Located in the town of Samaniego in the province of Álava, Bodegas Baigorri is the result of a long development process between the project’s initiators and architect Iñaki Aspiazu Iza, which began in 1997 and was completed in 2002.

From the outset, the project aimed for the highest product quality by returning to traditional methods. Gravity plays a central role, avoiding pumps, hoses, and other machinery that could damage the grapes. The focus is on functional, sustainable architecture and a clear, practical approach.

A glass cube, harmoniously embedded in the landscape of Rioja Alavesa, rises in the middle of this emblematic scenery. The winery’s entire infrastructure lies underground—spanning seven subterranean levels.

Wine Tourism

Built in 2002, the structure was designed to integrate completely into its environment. The goal was a practical design tailored exclusively to winemaking requirements. Since the project’s inception, sustainability, transparency, and the blend of tradition and innovation have been core values.

The winery is an architectural landmark covering 14,000 m² across seven underground levels, supporting the entire winemaking process. Despite its size, it produces only about 500,000 bottles annually—prioritizing top quality.

From the beginning, the winery has been equipped to offer a complete visitor experience year-round, even during harvest. Since opening to the public in 2003, Bodegas Baigorri welcomes over 20,000 visitors annually for wine experiences, tastings, gourmet menus, and guided tours through the cellar and vineyards.

In addition to an on-site shop, there is also an online store for direct consumer sales. The winery also offers seasonal activities tied to the wine cycle—especially during harvest—and a new terrace nestled among the vineyards for events and guests.

Architecture – Space & Experience

A key aim for architect Iñaki Aspiazu was to minimize landscape disruption. The structure was embedded into the existing topography—mostly underground, with the visible part being a glass pavilion, the “Mirador de Cristal,” accessible via a walkway over water.

From here, visitors enjoy spectacular views of the vineyards, the village of Samaniego, and the Sierra de Cantabria mountains. This glass construction marks the visitor entrance and is meant to evoke calm—serving as an introduction to the wine experience.

The Mirador is the winery’s only above-ground structure. The vineyards appear to flow over the building—seamless and integrated. The rear terraces offer additional space to observe the surrounding landscape and vineyard terraces stretching toward the Ebro Valley.

Located in Rioja Alavesa, the smallest subregion of the DOCa Rioja (300 km², 18 towns, over 200 wineries), the area’s microclimate—shaped by the mountains—protects from cold northern winds, promotes dryness, and helps prevent fungal growth through air circulation.

Visitor Experience & Restaurant

The winery’s production areas are open in design, entirely based on gravity-flow technology, allowing full transparency of each production stage. Visitors can experience the winemaking process up close year-round—especially during harvest. An upcoming video will capture the magic of harvest season permanently.

The tour concludes in the winery’s restaurant, which overlooks the barrel cellar and offers a six-course tasting menu that changes monthly. The menu is paired with the winery’s own wines and crafted from local, seasonal ingredients (KM0 concept), with attention to allergies and dietary needs.

The atmosphere is warm, stylish, and relaxed. There’s also a terrace with vineyard views and a new, highly popular experience area at the base of the vines—ideal for brunches, picnics, or private events.