Hotel Marques de Riscal: A Photographer’s Paradise
In Rioja, you will never be at a loss for discovering amazing scenery, superb food and wine, and Hotel Marqués de Riscal takes the prize for most picturesque in my book. If you love a great winery landscape and the visual orchestration of a perfect plate, you’ll adore this Frank Gehry-designed hotel and its haute-cuisine restaurant. The hotel opened its doors in 2006 and continues to amaze guests in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa region in Spain. Chef Francis Paniego runs the restaurant which continues to experience an ongoing culinary evolution and innovation.
What I find most fascinating is how the architect Frank Gehry takes a simple scribble on a napkin and transitions it into a magnificent piece of art work. The building is a series of rectilinear elements which are clad in sandstone with sweeping panels of pink and gold titanium with a stainless steel mirror finish.
Photo credit: arch3611s10aalexandra.blogspot.com
The plaza leads to a bar and reception area. A vineyard takes center stage for the outdoor terrace.
A beautiful view of the vineyards of Vinos Herederos del Marques de Riscal:
The winery of Vinos Herederos del Marques de Riscal is located in Elciego. It happens to be one of the oldest wineries in the Rioja region of Spain.
Francis Paniego is a member of a small group of chefs who made Spain a mecca for gastronomy. In 2005, Chef Paniego took over the supervision of the kitchen at Marqués de Riscal. His new cuisine style inspires young chefs to take it to new forms of expression. In 2011, he opend a tapas bar in Logroño city center, called Tondeluna.
Chef Francis Paniego. Photo credit: lavender-honey.com
A molecular gastronomy treat!
As far as destinations go, you’ll want to make sure you put Marqués de Riscal on your bucket list. By far, it will be one of the most memorable destinations you will ever experience. A warm thank you goes out to Marqués de Riscal for their amazing hospitality and to Vibrant Rioja for organizing such a wonderful trip.
And if you need more reasons to visit Spain, check out these posts:
These are stunning pictures! I am looking forward to visiting some day. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed the post Quinn! Now go and pack a suitcase ;)