Bodegas Ysios, Modern winery in Laguardia, Spain
Bodegas Ysios is a modern winery in Laguardia that extends 196 meters with two parallel concrete walls featuring an undulating form reflecting the Sierra de Cantabria mountains. Visitors reach the building by crossing a granite bridge over reflection pools, revealing spaces designed for the complete wine production cycle from grape to bottle.
Architect Santiago Calatrava completed this forward-thinking production facility in 2001, establishing a new direction in Spanish winery architecture. The project transformed how contemporary wine production spaces were designed in the Rioja Alavesa region.
The building merges industrial purpose with artistic expression through aluminum roof panels and cedar wood facades that echo traditional wine barrel construction. Visitors notice how this material combination grounds the structure in its landscape while serving contemporary production needs.
Wear comfortable shoes as exploring the grounds and interior involves significant walking. Guided tours are available and explain the wine production process thoroughly, so check beforehand which languages are offered and how long the experience takes.
The wavelike roof creates shifting light patterns throughout the day while maintaining optimal storage conditions for wine in the Rioja Alavesa region. This constantly changing light effect results from a carefully engineered design that balances aesthetic vision with functional requirements.
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