Source: CCTV.com

09-12-2008 10:59

There's also a new fashion taking hold in architecture. That story takes us to Argentina. Wineries have captured the imagination of the the world's A-list architects in recent years. First came the wine tourism phenomenon -- to Mendoza, the heart of Argentina's wine country. But it was the bodegas that house the region's vintages that really captured the imagination of tourists. Architecturally lavish bodegas became elements for tourist promotion and product branding.

Wineries have captured the imagination of the the world's  A-list architects in recent years. (File photo)

The snowy peaks of the Andes dominate the landscape, towering over the leafy vineyards on the plains below.

But the impetus that helps to spur tourism and wine sale are the bodegas.

Vintners are seeking the help of professionals to design elaborate, architecturally ambitious bodegas to become iconic "brands" for their products.

The O. Fournier Winery boasts four wide columns supporting a flat square roof.

Jose Manuel Ortega, President of O. Fournier Winery, said, "What we intended to do was to unite the functionality of the bodega with a special cutting edge architecture. A bodega has to produce wine under the best possible conditions. But the distinctive architecture becomes a recognizable symbol that can create an impact on business visitors and tourists."