Susana Balbo Wines
Agrelo, Argentina
Susana Balbo was never one to shrink away from male-dominated fields; she toyed with the idea of studying nuclear physics and chemical engineering before setting her sights on oenology. She graduated top of her class, with honours, in 1981, becoming Argentina's first female winemaker – and for years, she poured her passion into the reinvention of torrontés, the country's signature white grape. In 1999, her ambition found a permanent home: she established her own winery at the foot of the Andes, built from a blueprint she drew up on her own kitchen table. Scientifically and exactingly planned though it may be, the estate itself is majestic: backed by a vignette of cloud-scraping mountains, the vines bask in the sun in orderly rows, with poplar trees on all sides. You can, of course, tour the facilities and taste the wines – from Agrelo malbec to Balbo's treasured torrontés – and there's even the opportunity to craft your own blend at a dedicated workshop. Palate piqued? Head to the on-site restaurant, Osadía de Crear, for a feast of Argentine fare.
Key Information
- Opening times: Mon – Sun, 9am-6pm
- Signature wine: Nosotros Single Vineyard Nómade Malbec
- Wines produced: Red and white
- Grape varieties: Malbec, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, torrontés, chardonnay, pinot gris
- Time from airport: 40 mins from Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport
- Visit Susana Balbo Wines's website
Location
Cochabamba 7801, Agrelo, Mendoza, M5509
