Potrerillos Lake Sailing Tour with Wine and Cheese

Quiet water, huge mountains, good wine. Potrerillos Lake sailing makes a fine break from Mendoza’s busy winery circuit, pairing 1.5 hours on a luxury sailboat with sparkling wine, cheese, and dried fruit. I like the peaceful setting and the chance to see the Andes from the water. The main drawback is that the food selection may feel modest for the price.

I also like that this is a private group experience for up to eight people, with pickup and drop-off included within the covered area. That makes the outing feel more personal than a large bus excursion. Still, the four-hour schedule includes transport, so the actual sailing time is much shorter than the full activity window.

Key points to know before booking

• Potrerillos Lake sits in Mendoza Province, surrounded by striking Andes views and clear mountain water.
• The sailing portion lasts 1.5 hours, while the complete experience takes about four hours with transfers.
• The VÃIU sailboat carries up to eight passengers, making this a good fit for couples, families, and small groups.
• Sparkling wine, wines, cheeses, and dried fruits are included, though the cheese selection may not be especially broad.
• Pickup and drop-off are included from accommodations within the covered service area.
• Weather matters, and unsuitable conditions can lead to cancellation with limited nearby rescheduling options.

Why sail Potrerillos Lake instead of staying in the vineyards?

Mendoza is famous for Malbec, cellar visits, and long lunches among the vines. Potrerillos Lake offers a very different view of the province. Here, the focus shifts from tasting rooms to open water, mountain air, and the wide sweep of the Andes.

I like this change of pace. A winery day can involve several stops and plenty of conversation, but sailing asks you to slow down. You watch the shoreline pass, feel the breeze, and let the mountain setting do most of the work. The experience is less about checking off sights and more about enjoying a calm afternoon outdoors.

The lake’s clear water and high mountain surroundings provide the main attraction. You are not sailing to a historic village or a landmark with a long list of facts. The reward is visual and atmospheric. If you want active sightseeing, this may feel too quiet. If you want time to relax with a drink and a view, it makes good sense.

The four-hour outing, from pickup to return

The activity lasts four hours from pickup through drop-off. A transfer brings you from your place of stay within the covered area, which removes the need to arrange separate transport to the lake. That matters because the water-based portion is only 1.5 hours, and you will want the transport plan to be clear before you book.

The exact starting time depends on availability. Since the schedule is not fixed in the information provided, you should check the available departure options before committing to a winery visit or another Mendoza activity on the same day.

Once you reach Potrerillos Lake, the sailing begins aboard the VÃIU, an award-winning sailboat designed for up to eight passengers. The smaller capacity is one of the strongest parts of the experience. You are not being placed on a large sightseeing vessel with a crowd of strangers. A private group can keep the mood relaxed and choose its own rhythm within the crew’s safety instructions.

The sailing itself lasts about 90 minutes. That is enough time to take photographs, enjoy the included drinks and food, and watch the Andes from several points on the lake. It is not a full-day sailing expedition, so set your expectations correctly. This is a polished short outing, not a long voyage.

After the time on the water, your transfer returns you to your accommodation. The full four-hour duration makes the experience easy to fit into a Mendoza itinerary, especially if you do not want to spend an entire day away from the city or wine region.

Life aboard the VÃIU sailboat

The VÃIU is the centerpiece of the experience. Its capacity of eight passengers gives the outing an intimate feel, particularly for a couple or a small family group. You get the pleasure of a private boat setting without needing to organize a large charter yourself.

The crew is described as friendly and experienced, with safety as a clear priority. Equipment includes life jackets for every passenger, communication equipment, a handheld VHF, sonar, satellite GPS, a VHF radio, and a first-aid kit. Wi-Fi is also available for crew use, though you should not count on it as a passenger service.

You do not need sailing knowledge to take part. The crew handles the boat and provides the safety measures. Your role is to sit back, take in the views, and follow instructions when needed.

The boat setting also affects the social side of the trip. Couples can treat it as a quiet outing, while friends may enjoy the private atmosphere and drinks. Families can appreciate the contained group format, though people with back problems should not book this activity.

Comfort depends partly on what you wear. Comfortable clothing and closed shoes are recommended, especially because you may walk outdoors before or after boarding. On hot days, bring a hat or cap. Sunglasses and sunscreen are sensible choices, and a camera will be useful for the mountain views.

Andes views from the water

The scenery is the chief reason to book. Potrerillos Lake gives you a fresh angle on the Andes, with mountains rising beyond the water rather than appearing as a distant backdrop from a road or vineyard.

I find the water perspective especially appealing because it changes how you experience scale. From the shore, you look toward the lake and mountains. From the sailboat, the water becomes part of the view in every direction. The combination of clear water, open sky, and mountain peaks creates the kind of setting that feels removed from the usual Mendoza routine.

The exact views can change with the weather and light. That is not a flaw, but it is worth remembering when you are planning photographs. On a clear day, the mountains should be the visual focus. Haze, wind, or cloud can alter the scene. The operator warns that unsuitable weather may cancel the sailing, and nearby rescheduling may be difficult.

That warning deserves attention. Outdoor activities are always tied to conditions, and a lake trip cannot simply proceed in every kind of weather. Keep some flexibility in your Mendoza schedule if this experience is important to you.

