La Casa Cosme Palacio – Ultra Luxury & Privacy in the Heart of La Rioja

Housed in a 19th-century winery close to a gorgeous labyrinth-like medieval town, La Casa Cosme Palacio has opened its doors as Spain’s first-ever “invitation-only” hotel. It’s a revolutionary new concept that comes after nearly seven years of renovations which have sensitively preserved the original building. And with five-star service, your own chef, a butler on call to do your bidding around the clock, bespoke itineraries and the private use of around 4,000 m2 of space, you and your party are sure to feel at home in the exclusive residence. TLE recently visited La Casa Cosme Palacio, so read on to discover more about this incredible property.

An innovative philosophy

Unlike a traditional hotel or private property at La Casa Cosme Palacio you will need an invitation to stay here. It’s a pioneering initiative from Entrecanales Domecq e Hijos, one of Spain’s most important wine companies, known for its deep commitment to sustainable practices. And this new venture which started in 2022 is in keeping with one of its experts’ top travel trends for the year; authentic experiences with a local feel, experienced in privacy, exclusivity and comfort.

La Casa Cosme Palacio has also been inspired by Responsible Tourism and Slow Travel, encouraging the traveller to visit fewer destinations for longer, really marinading in the culture and delivering enhanced benefits to the local economy. The property is for exclusive use; a condition “sine qua non” of the reservation, that allows guests to enjoy all its services “on the house” and in privacy. 

In the heart of La Rioja Alavesa

The property is located just a short drive from the fascinating town of Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa, the birthplace of some of the most sought-after Rioja wines. The region has a rich heritage, world-renowned food, beautiful villages and hamlets dating back to the Middle Ages and unique landscapes to be explored. Laguardia itself holds countless architectural gems, such as its tower castle with incredible views and the grand church of Santa María de Los Reyes, as well as being a place to bask in authentic Spanish culture. 

Gonzalo Entrecanales, CEO of Entrecanales Domecq e Hijos, describes the ways in which the property compliments its surroundings: “Our aim is to offer our guests a unique and very exclusive experience that is integrated into the local setting. This project contributes to ensuring that guests get an immersive experience in everything that the Rioja Alavesa and its surroundings have to offer: wine, food, culture and countryside.”  

Bringing the past into the present

Spanning an area of almost 4,000 m2, the property was designed by the architect Gregorio Marañón, with landscape gardener María Medina and interior designer Cristina Arechabala transforming the interiors and grounds for the modern day. Interior design focuses on creating a sense of calm, tranquillity and relaxation in harmony with its stunning surroundings.

Simple and functional, yet effortlessly stylish, the design follows the trend for minimalism and understated elegance. With clean, comfortable lines and neutral tones, the decor allows the outlook and beauty of the period building to shine. Original features, like stone walls, arched doorways, beamed ceilings and terracotta tiled floors are everywhere, emphasising a sense of history.

Nine exclusive bedrooms and four suites ensure that up to 26 guests are accommodated in an atmosphere where family, home and togetherness combine to create the essence of its philosophy.

Our Suite

During our stay, we were hosted in one of their beautiful suites, with an adjoining patio.

Bedroom

Bathroom

Patio

A taste of the Rioja region

The in-house chef prepares feasts for guests, made up of local traditional dishes crafted using products from La Casa’s own kitchen garden and market-fresh ingredients which are served in the properties expansive lounge/dining area.

And a pairing dinner in the centuries-old cellar (where Cosme Palacio wine was aged) is of course a highlight of the stay.

And you can dine alfresco among the vineyards come the autumn when lunches are hosted in the unique setting of the harvest fields (you’ll also be able to choose the best grapes and taste the first must made in a traditional press). During the summer months, you can enjoy a barbecue as a group, with the picturesque village of Laguardia as the backdrop.

Finish each day off by retiring to the lounge where a help-yourself bar provides all the liquids you will need to relax into the small hours.

And start the day off with a superb breakfast with eggs cooked to order.

Bodegas Cosme Palacio

The iconic building – first erected in 1894 – belongs to a select club of historic wineries in the famed vineyard region of Rioja. Bodegas Cosme Palacio was one of the precursors of modern Rioja and the first winery in the area to open dedicated wine tourism facilities back in 1991. Indeed, the Cosme Palacio brand has always been ahead of its time, a precedent set to continue as Entrecanales Domecq e Hijos opens the doors to this ground-breaking new property venture.

Guided tours – exclusive for guests – explain the production and ageing area of ​​the current winery, the pioneering nature of its wines and offer a personalised tasting supervised by the winemaker of the house, José Tejedor.

Premium Amenities and Personalised Activities

Stay at La Casa Cosme Palctio and your own dedicated guest manager will create bespoke itineraries and manage bookings in the finest restaurants. You’ll have access to E-bikes to discover the rustic countryside on the doorstep, high-end beauty treatments, a gym, a swimming pool set among the vineyards with far-reaching views of the Ebro Valley and a central gallery where the centuries-old vats and horse stables have been converted into a fascinating winemaking museum with one-of-a-kind pieces for your perusal. 

María, La Casa’s Guest Manager, explains the concept further: “The fundamental difference is based on the relationship that we have with our guests.  We make sure everything is arranged for our guests’ arrival, down to the very last detail, in order to offer them a completely personalised service in all aspects.  We want our guests to enjoy La Casa away from the stresses of our busy modern lives in a setting where they can forget about all their cares thanks to the “Be my guest” format.  The fact that is extremely exclusive generates a sense of magic and mystery around the visitor experience.”

Final Thoughts

This is a magical place for oenophiles (although you’re sure to leave a wine-lover, even if you don’t arrive as one), and a wonderful setting for a family reunion, or a sophisticated special celebration with friends. If you’d like to receive an invitation to La Casa Cosme Palacio, you can request a private stay via the website details below.