Between Wine Country and the Andes – How Mendoza is More than a Wine Region & Ideal for the Active Traveler
Between Wine Country and the Andes – How Mendoza is More than a Wine Region & Ideal for the Active Traveler
When most travelers think of Mendoza, Argentina, fine wine comes to mind first. But the region, cradled between lush vineyards and the dramatic peaks of the Andes, is equally a playground for adventure seekers.
From the heart of Chacras de Coria, SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites is ideally positioned for guests to experience both worlds: the region’s celebrated wine culture and its wealth of active pursuits. Mornings might begin with a bike ride through tree-lined streets or a run along local trails. Within 45 minutes, Potrerillos Dam offers a hub for water sports including kayaking, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding, all with mountain vistas as the backdrop.
Cyclists can take to classic mountain routes or try nearby circuits at Los Senderos, while trekkers find everything from gentle hikes to hidden waterfalls to the ultimate challenge of climbing Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Americas. Mendoza’s calendar is also dotted with prestigious sporting events, including the Mendoza International Marathon, the Aconcagua Ultra Trail, and the historic Crossing of the Andes.
Adventure doesn’t stop at endurance sports. The Mendoza River beckons thrill-seekers with whitewater rafting, while the Andes provide natural walls for rock and ice climbing. Horseback riding through valleys and across mountain passes adds a distinctly gaucho touch, with some journeys retracing the historic routes of the Liberating Army into Chile.
At day’s end, travelers can return to Susana Balbo’s intimate, design-forward property to savor MICHELIN-recommended dining at La VidA, unwind in a soaking tub modeled after the winery’s iconic fermentation eggs, and prepare for another day of discovery.
Mendoza is more than a wine region, it’s a destination where adrenaline and elegance meet, where days are fueled by adventure and evenings steeped in world-class gastronomy.
