a bath enriched with red wine extracts;
• Barrel Bath – hydromassage treatment in a barrel-shaped tub;
• Wine Wrap – full-body treatment using wine-based products;
• Vinotherapy Massage – massage using grape seed oil and other wine-derived products.

Sustainable practices

Marqués de Riscal has implemented organic and biodynamic farming practices in select vineyards, reduced the use of chemicals, and promoted biodiversity, while using renewable energy and conserving water.

How Marqués de Riscal’s tourism offer has evolved

Marqués de Riscal’s approach to wine tourism has evolved significantly over the years:

• Traditional beginnings – initially offering basic winery tours and tastings;
• Expansion of tour options – gradually introducing more comprehensive and varied tour packages;
• The City of Wine concept – a major leap forward in 2006, transforming the winery into a fully-fledged tourist destination;
• Embracing technology – incorporating modern presentation techniques and interactive elements into tours;
• Sustainability focus – recent years have seen an increased emphasis on organic wine production and sustainable tourism practices.

What visitors love

Reviews on TripAdvisor consistently highlight several aspects of the Marqués de Riscal experience:

• “Architectural marvel” – the Gehry-designed hotel is often described as a "must-see" attraction, even for those not staying overnight;
• “Comprehensive tours” – visitors praise the informative and well-organised winery tours that cover both the historic and modern aspects of wine production;
• “Wine tasting” – the quality and variety of wines offered during tastings receive high marks, with many noting the opportunity to try premium vintages;
• “Scenic beauty” – the stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and the medieval town of Elciego are frequently mentioned as highlights;
• “Luxury experience” – for those who stay at the hotel or dine at the restaurants, the level of luxury and attention to detail is often commended.

Summary

What makes a visit to Marqués de Riscal special is this rare combination of elements. It’s not just about the wine, the history, the architecture, or the hospitality – it’s about how all these elements come together to create a holistic experience. The winery has managed to blend centuries-old winemaking traditions with cutting-edge architecture and modern luxury, creating a destination that appeals to all senses.
The Frank Gehry-designed hotel serves as a physical manifestation of this blend of old and new. Its striking, futuristic design contrasts beautifully with the rolling vineyards, symbolising the winery’s forward-thinking approach – which is rooted in rich tradition.
Moreover, Marqués de Riscal has positioned itself not just as a winery, but as a complete wine experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in every aspect of wine culture – from the vineyards to the cellars, from tasting rooms to gourmet dining, and even to wine-inspired spa treatments.
In essence, what sets Marqués de Riscal apart is its ability to offer a multifaceted, immersive experience that goes beyond just producing excellent wine. It represents a perfect marriage of history and innovation, tradition and modernity, gastronomy and architecture – all centred around the art of winemaking. This holistic approach to wine culture is why it is currently the world’s best wine experience.

View the World’s Best Vineyards’ Top 50 here.