The Art of Living Well in Mendoza

In the shadow of the snow-dusted Andes, nestled deep in Argentina’s celebrated wine country, there’s a place where elegance doesn’t whisper—it speaks in vintages, spa rituals, and stories poured into your glass. The Susana Balbo Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites is more than a luxury escape; it’s an immersive invitation to live epically, explore deeply, and taste the soul of Mendoza—one perfectly aged Malbec at a time.

A Trailblazer’s Dream: Susana Balbo and Her Legacy

Before the scent of oak barrels and lavender oil welcomes you at check-in, you must first understand the spirit behind the place. Susana Balbo isn’t just Argentina’s first female enologist—she’s a force of nature. In a world dominated by men and Merlots, she stood her ground with Torrontés and vision. Susana Balbo Wines’ winery is globally celebrated, but the Winemaker’s House? That’s her love letter to Mendoza.

Co-created with her daughter, Ana Lovaglio Balbo, this intimate property fuses bold femininity, generational passion, and exquisite hospitality. It’s a living extension of the wine they produce—bold, balanced, and unforgettable.

Where the Wine Breathes and So Do You

The Susana Balbo Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites is tucked in Chacras de Coria, a charming wine village in the Luján de Cuyo region, arguably Mendoza’s beating heart of wine. Here, boutique meets bespoke. You won’t find endless corridors or cookie-cutter rooms. Instead, you’re greeted by seven individually designed spa suites, each a sanctuary of rest and reflection.

Spa Suites That Speak to the Soul

Let’s talk about the experience behind the key card:

  • Private gardens with firepits, heated loungers, and views that dare you to unplug.

  • Dry saunas and steam rooms, personal and pristine, tucked into your suite.

  • Freestanding soaking tubs are built for wine-soaked reflections.

  • Custom sensory showers that blend aromatherapy and mood lighting.

  • Wine fridges curated with handpicked bottles from Susana’s cellar.

It’s more than a hotel room—a wellness ritual with thread count.

A Culinary Journey at La VidA

The on-site Michelin-listed restaurant La VidA isn’t just for guests—it’s become a destination for locals and visiting gourmands alike. Picture this: a seasonal tasting menu that plays with Argentine tradition while pairing perfectly with a private library of wines. Local meats, heirloom vegetables, and herbs from the garden dance across your plate in a modern culinary tango.

And the sommelier? Think of them as your story guide—each course another chapter, each sip another plot twist.

The Wine Experience: Intimate, Authentic, Unrushed

When you stay at Susana Balbo’s house, you don’t just drink the wine—you live it.

Guests can schedule:

  • Private barrel tastings with the winemaker herself (if the stars align).

  • Blending sessions to craft your signature wine.

  • Cellar tours of Susana Balbo Wines are a ten-minute drive away.

  • Vineyard picnics with gourmet pairings and handwoven blankets.

  • Harvest immersion during February and March, should you time it right.

This isn’t tourism. It’s terroir in 4D.

Wellness Beyond the Spa Menu

While the in-room saunas and massages are dreamy, wellness isn’t boxed into spa hours. It’s a philosophy.

Holistic Healing in the Heart of Wine Country

  • Yoga under the olive trees, with the Andes in the distance.

  • Sound bath meditations and energy alignment sessions.

  • Organic facials, inspired by grape seed oil and local botanicals.

  • Mindful movement classes are customized for guests.

This is where detox meets decadence—you sweat out stress before savoring a perfectly paired Bonarda.

Day Trips & Detours: Exploring Mendoza Like an Insider

The location of Susana Balbo Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites is ideal for those who want to sip and explore. From here, you can:

Discover the Uco Valley

About 90 minutes south, Valle de Uco is a high-altitude wine haven. Visit bold wineries like Zuccardi, Casa de Uco, and Andeluna—where architecture, altitude, and artistry converge. Mendoza Wine Tours can arrange private guided tastings and heli-tour options.

Wander the Streets of Chacras de Coria

This sleepy wine village has a vibrant local culture. Think cobblestone streets, eclectic art galleries, intimate jazz bars, and slow afternoon mate rituals in leafy plazas.

Attend the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia

If you’re lucky enough to be here in March, the Vendimia Festival is a can’t-miss spectacle—Argentina’s ode to the grape harvest—music, dance, parades, and barrels upon barrels of wine.

Sustainability as a Standard, Not a Trend

From recycled wood décor to geothermal energy systems, the hotel offers a luxurious experience while respecting the land that makes it possible. Local artisans and food suppliers are proudly supported, and proceeds from wine education experiences go toward women’s empowerment programs in Mendoza.

Who This Escape is For

This isn’t a pit stop. It’s a pilgrimage for:

  • Wine lovers seeking depth, not just tasting rooms.

  • Wellness travelers who crave both massage tables and meaning.

  • Couples looking to reconnect over candlelit pairings, not buffets.

  • Solo travelers seeking reflection, solitude, and perhaps a soul-shifting glass of Syrah.

And yes, this is also where you bring your clients, your closest friends, or someone who deserves something unforgettable.

The Epic Explorations Takeaway

The Susana Balbo Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites doesn’t just raise the bar for Mendoza—it quietly redefines the idea of a wine retreat. It’s immersive, inspiring, and impossibly personal. Sure, you come for the wine, but you leave with more than a bottle. You go with clarity, with stories, with the unmistakable feeling of having been seen and spoiled in equal measure.

Whether you’re curating a personal journey or a hosted group getaway through Epic Explorations, this place is where elegance meets authenticity—and where every sunset pairs perfectly with your next sip.

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The Art of Living Well in Mendoza

Robert Riesmeyer is the Founder and Travel Concierge/Host of Epic Explorations, where he creates journeys that go far beyond booking a trip. He believes exceptional travel begins with understanding the traveler, designing experiences around their interests, and personally guiding every detail to ensure each journey is seamless, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Raised in the Midwest, Robert left a successful career in the insurance industry to pursue his passion for exploration and helping others experience the world in extraordinary ways. Today, he combines creativity, meticulous planning, and a commitment to safety with the personal service of a trusted concierge and the welcoming presence of a dedicated host. Whether curating an intimate cultural immersion, an epic adventure, or a once-in-a-lifetime group experience, Robert is focused on creating authentic connections with the people, places, and stories that make every destination unique.

For Robert, travel is about more than where you go—it's about how you experience it and who you share it with. His role extends well beyond planning itineraries. From the first conversation until travelers return home, he serves as a trusted advisor, advocate, and host, ensuring every journey unfolds with confidence, comfort, and moments that become lifelong memories.

Beyond travel, Robert is passionate about serving others through his portrayal of Santa Claus, bringing joy, encouragement, and hope to families throughout the holiday season. Through both his Santa ministry and Epic Explorations, he actively supports organizations including Shadow Buddies, Moving Ahead, Operation Breakthrough, and Santa America, reflecting his belief that every journey should leave the world a little better than we found it.

Based in the Kansas City area, Robert is continually seeking new destinations, hidden experiences, and meaningful connections to share with fellow explorers. His mission is simple: to transform travel from a vacation into an experience that inspires, connects, and stays with you long after you've returned home.