Sparkling wine, cheese, and dried fruit

The included tasting gives the sailing a gentle celebratory feel. You receive sparkling wine, wines, a cheese platter, and dried fruits while the boat moves across the lake. It is an easy pairing for a scenic outing, and it connects the experience to Mendoza’s food and drink culture without sending you to another tasting room.

I like the idea of tasting wine in this setting. The Andes, the open water, and a glass of sparkling wine create a more memorable atmosphere than a standard snack stop. The dried fruits add a simple sweet contrast to the cheese and wine.

Keep the food offering in proportion to the price, though. The cheese and wine selection may not be extensive, and one direct rating of the experience praised the lake ride while pointing out that the tasting needed more variety. If you are expecting a large gourmet spread or a serious wine education, you may be disappointed.

This is best understood as refreshments during a scenic cruise, not as a full meal or a formal tasting class. Eat something beforehand if you need a substantial lunch. The supplied information does not promise a meal, and personal expenses are not included.

Is $213 a fair price?

At $213 per person, this is a premium outing. The price covers transfers, the private group format, the sailboat, the crew, the 1.5-hour sailing, and the drinks and snacks. It also saves you the trouble of arranging transport to and from Potrerillos Lake.

The value depends on what you want from your Mendoza trip. For a couple marking a special occasion, the private boat, mountain setting, and sparkling wine may justify the cost. For a family or group of friends splitting the experience across several people, the private format can make the price easier to accept.

The cost is harder to defend if your main goal is simply to see the lake. You could prefer a less expensive visit with more time on land, though the information provided does not give a separate price for that option. At this rate, the experience needs to feel special, and its strongest features are the boat, privacy, and setting rather than the size of the tasting.

I would book it for a memorable half-day moment, not as the most economical way to tour Mendoza. The two available ratings average 4.4 out of 5, with one particularly positive assessment praising the organization and the setting, and another giving the scenery high marks while asking for more food variety. That pattern gives you a fair picture: the core sailing experience is stronger than the tasting component.

Who will enjoy this most?

This outing suits couples who want a romantic change from the usual winery schedule. The private group format, quiet water, and sparkling wine create the right mood without requiring a long, demanding day.

It also works well for friends or family members who want to spend time together in a peaceful setting. With room for up to eight passengers, the group can remain small and connected. You will not have to organize separate activities for everyone once you are on the boat.

The experience may suit visitors who have already seen several wineries and want a different side of Mendoza. It gives you a break from cellar tours and vineyard roads while keeping wine part of the day.

I would not choose it if you have back problems, dislike outdoor activities, or need a firm backup plan. The weather may cancel the sailing, and rescheduling for nearby dates may be difficult. It is also not the best match for someone looking for a long sailing trip, a large meal, or a detailed tasting lesson.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Wear comfortable clothing and closed shoes. This is a boat experience, but the advice also mentions outdoor walks, so avoid dressing as if you are going straight to a formal restaurant.

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat or cap, and your camera. The mountain views are the main reason to keep your camera ready, and bright conditions on the water can be hard on your eyes.

Plan around the four-hour duration, not just the 90 minutes on the lake. Pickup and drop-off are included, but the total time still needs space in your schedule. Check available starting times before booking other activities that day.

Keep your plans flexible around the weather. The operator states that poor conditions can cancel the sailing and that nearby replacement dates may not be available. If you are visiting Mendoza for only a short time, consider this before making the lake trip the centerpiece of your itinerary.

The activity offers instruction in Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, French, and Chinese. That broad language range can make safety instructions and general communication easier for an international group.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms help if your schedule is still shifting, though they do not remove the risk of weather cancellation.

Should you book the Potrerillos sailing tour?

Book it if you want a calm, scenic outing with a small private group, dependable transfers, and Mendoza wine served beside the Andes. The lake views and peaceful atmosphere are the strongest reasons to go, and the VÃIU sailboat gives the experience a more personal feel.

Think twice if $213 feels high for 90 minutes of sailing, or if you expect a generous cheese selection. The tasting is a pleasant extra, but it may not satisfy anyone looking for a full meal or a broad food-and-wine program.

My practical verdict: this is a special-occasion experience rather than a budget sightseeing trip. For couples, small groups, and anyone ready to trade another winery stop for quiet mountain water, it is a strong choice. Just dress for the outdoors, watch the forecast, and treat the cheese and wine as a light accompaniment to the scenery.

FAQ

How long does the Potrerillos Lake sailing experience last?

The complete activity lasts about four hours, including pickup, drop-off, and the time spent at the lake. The actual sailing portion lasts 1.5 hours.

How many people can join the sailboat?

The VÃIU sailboat has capacity for up to eight passengers. The activity is offered as a private group experience.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations within the covered service area.

What food and drinks are included?

The experience includes sparkling wine, wines, a cheese platter, and dried fruits. Personal expenses are not included.

What languages are available?

Instruction and service are available in Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, French, and Chinese.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat or cap, sunscreen, a camera, and comfortable clothes. Closed shoes are recommended for outdoor walking.

Can weather cancel the sailing?

Yes. If the weather is not suitable, the sailing may be canceled. Nearby rescheduling dates may be difficult to arrange.

Is the activity suitable for people with back problems?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with back problems.