Architecture or wine? Wine or architecture? Why not both? There is one place in the world, Rioja Alavesa, where you do not have to choose. Here, the wineries could easily pass for temples, built not only to produce some of the finest wines in the world, but also to captivate visitors with buildings whose almost impossible shapes seem to blend into the surrounding landscape. We have selected four of these wineries, all less than an hour from Vitoria.

The sweeping profile of the Bodegas Ysios building unfolds at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, its undulating silhouette is unmistakable and extends across the landscape with such skill that it seems to blend naturally into its surroundings. This boutique winery is keenly aware of the importance of the setting, the climate, the soils and, of course, the vines. They are nurtured and cared for with great attention. And with good reason: some are more than 100 years old.

Exclusivity is part of its identity and, naturally, this also extends to the experiences offered to visitors who want to explore the winery and discover wines born from respect for tradition, the use of cutting-edge techniques and meticulous attention to detail.

One option is to book a Winecar Exclusive Tour for two or four people, travelling through the Carravacas vineyard and the Los Prados plot before visiting the barrel room and tasting all the winery’s collections, accompanied by a selection of appetisers. Make a note of these names: Ysios Blanco, Finca el Nogal, Grano a Grano and Finca Las Naves.

You can also choose the Fine Wines experience and sample the full range in the Salón Laguardia, a space with truly spectacular views. Iberian appetisers and handmade chocolate truffles complete the experience. Those who prefer to explore at their own pace have two further options: visit the wine bar inside the barrel room, open all year round, or the outdoor terrace, available from spring; or book a private tour exclusively for you and your companions.

You may already be familiar with its vast concrete tanks, covered in enormous murals depicting winery workers and local residents. The artist behind these striking works, and the reason you can now walk among half-million-litre tanks transformed into pieces of art, is Australian painter Guido van Helten. You are in Espacio Medio Millón, the finest example of the industrial architecture that defines Bodegas Solar de Samaniego.

The winery has been tending more than 80 hectares of its own vineyards since 1972, overseeing every stage of the production process, from vine to home. Tempranillo takes centre stage in its wines, alongside smaller amounts of Graciano and Maturana Tinta. Its wine tourism experience offers the chance to learn all about both the wines and the winery’s remarkable architecture.

Called Beber Entre Líneas, it was named Best Wine Tourism Experience by the Spanish Wine Routes in 2020. The visit begins in the renovated outdoor spaces beside the vineyard, designed following an international competition held with the UNESCO Chair in Cultural Landscapes and Heritage. It then continues through other parts of the winery before ending with a wine tasting in Espacio Medio Millón. The experience can also be extended with a gastronomic option in the winery’s private dining rooms.

The Bodegas Baigorri building is striking. And for good reason: a glass structure at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria, overlooking the vineyard with elegance and blending seamlessly into its surroundings. Respect for the landscape is evident not only in its architecture, but also in the way the vineyard is worked. The harvest, for instance, is carried out by hand. After that, the magic of winemaking happens underground, across its seven subterranean levels, where gravity plays a key role in the production process.

Learning about this process at Bodegas Baigorri is possible through its guided tours with a commented tasting, which allow visitors to explore the winery and sample two of its wines accompanied by two pintxos prepared by the chef.

What is more, if you would like to broaden your knowledge and include the vineyard itself, you can walk among the vines and discover, together with one of the winery’s oenologists, where it all begins. During the harvest season, the winery organises experiences that include a visit to the vineyards, a tour inside the winery, a guided tasting of its Premium wines and a tasting menu featuring local produce in a restaurant from which, among other things, you can see the barrel room.

Expert-level wine tourism in Rioja Alavesa comes into its own in summer, when on Saturdays the winery offers a brunch among the vines, combining excellent food with even better wine. The menu includes croquettes with Iberian ham, boletus mushrooms and Cabrales cheese; seasonal gazpacho; extra-crispy grissini wrapped in Iberian ham; baked Italian provolone with peppers and raisin toasts; and salmon ceviche. For dessert, brownie with dulce de leche. To accompany it all, there is Baigorri Rosado, Blanco Fermentado en Barrica or Baigorri Negu.

Fourteen generations of the Valdelana family have shaped the evolution of this winery, whose history can be traced back to 1583. It is an impressive legacy, and one that is explored in detail during visits to the Bodega Museum. As well as seeing underground cellars dating from the 15th century and discovering prehistoric remains from the area, visitors can learn how the family made wine in the 19th century. The experience also includes an immersive Tunnel of the Senses filled with the aromas and colours of wine, followed by a tasting of four wines and an olive oil.

At Valdelana, they are always keen to go one step further. That is why they continually reinvent their wine tourism experiences. One of their greatest assets is the Jardín de las Variedades, a vineyard located one kilometre from the winery, above a meander of the River Ebro. Just imagine the views.

This is where they host their stargazing pairings, which begin with a cocktail at sunset and continue beneath an intensely dark sky as guests search for constellations. The mysteries and legends of the night are accompanied by the winery’s signature wines. It is also the final stop on the Visita Fusión. This experience begins with a tour of the Bodega Museum, continues with a lunch featuring specialities such as Rioja chorizo, Álava-style Spanish omelette and Idiazábal cheese, and ends with the unique views offered by the Jardín de las Variedades. Incidentally, there is also a swing there, one of those that have become a social media favourite in recent years. Make sure you have a go.