Winners of the regional and world awards Best of Wine Tourism 2023

Last May, we decided to take the plunge and enter the running for the Best Of Wine Tourism 2023 awards, presented by the Great Wine Capitals global network.

Since 1999, this network has served to honor hard work and dedication in the world’s wine-growing regions with the goal of promoting wine tourism as well as commercial and cultural exchange. The contest recognizes wineries, accommodations, experiences, restaurants… Participants include major wine capitals like Adelaide, La Rioja, Porto, Cape Town…

We knew right away there were a million reasons to throw our hat into the ring. Our boutique hotel in Briones represents a lifetime of work translated into a love for La Rioja and the wine culture it lives and breathes. La Rioja and Briones can win anyone over with our key to happiness rooted in simplicity, the people, good food, and our characteristic authenticity… 

Each and every nook of the hotel has been refinished with the respect and excellent quality standards demanded by the 16th-century manor house that once stood in its place. Spacious rooms, majestic views of the Ebro River or the Cantabrian Mountains, culinary experiences at El Calado (cellar) and Allegar… Santa María Briones is a revitalization project. A declaration of love for this land and this place.

We’re also convinced that wine tourism is an economic and social development tool. It helps us move forward without compromising who we are. It combines the past, present, and future and spurs us on to build up our prosperity without renouncing our identity, our land, or our way of life. 

It’s in the very DNA of the experience we offer to our guests: hosting lectures in our salons, organizing wine tastings, managing winery bookings… But it’s also part of our commitment to cultivating the industry, teaming up with numerous wineries in the Haro and Briones regions and throughout La Rioja.

With all that in mind, we thought it would be the right time to enter this prestigious annual competition held by an organization with such an inspiring mission. 

And the day has finally arrived.

On October 27th, we received the wonderful news that we were a 2023 Regional Winner in the Accommodation category. This award is one of the most meaningful returns we’ve received for all the work and effort we’ve put in, starting back when this project was nothing more than a dream. It’s also a sign to our entire team and us that we’re on the right path.

Moreover, thanks to this award, we have been able to go a step further and to take part in the next phase of the worldwide contest, in which we have also been awarded.

From all of us at Santa María Briones, thank you to Great Wine Capitals for recognizing our work and dedication to this land. And most of all, thank you to our team and to all the people who make our daily life, our today, and our future possible.

For all this and so much more, a million thanks.