The metal-and-glass ribbon structure of this Frank Gehry−designed hotel—not too far from Bilbao—creates an ethereal silhouette that contrasts dramatically with Elciego’s medieval landscape. Opt for a guided tour to learn more about the history of winemaking in the Basque countryside.
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Frank Gehry for Wine, El Ciego
The Marqués de Riscal Winery is another Frank Gehry masterpiece. In the middle of a 19th century Rioja vineyard landscape, the hotel is truly anachronistic, like a spaceship dropped in from the future and opened its doors to visitors looking for the best of the future and the past in one setting. Travel reviews rave about service and the sense of peace at this hotel. It almost appears to be a shape-shifting structure, its ribbons of sheathing changing color as the sun moves through the sky. Marqués de Riscal, internationally acclaimed winery, created this Wine City (Ciudad del Vino) to disseminate wine culture and education. Wine tours and tastings are a possible, or better yet, an afternoon bathing in wine, at the Vinotherapy Spa.
