Home » LUXURY TRAVEL » Mendoza, Argentina: SB Winemaker’s House And Spa Suites Joins Prestigious Relais & Châteaux, Enhancing Luxury Travel In Wine Country
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
A new chapter began for luxury tourism in Argentina with the recent accession of SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites to the prestigious Relais & Châteaux Association. It is a great honor for the wine region and a part of the property, while further establishing it as a leader in gastronomic, wellness, and cultural authenticity. Owned and operated by the maverick Susana Balbo and her daughter Ana Lovaglio Balbo, the luxury boutique hotel offers much more than accommodation – it’s a journey into Argentina’s celebrated winemaking culture, based in the heart of the Mendoza region.
SB Winemaker’s House, an estate that first opened in 2022, stands out not only for its luxurious accommodations but also for its profound dedication to authenticity. As the first female winemaker in Argentina, Susana Balbo’s journey has been remarkable. Known internationally for her contributions to the wine industry, she and her daughter envisioned this exquisite property as a way to offer guests an intimate connection with the land, its people, and the craft that has defined their lives.
Joining the Relais & Châteaux family is no small feat. The prestigious association is reserved for properties that exemplify the finest traditions in gastronomy, culture, and hospitality. The decision to welcome SB Winemaker’s House into this global network speaks to its commitment to these very values, with each detail designed to highlight the deep connection between the family and the land that sustains them. The property’s luxury offerings, from its wine-centric wellness treatments to its signature dining experiences, reflect the essence of what makes Mendoza’s wine country so enchanting to travelers from around the world.
A Celebration of Argentine Culture and Gastronomy
At SB Winemaker’s House, guests are welcomed into a world that celebrates every aspect of Argentina’s wine and culinary heritage. The hotel’s seven exclusive spa suites are an invitation to indulge in both relaxation and rejuvenation, with wellness treatments that fuse the healing powers of the region’s natural resources. Guests can unwind with vinotherapy treatments, a unique Yerba Mate Spa Treatment inspired by Argentina’s beloved herbal infusion, or an aromatherapy bath in a ceramic tub shaped like a wine egg – a stunning tribute to the region’s winemaking roots.
Dining at SB Winemaker’s House is nothing short of extraordinary. La VidA, the MICHELIN-recommended restaurant led by Chef Flavia Amad, brings a fresh approach to traditional Argentine cuisine. Bold flavors, fresh local ingredients, and creative reinterpretations of beloved dishes promise a dining experience like no other. Guests can take part in an immersive culinary experience with a Chef’s Table, learn the art of preparing regional specialties like dulce de leche and mate, or indulge in the Spirited Asado, a unique twist on the Argentine barbecue, blending local distillates with traditional cooking techniques.
For wine lovers, the estate’s proximity to Susana’s bodega ensures that every meal is complemented by exceptional wines, made by the very family that created the property. Signature wine cocktails offer an exciting new way to enjoy the region’s celebrated wine culture, and each dish served at La VidA is thoughtfully paired with the best Mendoza wines, showcasing the area’s exceptional viticulture.
Art, Nature, and Authentic Immersion
Beyond its culinary and wellness offerings, SB Winemaker’s House is a celebration of art and nature. The estate is dotted with sculptures, woodwork, and mixed media art from both local and international artists, each piece thoughtfully chosen to reflect Susana’s long history with wine. The property’s design blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape, ensuring that guests are constantly reminded of the beauty and tranquility of Mendoza’s wine country.
The property’s commitment to cultural immersion extends beyond its walls. Under the guidance of an Experience Curator, guests can explore the region’s wine heritage through personalized journeys to Mendoza’s finest wineries. These curated experiences are designed to offer a deeper understanding of the wine-making process, allowing visitors to connect with the land and the people who make Mendoza’s wines world-renowned.
In addition to wine-tasting tours, guests can engage in soft adventures inspired by the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air. From guided hikes through the Andes Mountains to exploring the region’s rich cultural history, every activity is tailored to immerse guests in the unique essence of Mendoza, a place where nature and culture are intertwined.
A Family Legacy Honored
For Susana and Ana, this recognition from Relais & Châteaux is a deeply personal achievement. Susana’s four decades in the wine industry have been marked by resilience, passion, and a commitment to excellence. “We are profoundly honored to join Relais & Châteaux, an association that shares our deep commitment to authenticity, exceptional gastronomy, and genuine hospitality,” she said. “This recognition validates our vision of creating a space where wine, culture, and hospitality converge to offer guests something truly meaningful – a genuine connection to our land, our craft, and our family’s passion.”
Ana Lovaglio Balbo shared her own thoughts on the significance of this honor: “This recognition touches us deeply. It honors a journey of passion, resilience, and a dream rooted in Mendoza. At SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites, guests don’t simply stay at a hotel – they become part of our family’s story.”
“This alliance with Relais & Châteaux is a recognition of the love and hard work Susana, Ana and their family have invested in the place, making its spaces not only a physical extension of that affection for the wine, but also a desire to provide an authentic, extraordinary experience to travelers,” said fellow founders and partners Carlos Tassara and Patricio Gouguenheim and with whom they shared the development of the project. As the estate thrives, its presence in the illustrious Relais & Châteaux collection cements Mendoza’s status as one of the world’s most sought-after wine destinations.
