Great Wine Capitals Bilbao-Rioja celebrates the 2026 Best Of Wine Tourism Awards. See the seven winners for excellence in Architecture (Faustino), Innovation (Ramón Bilbao), Sustainability (Palacios Vinos de Finca), and more.
Roots, Architecture and Soul: A Journey through Bilbao and Rioja
Some regions are not only explored through the senses — they are remembered with the soul. Rioja and Bilbao are precisely that. A territory where wine is not only tasted, but also walked, inhaled and contemplated. A perfect balance between grand historic estates, visionary small producers, vineyard-covered hills shaped by centuries of viticulture, and a city that has reinvented itself without losing its identity.
La Casa Cosme Palacio – A Sojourn into Timeless Elegance and Exclusive Hospitality
Located in the heart of Spain’s renowned Bilbao-Rioja region, La Casa Cosme Palacio offers a luxurious retreat for discerning travellers seeking an exceptional wine tourism experience. This distinguished “by invitation only” accommodation seamlessly blends the rich historical heritage of the Cosme Palacio winery—founded in 1894—with contemporary luxury, providing guests with an immersive journey through the region’s storied past.
The Haro Train Station: Six Historic Rioja Wineries Join Forces to Highlight their History and Wines
The Haro Train Station District Association has been recognized with two Best Of Wine Tourism awards from the Great Wine Capitals Global Network: the first in 2015 for Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences and in 2024 for Architecture and Landscapes.
Echapresto Eventos: Taking Michelin-Starred Cuisine Direct to the Customer
The idea of taking a Michelin-starred restaurant’s cuisine to customers earned Echapresto Eventos a 2023 Best Of Wine Tourism award for Wine Tourism Services from the Great Wine Capitals Global Network.
The Santa María Briones Hotel: Better than a Home Away from Home
The Santa María Briones Hotel is a dream come true for owner Javier Ruiz and his family. Ruiz, a native of Logroño, emigrated to the United States many years ago where he made a living selling ships.
Marqués de Murrieta: Traditional Rioja Winery with Modern Sophistication
Global winner in Best of Wine Tourism’s Architecture & Landscape category, the story of Marqués de Murrieta, the tireless pursuit of perfection, is a tale of family, history, and a passion for wine. Founded in 1852 by Don Luciano Murrieta, the Riojan winery was created with the intention of producing a high-quality wine that would last over time and could be exported outside of Spain. Don Luciano’s dream was realized when his mythical 1852 vintage was sent to countries such as Mexico and Cuba, making it the first Rioja wine to be exported.