Ysios Winery
An architectural marvel by Santiago Calatrava, Ysios Winery offers exquisite Rioja wines amidst stunning vineyard landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Ysios Winery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An architectural marvel by Santiago Calatrava, Ysios Winery offers exquisite Rioja wines amidst stunning vineyard landscapes.
"The most beautiful winery in Spain, a must-see for architecture and wine lovers!"
🎯 Book Ahead for Tours
Secure your spot for tours and tastings to avoid disappointment.
📸 Capture the Architecture
Allow extra time to photograph the stunning Calatrava-designed building and its surroundings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Santiago Calatrava's Architectural Marvel
The entire winery exterior and interior
A breathtaking, wave-like structure that blends seamlessly with the Sierra de Cantabria mountains.
+1Vineyard Views and Wine Tasting
Tasting room and cellar
Savor exquisite Rioja wines amidst stunning vineyard vistas and within a grand cellar.
Cellar Exploration
Underground cellars
Discover the winemaking process and history in the impressive, atmospheric barrel rooms.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Architecture
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Tours
Secure your spot for tours and tastings to avoid disappointment.
📸 Capture the Architecture
Allow extra time to photograph the stunning Calatrava-designed building and its surroundings.
🍷 Ask About Vegan Options
They are accommodating for vegan preferences during tastings. :wine_glass:
🗣️ Engage with Guides
Guides are passionate and knowledgeable, enhancing the experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Tours
Secure your spot for tours and tastings to avoid disappointment.
📸 Capture the Architecture
Allow extra time to photograph the stunning Calatrava-designed building and its surroundings.
🍷 Ask About Vegan Options
They are accommodating for vegan preferences during tastings. :wine_glass:
🗣️ Engage with Guides
Guides are passionate and knowledgeable, enhancing the experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the winery and vineyards. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Ysios Winery, highlighting its breathtaking architecture by Santiago Calatrava and the exceptional quality of its Rioja wines. The personalized tours and tastings, led by passionate guides, are frequently praised for providing deep insights into winemaking and the region's history. It's considered a must-visit for its unique blend of art, wine, and stunning natural beauty.
"Such an incredible winery - I assumed because of the breathtaking architecture, it would be a major producer, but that is not that case. It’s very boutique, the staff are so personable and the history and techniques behind their product is unique. A must see if you’re in the region - hopefully you’ll be lucky enough to have Sylvia as your guide, like we were. Thank you Sylvia! Nick and Georgia from Australia."
Georgia Simpson
"I love this winery. I don’t really enjoy wine but I loved touring the winery and learning about the whole process. Our tour guide was so friendly and informative. I really appreciate the wine making process after this tour. My friend is a vegan, and they were helpful to provide vegan options (for the options provided with the wine tasting). The winery is so beautiful and I want to visit again."
Jessica (Jess)
"We have had many amazing experiences across our 3 weeks in Spain. Visiting Ysios today was one of them. We arrived by chance later in the afternoon. The staff were very welcoming and offered us a tasting flight even though it was close to their closing time. Sampling the Ysios wines inside the vast cellar was an experience not to be missed. Even without a booked tour the staff was offered casual information on the winery building and the wines. The architecture with the vineyards and the mountain backdrop is spectacular. We would like to take the full tour one day. Highly recommend a visit here."
Jason Orr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ysios Winery is located in Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa. From Bilbao, the most convenient way to reach it is by car, taking approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Bilbao to Logroño and then a taxi or local bus to Laguardia. Some tour operators from Bilbao also offer day trips that include Ysios Winery.
While direct public transport to the winery is limited, you can reach the nearby town of Laguardia by bus from major cities like Logroño or Vitoria-Gasteiz. From Laguardia, a taxi or a pre-arranged transfer would be necessary to get to Ysios Winery.
Yes, many wine tour operators in the Basque Country and Rioja region offer guided tours that include Ysios Winery. This is a great option if you prefer not to drive and want to learn more about the region and its wines.
For visiting multiple wineries like Ysios and others in the Rioja Alavesa region, renting a car offers the most flexibility. If you prefer not to drive, consider booking a private driver or a small group tour that handles transportation between locations.
