When Architecture Meets Wine

Here are three prestigious tourist projects that illustrate this perfect symbiosis: Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Spain, Château La Coste in Provence, and Port Marseillan on the banks of the Thau lagoon in the South of France.

• Hotel Marqués de Riscal : he harmony between architecture and wine thanks to two masters of architecture and design, Frank O. Gehry and Lázaro Rosa Violán, as well as the Marriott group, hotel operator under the brand The Luxury Collection. Located in the heart of the famous wine region of La Rioja, Hotel Marqués de Riscal is a masterpiece of modern architecture.
• Château La Coste : The perfect balance between art, architecture, and wine through a sensory journey, pronounced artistic integration, and unusual design by Frank O. Gehry for the Music Pavilion, Tadao Ando for the Visitor Center, and Jean Nouvel for the winery.
• Port Marseillan : Architecture, wine, biodiversity, and a paradisiacal lagoon all crowned through the visions of Joan Balagué, Mar Reventos, and Lázaro Rosa Violán. Here is an enchanting trio, subtly and discreetly nestled in the most prestigious and elegant setting of Occitanie, the secret Mediterranean.

This superb 21st-century castle, designed by internationally renowned architect Frank O. Gehry, is a true masterpiece. Located in the wine town of Marqués de Riscal, in the heart of the La Rioja vineyard, this 5-star hotel is a true sensory adventure. Prepare to enjoy a unique experience with all your senses.

Savor local cuisine and fine wines at 1860 Tradicion or the Marqués de Riscal restaurant, both supervised by starred chef Francis Paniego. Soak up the benefits of grapes at the Vinothérapie SPA Caudalie Marqués de Riscal. Welcome to the only hotel created by Frank O. Gehry, where each of the 61 unique rooms and suites promises to enchant your experience with exceptional design touches and views of the countryside, the medieval town of Elciego, and more than anything, striking architecture! Staying at the Marqués de Riscal hotel is to immerse yourself in a world where architecture and wine meet to offer an incomparable experience as powerful as a Madiran. This visionary and inspiring place, the result of the two geniuses - Frank Gehry and Lázaro Rosa Violán - invites visitors to explore a new dimension of oenology, where every detail is designed to amaze. Whether enjoying refined dishes, relaxing in a unique spa, or admiring the surrounding landscape from an elegantly decorated room, every moment spent at the Marqués de Riscal hotel promises to be memorable and enriching.

This architect is known and recognized for his bold and innovative designs that redefine the architectural landscape, such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. His unique approach has found particular expression in the world of wine, where architecture meets oenology to create both functional and aesthetically remarkable spaces. One of the most famous examples of the meeting between Frank Gehry's architecture and the wine world is certainly this magical place. This iconic hotel was inaugurated in 2006. Gehry designed a hotel and winery complex with fluid shapes and bold materials like titanium and stainless steel. The eccentric curves and vibrant colors of the building - reflecting the colors of red wine, champagne, and gold - harmonize with the surrounding landscape while reflecting the elegance and complexity of the wines produced on-site.

A trained painter, inveterate traveler, and talented interior architect, he draws his inspiration from around the world. His eclectic style has again allowed him - at Marqués de Riscal - to marry and reinterpret past and present trends. In 2002, he built a portfolio of prestigious clients and gained undeniable media visibility. With more than 200 projects completed around the globe, we can mention, among others, the Amazonico et Zuma, La Paloma in Ibiza, Can Vent in Formentera, Soho House in Barcelona, St Regis in Mallorca, SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante, Raffles in Warsaw, Maison Delano in Miami, Fairmont in Seattle, Six Senses in Lisbon and Andalousia, W in Cairo, Edition in Barcelona, Ritz Carlton in Sevilla, Rosewood in Abu Dhabi, Four Seasons in Mallorca, Shangri-La in Hong Kong, as well as the first Louis Vuitton Hotel in Paris. For the fifth consecutive year, Lázaro is among the 100 best interior architects in the world according to Architectural Digest Collectors.

The Marqués de Riscal hotel is managed by the Marriott hotel group under the “The Luxury Collection” brand. It is one of the most prestigious and renowned luxury hotel portfolios in the world. Its members benefit from greater visibility than independent hotels, especially worldwide through the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. The brand attributes favor local relevance and excellence in luxury products and services, without focusing strictly on compliance. Some travel to break away from routine or to reward themselves for hard work. Others seek a deeper and more immersive experience, thus becoming travelers and explorers. They set out to discover new cultures, connect with different people, explore other worlds, and let themselves be transformed by these experiences. The unique and indigenous properties of The Luxury Collection awaken curiosity and encourage off-the-beaten-path exploration. Luxury consumers are increasingly drawn to transformative experiences. Luxury travel is now defined by the experience of time, space, authenticity, community, and individuality. The demand for connection with people and culture, as well as the desire for authentic and unique accommodations, continues to grow. Each hotel signed The Luxury Collection tells a unique story, that of its distinctive destination, its exquisite local charm, its local culture, and here, a vineyard, naturally.

Château La Coste, located in Provence, is much more than a simple winery. It is a place where art, architecture, and wine come together to offer a truly immersive experience. This 200-hectare estate houses a collection of contemporary art and architectural structures designed by renowned artists and architects.

