When I think about trailblazers in the wine world, Susana Balbo’s name immediately comes to mind. The barriers she shattered and the legacy she’s built—not just for herself but for women in wine everywhere is inspiring. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and a relentless drive to redefine what Argentinian wine can be.
How It All Began
Susana’s journey into winemaking wasn’t exactly planned. She originally intended to study nuclear physics but shifted to enology at Don Bosco University in Mendoza to appease her family. In 1981, she graduated as Argentina’s first female enologist with honors. However, breaking into the male-dominated wine industry was anything but easy.
Her first job at Michel Torino Winery in Cafayate, Salta, was a tough one. Salta’s chauvinistic culture presented challenges at every turn—sabotaged equipment, boycotts, and open hostility from workers. Yet Susana persevered. Over eight years, she transformed Torrontés from a simple table wine into Argentina’s flagship white variety, earning her the title “Queen of Torrontés.”
Building Her Own Legacy
By 1999, Susana had proven her talent and decided it was time to start her own winery. She founded Susana Balbo Wines in the foothills of the Andes in Mendoza. Starting with just 15,000 cases a year and focusing on exports, she built her winery into one of South America’s most respected producers. Today, the winery has two estates: One in Agrelo and another in Gualtallary.
What sets Susana apart is her innovative spirit. In 2013, she pioneered barrel-fermented Torrontés—a bold move that showcased the grape’s potential for long-term aging. It’s known for notes of white flowers, citrus, and tropical fruits that develop over time. And since we are talking about Argentinian wine, let’s not forget her Malbecs—they are rich, velvety, and perfectly balanced expressions of Argentine terroir.
A Global Advocate for Argentine Wine
Susana’s influence extends far beyond her winery. She served three terms as President of Wines of Argentina, where she worked to elevate the country’s global reputation for winemaking. Under her leadership, Argentina developed a coherent export strategy and established offices in key markets worldwide. Her efforts helped position Argentine wines as serious contenders on the international stage.
Her commitment to sustainability and innovation has also set new standards for the industry. From perfecting blends over the years to experimenting with innovative techniques, Susana has always been ahead of the curve, earning the badge of Argentina’s first female winemaker and Decanters 2024 Hall of Fame award.
Challenges That Shaped Her
Susana’s path was far from smooth. During her early career in Cafayate, while experiencing sexism, she went unpaid for nearly a year and supported her family by making pajamas with local nuns. As a mother caring for two children, Jose and Anna, she faced immense personal challenges while building her career. Now, her two children are involved in the business and soon they will take over the winery.
These hardships instilled in a philosophy that defines her approach to life and winemaking: “Failure doesn’t exist; it’s experience. You just have to try harder.”
The Wines We Tried
2023 Crios Torrontes
2023 Susana Balbo Signature Barrel Fermented Torrontes
2024 Susana Balbo Signature White Blend
2022 BenMarco Malbec
2022 Susana Balbo Signature Brioso Red Blend
2020 Nosotros Malbec
2024 Susana Balbo Signature Rosé
2022 BenMarco Sin Limites Malbec Gaultarrary
2022 Susana Balbo Signature Cabernet Sauvignon
We also had a great meal at AT Bistro.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, Susana Balbo is more than just a winemaker—she’s an icon who has paved the way for countless women in Argentina’s wine industry and beyond. Mendoza now boasts many women following in her footsteps.
As I sip on one of Susana’s wines—a glass filled not just with flavor but with passion and history—I’m reminded why I fell in love with wine storytelling. It’s not just about what’s in the glass; it’s about the people behind it. Susana Balbo is proof that with vision and determination, you can turn even the steepest challenges into something extraordinary.
