Marques de Riscal hotel

Marques de Riscal is the oldest domain in La Rioja, dating back to 1958. The founder of Marques de Riscal was very forward thinking and modeled his vineyards after those in the Bordeaux region of France as well as building cellars which are still in use today. Over the years the wine has become more and more famous, known even outside of Spain. The revolutionary vineyards are now complete since autumn 2006 with the addition of an adjoining hotel. This impressive task was the work of Frank Gehry, a canadian architect and wine enthousiast who also designed the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao. The hotel is extremly modern with stack of quadrilaterl shapes which appear to be put together at random and are built in to the hillside overlooking the charming medieval village of Elciego in the Basque country. Even more stunning are the titanium voutes in pink, silver and golden which resemble the bottom of a gypsy's skirt. The most significant thing about Frank Gehry is how he blended the old with the new, building a contemporary hotel yet keeping some original elements. It takes your breath away to see the huge slabs of sheet iron completely immobile, the building itself hangs over the chai, and small footbridges made out of glass and metal lead to certain rooms and the Caudalie wine spa. Everything in the hotel was conceived for the guest's comfort and to initiate him to the world of wine.

Visits are organized in many languages of the cellars, winery and neighbouring domains. A bit of art history can also be combined with these visits as well as strolls along the cider road (a traditional local production) or to the coast where, Txakoli a delicious white wine is made. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel's library, museum. Shady terrace and of course it's wine bar and star restaurant. The 11 suites in the main building as well as the 43 other rooms are

modern yet welcoming. A dreamlike stay in a beautiful wine region, and surely the most extraordinary wine city which was created especially for wine amateurs.

Agnes Lasceve

From 300-1350 euros, depending on the season and ongoing deals.

Calle Torrea 1 Elciego

For reservations call: 00 34 945 180 888

reservations.marquesderiscal@luxurycollection.com

www.luxurycollection.com/marquesderiscal