Dive into a unique sensory adventure in the heart of the hills and vineyards of Château La Coste. Located a few minutes from Aix-en-Provence, this winery invites you to discover more than 40 contemporary art pieces during a 2 to 3-hour walk. The artistic installations, scattered on the vineyard's slopes, offer an immersive experience where art meets nature, making it a true celebration of the integration of art into a natural landscape. True to the custom philosophy that drives the vineyard, each invited artist creates a piece specially designed to harmoniously integrate into the estate. Today, the Château La Coste collection includes more than forty works, ranging from monumental sculptures to architectural installations. This walk is much more than a simple visit: it is a meditative pause that questions our relationship with nature and our environment.

Château La Coste is an exceptional example of how contemporary architecture, wine, and art can harmonize to create a unique and immersive destination. In 2004, Paddy McKillen, the estate's owner, initiated an ambitious project to transform this space into a place where wine, art, and architecture meet. This visionary project invited world-renowned architects and artists to offer visitors a rich and multifaceted experience:

• Tadao Ando : The Japanese architect designed the estate's art and winemaking center. With his clean lines and minimalist approach, Ando created a serene space that enhances the surrounding landscape while offering an ideal setting for wine tasting.
• Jean Nouvel : The French architect created a spectacular winery, integrating modern winemaking technologies into a contemporary and functional design.
• Frank Gehry : Known for his bold sculptural forms, Gehry designed a pavilion that serves both as a focal point and a contemplative space, harmoniously integrating into the estate's natural setting.

Château La Coste houses an impressive collection of contemporary art, scattered throughout its vineyards. Visitors can discover sculptures and installations created by renowned artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Tracey Emin, and Richard Serra.

At the heart of Château La Coste's experience, wine remains a priority. The estate's organic vineyards produce high-quality wines that are environmentally friendly. Visitors can taste a wide range of wines, from robust reds to delicate rosés, while enjoying guided tours of the winemaking facilities and cellars. Every aspect of the estate, from the buildings to the artworks and wines, is designed to inspire and delight visitors. This harmonious integration of disciplines makes Château La Coste an essential place for wine, art, and architecture lovers.

The sophistication of an architecture fully integrated into its environment, combined with coastal charm, has given birth to Europe's first waterfront wine resort. It is also through the love of stone and wine that Port Marseillan stands out from all other real estate projects. It indeed offers residences with panoramic views and exceptional comfort, all nestled in an enchanting natural setting. Discover how the expertise of Joan Balagué, Mar Reventos, and Lázaro Rosa Violán have sublimated this place of life, subtly combining architecture, wine, and nature.

The emphasis on preserving biodiversity and the natural environment distinguishes this luxury real estate project. The architectural design focuses on harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape, respecting the environment and local traditions. It is a great success in terms of ecology and aesthetics. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views while immersing themselves in the surrounding natural beauty.

Joan Balagué, an architect renowned for his passion for innovation and precision, and Mar Reventos, an exceptional visionary, have both contributed to the realization of this unique real estate project. Their complementary approach combines modernity and tradition to create an architecture that blends perfectly into its natural environment. Joan Balagué brings his expertise in contemporary design and environmental integration, while Mar Reventos focuses on authenticity and respect for local heritage. Together, they have created an exceptional and sustainable living space, offering residents a privileged lifestyle. Their commitment to excellence and sustainability is reflected in every detail of this project, from the materials used to the interior design.

Recognized as one of the best interior designers, Lázaro Rosa Violán has again been able to reinterpret past and present trends to create a unique and refined atmosphere. His eclectic style, which draws inspiration from around the world, adds an essential touch of elegance and sophistication to Port Marseillan. Each space is meticulously designed to offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere while highlighting the architectural beauty of the place. With more than 200 projects completed worldwide, his expertise and talent have allowed Port Marseillan to stand out as a reference in terms of luxury real estate. Residents can enjoy tastefully decorated interiors, where every detail has been thought out to provide maximum comfort and aesthetics.

Residents and visitors of Port Marseillan can enjoy a variety of wine-related activities. The resort offers a Wine Academy where guests can take tasting courses and learn about oenology. Private tastings and vineyard tours are also organized, providing a complete immersion in the local wine culture. The resort's cuisine showcases regional products, offering dishes that celebrate Mediterranean flavors.

Living at Port Marseillan means benefiting from a lifestyle focused on well-being and harmony with nature. Residents can take advantage of various activities offered by the estate, such as wine tastings, boat trips on the Thau lagoon, or simply relaxing in the lush gardens. Every aspect of life at Port Marseillan is designed to offer a unique and enriching experience, where architecture, wine, and nature blend harmoniously. Whether enjoying panoramic views, savoring a glass of local wine, or exploring the surrounding natural beauty, every moment spent at Port Marseillan promises to be memorable and inspiring. This exceptional place offers an unparalleled living environment, where the art of living and the passion for wine are celebrated every day.

These three examples perfectly illustrate how architecture and wine can come together to create unforgettable experiences. Whether through the architectural boldness of Hotel Marqués de Riscal, the artistic harmony of Château La Coste, or the harmonious integration with the Mediterranean nature of Port Marseillan, each project demonstrates the powerful impact this fusion can have on wine tourism. These destinations are not just places to stay but works of art in their own right, offering visitors a unique experience where every detail is designed to awaken the senses and enrich the spirit.