Where Wine, Wellness, and Argentine Magic Collide
We Midwesterners may be known for our humility and hospitality, but when it comes to travel, we don't do ordinary. We chase meaning, memory, and something curated just for us. Susana Balbo Winemaker's House & Spa Suites in Mendoza, Argentina, might be your next favorite escape—if not your forever benchmark for what travel should feel like.
Located in Chacras de Coria, a tranquil wine village just outside bustling Mendoza City, this luxury retreat isn't just a place to sleep. It's where you rediscover what it means to feel alive.
Meet Susana: The First Lady of Argentine Wine
When you book a stay here, you're walking into a story—a personal one. Susana Balbo, Argentina's first female winemaker, didn't just open a boutique hotel. She opened her home, heart, and wine cellar to travelers who crave something more profound than a flight of Cabernet.
Built with her daughter, Ana Lovaglio Balbo, the Winemaker's House is a living tribute to bold women, exceptional wine, and the belief that travel should taste like something. And oh, it does.
A Suite Retreat: Private Spas, Starry Nights, and High Thread Counts
There are only seven suites. Because this isn't about numbers—it's about nuance. Each one is its little world, and the amenities read like a wishlist dreamt up after a second glass of Torrontés:
Private gardens and firepits for starlit story-swapping.
Personal dry saunas and steam rooms for deep decompression.
Soaking tubs and sensory showers are designed to awaken more than just your muscles.
In-room curated wine fridges, because room service should pour with purpose.
This is wine country wellness done right—and done privately.
Dining at La VidA: Where Every Bite Has a Backstory
If the suites are the retreat, then La VidA, the on-site restaurant, is the revelation. The menu is hyperlocal, seasonal, and lovingly curated to complement the wines that made Susana a legend.
Multi-course tastings feel less like dining and more like discovery—of Argentine flavor, family tradition, and culinary artistry. And the staff? Think Michelin precision and Midwest warmth.
Live the Wine, Don't Just Sip It
In Mendoza, wine isn't a pastime—it's a passport into the culture, the land, and the people. And here, you're not just a guest. You're a student of terroir.
You'll have the chance to:
Blend your own wine with the winemakers.
Visit the winery, just minutes away, for private tastings.
Picnic in the vineyards with curated pairings.
Join the harvest (if you visit in late February or early March).
And if you're lucky? You'll bump into Susana herself.
A Wellness Philosophy Steeped in Stillness and Sensory Delight
The spa amenities are already world-class, but the true wellness comes in quieter, more intentional ways:
Morning yoga in the vineyards.
Grape seed facials and detox rituals.
Sound therapy and energy alignment offerings.
Personalized massage treatments are drawn from both indigenous and European techniques.
It's spiritual. Physical. Unapologetically luxurious.
Mendoza Beyond the Glass
When you're ready to explore, the hotel is the perfect launchpad. Trust me, this region is worth exploring.
Explore the Uco Valley
Arguably one of the most breathtaking wine regions on the planet, the Uco Valley sits about 90 minutes south. Home to iconic names like Zuccardi and Andeluna, it offers stunning mountain vistas and even more remarkable wines. Ask the hotel concierge to arrange a private guide or helicopter tour.
Village Charm in Chacras de Coria
This local gem feels like the European countryside, with Argentine flair. Meander through artisanal shops, sip espresso in leafy squares, and sample small-batch wines from family-run bodegas.
Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia
This legendary festival is Argentina's most significant wine celebration. Held in March, it's a spectacle of dance, wine, and cultural pride. Picture Mardi Gras… but with Malbec.
Sustainability as a Way of Life
From sourcing ingredients from local farmers to eco-conscious construction practices, the Winemaker's House does more than pamper—it protects. A portion of profits supports local women's initiatives, and sustainability is woven into every detail, from low-impact linens to solar heating.
Why This Should Be on Your Travel Radar
Keep scrolling if you're looking for a luxury hotel with a dozen restaurants and 24-hour butlers. But if you're craving something rarer—something quietly magnificent—then Susana Balbo Winemaker's House & Spa Suites is your moment of pause.
This is where you take your partner when it's time to reconnect—the place you gift yourself after a year of giving to everyone else. The place where wellness isn't gimmicky, wine isn't pretentious, and the Andes rise like sentinels watching over your transformation.
From Leawood to Luján: Why This Matters
Whether you're sipping local wine at a Cellar Rat Wine Merchants tasting or attending a pop-up dinner at Verbena, chances are you already appreciate the art of wine. This escape takes that appreciation global and brings it back home with stories, new flavors, and a deeper connection to what it means to explore epically.