Bodegas Faustino Wins Global Wine Tourism Prize for Energy-Positive Architecture in Rioja

Bodegas Faustino, a winery located in Oyón, in the heart of Spain’s Rioja Alavesa region, has been awarded the Best Of Wine Tourism International 2026 prize by the Great Wine Capitals Global Network. This annual award recognizes excellence and innovation in global wine tourism. The international jury selected Bodegas Faustino as the top project in the Architecture, Parks and Gardens category, highlighting its integration of architecture, nature, and sustainability.

The winning project, known as Legado Bodegas Faustino, was developed in collaboration with Foster & Partners, a renowned architectural firm. The centerpiece of the project is the Planeta 1.0 building, which stands out for its energy efficiency and environmental design. The structure is classified as “energy plus,” meaning it generates more energy than it consumes. Surplus energy is shared with other facilities on the property, allowing the entire winery to achieve energy self-sufficiency. The building’s green roof helps absorb carbon emissions, further demonstrating the winery’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Bodegas Faustino has designed its visitor experience to be accessible and comprehensive. Guests can participate in guided tours, vertical tastings, sensory challenges known as “duels of noses,” and concerts set among the vineyards. The on-site wine bar is open daily and does not require reservations, offering a relaxed environment for visitors to enjoy wines from the estate. The culinary program, created with Mahercooks, features dishes selected to pair with Faustino wines, aiming to provide a complete sensory experience.

The Best Of Wine Tourism International award is contested by regional winners from major wine capitals around the world. This year’s competition included destinations such as Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Cape Town. The recognition places Bodegas Faustino among leading examples of sustainable wine tourism worldwide and reflects the vision of the Martínez Zabala family, who have managed the winery for over 160 years.

Following this achievement, Bodegas Faustino is also eligible for the People’s Choice Award. This public vote will determine the favorite wine tourism experience among winners from twelve global wine capitals. Voting will open at the end of November on the Great Wine Capitals Global Network website.

Bodegas Faustino exports to more than 140 countries and remains one of the most recognized family-owned wineries internationally. The company continues to focus on quality winemaking, honest sustainability practices, and growth while maintaining its heritage and values.