Standing against a giant, fluorescent mauve swirl of a winery, I’m struck by the contrast of the imposing man-made structure against the ruggedness of Rioja, Spain’s wine heartland. Giant titanium, lavender ribbons unfurl, shimmering against the lush greenery. Nature's artistry reigns supreme in the rolling hills behind, but the structure is a complete departure from its undulating gentleness, making a bold and bizarre statement on its own.
I’m standing in front of Marqués de Riscal, a winery famed for its exaggerated architectural design. This stop is the highlight of the trip we three friends took through Rioja. After all, it isn’t every day that one chances upon such a flamboyant take on design, that too, for a winery!
Since present-day travellers seek places that engage every sense, winery designs have begun to play a big role in drawing those who seek that multi-sensory stimulation. Wineries have increasingly become creative crucibles for art. They are built into hillsides to preserve the natural topography. There is a natural progression towards art and sculpture, too, as these vast spaces enable creative expression, thereby inspiring architects to leverage their imagination.
Wineries to Add to Your Travel List
Here are six wineries that are worth a visit:
Marqués de Riscal, Spain
This almost outlandish design by Frank Gehry is inspired by a modern château as an ode to the untamed spirit of La Rioja. On the same lines as his famed Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, this design best captures his fluid and unhindered style. The winery and hotel building is a remarkable example of unconventionality. It’s only fitting because the wines are a frontrunner in their style, being ahead of their times and inspired by the French Bordeaux style of winemaking, long before Rioja became known globally.
What is truly special about this structure is not just the luxury hotel, the wine cellars or the restaurant; its Spa Vinothérapie Caudalie has unique vinotherapy treatments for skin treatments.
Antinori nel Chianti Classico, Italy
The Antinori family has been making wine for 700 years now; their celebrated modern wine, Tignanello, an elegant super Tuscan created way back in 1971, is most revered. The winery converges that time-tested legacy with a modern outlook. Terracotta hued, the winery is akin to a museum of modern art. At first, it is a winery with two folds emerging out of the ground. Upon entering, you ascend a spiral staircase from where you can see many acres of vineyards. Designed by the acclaimed firm Archea Associati, this is truly a sculptural masterpiece.
Château La Coste, France
This sprawling, living, breathing gallery is a mecca for wine and art lovers. The estate spans 500 acres, dotted with vineyards, rolling hills, art installations, a musical performance arena, and contemporary structures. This Provençal winery is more of a fluid, indoor–outdoor art experience.
The property hosts works of some of the world’s most iconic architects like Tadao Ando, Jean Nouvel, Frank Gehry, Oscar Niemeyer, Renzo Piano, and Richard Rogers. It also doubles up as a gallery that exhibits temporary art exhibitions. Walk around mesmerised gazing at thoughtful installations, vineyards, babbling brooks, and a giant spider statue, among other things.
Vik Winery, Chile
Set atop the verdant hills of the Millahue Valley, Vik in Chile commands sweeping views of the Andes Mountain Range. It was conceived by Norwegian-Uruguayan entrepreneur Alexander Vik and designed by Chilean architect Smiljan Radić.
The winery is a sculptural landmark. Sustainability meets serious luxury at this futuristic wine destination, where the fermentation room is vast and punctuated by stainless-steel tanks arranged geometrically. The underground barrel room is carved into the hillside.
Mission Hill Winery, Canada
This family estate overlooking the picturesque Okanagan Lake boasts stunning architecture reminiscent of European estates. Old World charm meets modern elegance here. Clean lines, raw austerity, and wide-open courtyards give the estate a serene, almost spiritual quality. Mission Hill’s most recognisable feature is its soaring 60-metre bell tower, which acts as a visual compass. The open-air amphitheatre has sculpted seating, and hosts concerts backdropped by shimmering lakes and rolling vineyards.
Bodegas Ysios, Spain
Another one from Rioja, Bodegas Ysios is instantly recognisable for its wave-like silhouette. It appears to ripple across the landscape, echoing the dramatic Cantabria mountain range behind it. The design uses symmetry to draw the eye inward. The building stretches horizontally like a giant, squiggly line on the horizon. So picturesque that this much-photographed winery featured on No. 3 of The World's 50 Best Vineyards 2025.
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