Nestled at the foot of the Andes, Mendoza has long been celebrated as the heart of Argentina’s wine country. Its sprawling vineyards and bold Malbecs draw oenophiles from around the world. But look beyond the vines and you’ll discover a playground for outdoor enthusiasts—a destination where rugged adventure, natural beauty, and refined luxury blend seamlessly.
A Playground for the Active Traveler
Mendoza is a dream for those who crave movement as much as they savor a glass of wine. From the city, the Andes rise dramatically, offering trails that range from gentle hikes through vineyard-dotted foothills to the challenge of summiting Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas at 6,961 meters.
Closer to the valleys, thrill-seekers can raft the whitewater of Atuel Canyon, mountain bike through rugged terrain, or test their courage with paragliding flights over the Cordón del Plata. Potrerillos Reservoir is a hub for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, while horseback rides through high-altitude meadows let visitors channel their inner gaucho. In winter, nearby ski resorts like Las Leñas transform the region into a snow sports haven.
Even the skies invite exploration—hot air balloon rides over vineyards at sunrise deliver views as intoxicating as the wines themselves.
Wine Country, Reimagined
Of course, no trip to Mendoza would be complete without time among the vines. The region is home to some of the world’s most acclaimed Malbec producers, and wine-tasting here feels deeply rooted in place. In Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, visitors can cycle between boutique wineries, sample vintages in sun-drenched courtyards, and pair fine wines with regional specialties like empanadas and grilled meats.
What makes Mendoza exceptional is this balance: adrenaline-filled mornings in the mountains followed by afternoons of indulgence, tasting vintages that tell the story of the land.
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites: A Luxurious Retreat
For travelers seeking a base that embodies Mendoza’s dual identity of adventure and refinement, SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites offers an extraordinary experience. Created by pioneering winemaker Susana Balbo and her daughter Ana, the boutique property in Chacras de Coria combines intimate luxury with a deep sense of place.
Housed in a restored mansion, the hotel features just seven spa suites, each designed as a private sanctuary. Glass walls blur the line between indoors and outdoors, while private gardens with fire pits, heated loungers, and outdoor showers invite guests to unwind in nature. Inside, spa-inspired amenities—sensory showers, deep concrete soaking tubs, and curated wellness features—turn each suite into a personal retreat.
Wine flows effortlessly into the experience. Each minibar is stocked with Balbo’s award-winning vintages, and the on-site tasting room allows guests to savor exclusive releases. For something truly unforgettable, the hotel even curates “wine safaris,” combining seaplane flights over the Andes and Patagonia with land-based adventures like trekking, horseback riding, and 4×4 explorations.
SB Winemaker’s House is more than accommodation; it’s an immersion into Mendoza’s evolving identity as both a wine and wellness destination.
The Best of Both Worlds
Mendoza is no longer just about wine—it’s a destination that rewards curiosity, adventure, and indulgence in equal measure. Days here might begin with a sunrise hike in the Andes, continue with a whitewater rafting adventure, and end with a wine-paired dinner back at SB Winemaker’s House, where firelight and Malbec make the perfect companions.
For the active traveler who wants more than a vineyard tour, Mendoza delivers. It’s a place where the wildness of the Andes meets the refinement of Argentina’s wine culture—an experience that leaves every sense deeply satisfied.
