Bodegas Marqués de Riscal
La Rioja
Bodegas Marqués de Riscal, founded in 1858 by Camilo Hurtado de Amézaga, the 6th Marquess of Riscal, is one of Spain's oldest and most prestigious wineries located in Elciego, La Rioja Alavesa. It introduced French winemaking methods to the region, hiring oenologist Jean Pineau from Bordeaux and experimenting with grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot alongside native Tempranillo. The winery gained international recognition in 1895 as the first non-French producer to receive the Diploma of Honor at the Bordeaux International Wine Exposition. In 2006, the estate expanded into the 'City of Wine,' a complex that includes modern wineries, vineyards, and a leisure area featuring the striking Marqués de Riscal Hotel, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. The hotel’s titanium and sandstone structure symbolizes the colors of wine and the winery's iconic bottle mesh. Marqués de Riscal produces a wide range of wines including Rioja reds, Rueda whites, and sparkling Laurent-Perrier, exporting to over 110 countries. The estate also boasts extensive vineyards across Rioja, Rueda, and Castilla y León, maintaining a legacy of innovation and quality in Spanish winemaking.
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Tip: Visit during spring or early autumn for optimal vineyard views and pleasant weather. Booking tours and tastings in advance is recommended, especially for the City of Wine complex and the Frank Gehry Hotel. Discounts may be available for groups or wine club members. The winery offers guided tours showcasing both traditional and modern winemaking techniques, culminating in tastings of their renowned wines.
Interesting facts
- •Marqués de Riscal was the first non-French winery to receive an Honorific Diploma at the 1895 Bordeaux International Wine Exposition.
- •The winery pioneered innovations such as metal mesh bottle coverings to prevent fraud and horizontal bottle storage in the early 20th century.
- •The Frank Gehry-designed hotel’s titanium roof symbolizes red wine, golden bottle mesh, and silver capsules.
- •The winery exports to over 110 countries and produces more than 7 million bottles annually.
- •Marqués de Riscal holds one of the largest collections of old vintage wines in the world, with over 238,000 bottles stored in the 1920s.
History
The winery was established in 1858 by Camilo Hurtado de Amézaga, who introduced French viticulture techniques to Rioja Alavesa, hiring oenologist Jean Pineau from Bordeaux.
Marqués de Riscal was the first non-French winery to earn an Honorific Diploma at the 1895 Bordeaux International Wine Exposition.
In the 1920s, it pioneered innovations such as metal mesh bottle coverings and horizontal bottle storage.
The 1970s saw diversification into white wines with the establishment of vineyards in Rueda, contributing to the creation of the Rueda designation of origin in 1980.
The 2000s brought the transformation into the City of Wine complex, highlighted by the Frank Gehry-designed hotel opened in 2003.
Place Guide
The Original Cellars1858
These historic cellars in Elciego were where Camilo Hurtado de Amézaga first applied French winemaking techniques in Rioja Alavesa. Visitors can explore traditional barrel rooms and learn about the winery's pioneering methods.
City of Wine Complex2006
Opened in 2006, this modern complex includes state-of-the-art wineries, vineyards, and leisure facilities, representing Marqués de Riscal’s evolution into a wine tourism destination.
Frank Gehry Hotel2003
Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry and inaugurated in 2003 by King Juan Carlos I, this hotel is a landmark of contemporary architecture featuring a titanium and sandstone façade symbolizing wine colors.
Contact
Phone: 945 60 60 00
