A significant milestone in the history of Bodegas Faustino, winemakers since 1861, was the creation in 1964 of Faustino I with the 1958 vintage. To mark the 60th anniversary of the presence of this iconic wine on the market, the fourth generation of the Martínez Zabala family, owner of the brand, launched a special wine tourism project. Entitled “Legacy of Bodegas Faustino”, it offers an immersive experience directly connected to the Rioja Alavesa vineyards that surround its production facilities. The centrepiece of the project is the visitor pavilion designed by Foster + Partners.
The pavilion has a surface area of approximately 1,600 sqm spread across a basement, ground floor and mezzanine. The main volume of the ground floor is composed of larch wood laminate porticoes that form anti-funicular arches and braces. These support a roof clad with Oregon pine cylindrical grids and photovoltaic glass on the south side. The surplus energy produced is diverted to the existing winery facilities.
An outstanding feature of the building is the vertical communications core, which comprises a steel and stone spiral staircase and a circular lift, both flanked by oak wood curved claddings. The floors are made of limestone, except on the mezzanine, which has a floating solid oak floor. A linear skylight extends along the top of the building, bringing light to the ground floor and mezzanine where its intensity is controlled by movable metal slats.
In the exterior spaces, the paving is made of mass-coloured beige concrete with a bush-hammered finish. Large stone benches along the east and west facades serve as planters as well as framing the main entrances to the building. The project also includes footpaths, a parking area shaded by pergolas, a security lodge, and the general landscaping of the site.
