The landscape of Rioja is as emblematic as its wines. The vineyards that embrace the curves of the Ebro River, the mountain ranges that sketch the horizon, and the architecture that emerges from the earth as a natural extension of the terroir—all of this creates a visual spectacle that intensifies the sensory experience of the wine. Discovering these privileged viewpoints means delving into the very heart of Rioja’s wine culture.
The Ebro Valley: A Natural Amphitheater for Wine
Bodegas Valdelana: The River as Protagonist
From Bodegas Valdelana‘s viewpoint, the Ebro River majestically winds through a mosaic of vineyards. This privileged vista offers a complete reading of the Riojan landscape: the nurturing water, the welcoming land, and the illuminating sky. Here, visitors can visually understand how the river has shaped not only the landscape for centuries but also the character of the region’s wines.
Photo: Bodegas Valdelana.
Between Mountain Ranges: The Perfect Refuge for Vines
Finca La Emperatriz: Two Horizons, One Destination
The strategic location of Finca La Emperatriz offers a unique view where two worlds converge: the Sierra de Cantabria to the north and the Sierra de la Demanda to the south. This historic Rioja estate, Best of Wine Tourism 2025 Award, belonged to one of the most influential and exciting personalities of the 19th century: Eugénie de Montijo, the last Empress of France.
This natural viewpoint presents a geological amphitheater where vines find their most authentic expression. The winery, aware of this privilege, has designed beautiful housing and tasting spaces oriented toward this double horizon, allowing each sip of wine to dialogue with the landscape that inspired it.
Photo: Finca La Emperatriz.
Eguren Ugarte: The White and Green of Sierra Cantabria
The panoramic view from the front of Eguren Ugarte presents one of Rioja’s most emblematic vistas: vineyards stretching toward the majestic Sierra de Cantabria. Very occasionally in winter, this landscape transforms into a poetic contrast between the white snow crowning the mountains and the vineyards. This magical landscape, visible from the winery’s terrace, is precisely what gives their wines that balance between freshness and maturity.
Photo: Eguren Ugarte and Tom Perry.
Elevated History: Heritage and Wine
El Rincón de los Galos: A View Toward the Past
From the El Rincón de los Galos (The Gauls’ Corner) vineyard, the silhouette of the Castle of San Vicente de la Sonsierra emerges as a silent witness to centuries of winemaking tradition. This panorama, captured during a recent visit to Bodegas Sonsierra‘s singular vineyards, shows the perfect symbiosis between historical heritage and viticulture. The medieval castle, watching over the sea of vineyards, reminds us that in Rioja, each glass of wine contains layers of history as complex as its aromas.
Photo: Tom Perry.
Architecture that Dialogues with the Landscape
Bodegas Baigorri: The Gaze Toward the South
The genius of Bodegas Baigorri lies in its discretion. Its architecture, mostly underground, subtly emerges to offer one of the most impressive views toward southern Rioja from its viewpoint. This minimalist design ensures that nothing competes with the landscape’s prominence. From the glass-enclosed interior, visitors can observe how the terroir before them translates directly into the wine they taste, in an experience of total immersion.
Photo: Bodegas Baigorri.
Marqués de Riscal: The Village and the Avant-garde
The iconic titanium structure designed by Frank Gehry for Marqués de Riscal not only revolutionized worldwide enological architecture but also created a fascinating dialogue with the traditional village of Elciego. From its elevated terraces, visitors enjoy a panorama where the centuries-old and the avant-garde coexist in perfect harmony, reflecting the philosophy of a winery that honors its roots while looking toward the future.
Photos: Marqués de Riscal.
Visiting these privileged balconies of Rioja means understanding that each glass contains not only a product of the earth but also of the landscape that cradled it. The next time you enjoy a Rioja, remember that it also holds the light of sunset over Sierra Cantabria, the majesty of the winding Ebro, or the silhouette of a medieval castle—all images that, like tannins or fruity notes, form an inseparable part of its character.
Text by Liz Aldayturriaga
Featured photo: Bodegas Baigorri
Learn more about Bilbao-Rioja Great Wine Capitals