Must-see Modern Wineries
Marqués de Riscal, Elciego
Architect: Frank Gehry. The first of the rush of high-architecture wineries, Gehry’s creation is a knot of Titanium ribbons that reflect both the landscape and the wine. Not to be missed. www.marquesderiscal.com C/Torrea 1, Elciego, 5 mins from Laguardia, 945 18 08 88,
Bodegas Muga, Haro
Bodegas Muga was founded in 1932 and is today a fine representative of both classic and new wave Riojan wines. It is located in the wine district in Haro and it is still today a family company managed by the third generation of Mugas. The facilities are two centuries old, built mainly of stone and oak. In fact, oak is paramount in the winery. There are 200 large oak deposits as well as 14,000 barrels in production. As such, Muga distinguishes itself by the the use of wood throughout the whole production process. As opposed to the generally used temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Barrio de la Estación s/n 26200 Haro, L 941 31 18 25 www.bodegasmuga.com
Ysios, Laguardia
Architect: Santiago Calatrava
Undulating winery that reflects the landscape, with steel, wood and water features. Serious wines to drink with food.
Camino de La Hoya s/n, Laguardia, 945 60 06 40, www.bodegasysios.com, free visit
Baigorri, Samaniego
Boutique winery in the shape of a glass cube on a hill top, cellars plunged deep underground to allow for grape pressing by gravitation. Result is velvety, berry rich reds. www.bodegasbaigorri.com free visit. Ctra. Logroño km 5.3, Samaniego, 10 mins from Laguardia, 945 60 94 20
Viña Real CVNE , Laguardia
Sexy winery designed to look like a barrel. Good mainstream reds for day-to-day drinking and special occasion, high quality wines that age incredibly well
(Ctra. Logroño km 4.8, , 945 62 52 55, www.cvne.com, free visit)