Yes, Ysios Winery provides parking facilities for visitors arriving by car. This makes it convenient for those who choose to drive themselves to the winery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your tour and tasting at Ysios Winery in advance, especially during peak season or weekends. This ensures you secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Ysios Winery website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on tour times and availability.
Pricing for tours and tastings can vary depending on the package chosen. Typically, you can expect a range of options from basic tours to more in-depth experiences with multiple wine tastings. Check their website for current pricing.
Ysios Winery generally offers guided tours that cover the architecture, winemaking process, and cellar, often concluding with a wine tasting. Some packages might offer more extensive tastings or food pairings.
While it's possible to visit the grounds and potentially enjoy a tasting without a full tour, booking a tour is the best way to experience the winery fully, including its history and architecture. Some visitors have been accommodated for tastings even without a prior booking if arriving close to closing.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged at Ysios Winery, especially to capture its iconic architecture and the surrounding vineyard landscapes.
The exterior of the winery, with its undulating roofline against the mountains, is a prime photo spot. Inside, the cellar and tasting areas also offer unique photographic opportunities.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's advisable to check with the winery directly before flying a drone on their property to ensure compliance with any local rules or winery policies.
For commercial photography or filming, you will likely need to obtain prior permission from Ysios Winery. Personal photography for social media is generally welcomed.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for photographing the winery and vineyards. Midday light can be harsh, but still effective for capturing the architectural details.
🍽️ 🍷 Wine & Dining
Ysios Winery specializes in producing high-quality wines from the Rioja Alavesa region, primarily Tempranillo-based red wines, known for their elegance and expression of the terroir.
Absolutely! Wine tasting is a core part of the experience at Ysios Winery, allowing you to sample their acclaimed wines, often paired with insights from your guide.
While Ysios Winery focuses on wine production and tours, they may offer light snacks or pairings with their tastings. For full meals, the nearby town of Laguardia offers a variety of excellent restaurants.
Yes, Ysios Winery is known to be accommodating and can provide vegan options for their wine tastings, ensuring all visitors can enjoy the experience.
Ysios wines are highly regarded, with the winery recognized among the best in the world. They are praised for their pure expression of grape varieties and the quality derived from both old and young vines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1For the adults, the wine tasting experience is a highlight. If you have older children, they might find the history and process of winemaking interesting. It's advisable to check with the winery beforehand about their policies regarding children on tours and tastings to ensure a smooth visit for everyone.
🥂 Wine Enthusiasts & Connoisseurs
The guided tours offer deep insights into the winemaking process, from vineyard management to barrel aging, led by knowledgeable and passionate guides. The tasting sessions allow you to savor these award-winning wines in a spectacular setting, often accompanied by explanations that enhance your appreciation. Many consider Ysios to be among the best wineries in the world, making it a pilgrimage site for connoisseurs.
📸 Architecture & Design Aficionados
+1Allow ample time to explore the exterior from various angles and to appreciate the interior spaces. The winery itself becomes a work of art, offering a unique backdrop for photography. Many visitors are struck by how the architecture enhances the overall sensory experience, making the wine tasting feel even more special.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Vision of Santiago Calatrava
+1The wave-like roof, clad in aluminum and cedar wood, creates a dramatic visual effect that changes with the light and perspective. This avant-garde design is not merely aesthetic; it's functional, with the building's layout carefully planned to facilitate the winemaking process. Visitors often describe the experience of approaching and entering the winery as stepping into a dream sculpted by vine and vision.
The architectural brilliance of Ysios has garnered international recognition, including being named one of the best wineries in the world. It stands as a testament to how art, architecture, and viticulture can converge to create an unforgettable visitor experience.
+2Experiencing a Ysios Winery Tour and Tasting
The tour often culminates in the cellar, where you can see the barrels and learn about the aging process. Following the tour, guests can enjoy a tasting of Ysios' acclaimed wines. Reviewers frequently praise the guides for their passion, knowledge, and ability to make the experience both comprehensive and engaging. Many visitors, even those who don't typically enjoy wine, find themselves appreciating the winemaking process after a tour here.
Special attention is given to the quality of the wine itself. Ysios is known for producing wines that express the pure character of each grape variety, benefiting from the region's excellent terroir and, in some cases, vines over 100 years old. The tasting experience is often highlighted as a memorable part of the visit, with staff being welcoming and informative.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit