Potrerillos Lake Sailing Tour with Wine and Cheese

Mendoza looks different from the water. This four-hour outing takes you from your accommodation to Potrerillos Lake, where you spend about 1.5 hours sailing beneath the Andes with sparkling wine, wine, cheeses, and dried fruit. I especially like the private format, limited to eight passengers, and the calm, scenic setting. The main consideration is the tasting spread: the wine and cheese selection may feel a little modest if you expect a full Mendoza-style food tasting.

I also like the practical side of this trip. Pickup and drop-off are included, the crew speaks several languages, and the boat carries proper safety gear, communication equipment, GPS, sonar, and first-aid supplies. Your only real job is to dress comfortably, protect yourself from the sun, and enjoy the view.

Key points at a glance

• A small private sailing group: The VÃIU carries up to eight passengers, giving the outing a personal feel rather than a crowded boat-ride atmosphere.
• Only 1.5 hours under sail: The entire activity lasts four hours, including transportation, so check the timing if you want a long day on the lake.
• Andes views from Potrerillos Lake: Clear water and mountain scenery provide the main attraction, with a peaceful setting that feels far removed from Mendoza city.
• Wine, sparkling wine, cheese, and dried fruit: The onboard tasting adds a local flavor, though the cheese variety may not satisfy serious food enthusiasts.
• Pickup and drop-off included: You avoid arranging your own transport to the lake, a useful benefit for an outing outside the city.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can cancel the sailing, and nearby replacement dates may be difficult to arrange.

From Mendoza to the shores of Potrerillos Lake

Your outing begins with pickup at your place of stay within the covered service area. Since transportation in both directions is included, the $213 price covers more than time on the boat. It also saves you from organizing a separate transfer to Potrerillos Lake.

The full activity lasts four hours, but the actual sailing portion is about 1.5 hours. That distinction matters. You are paying for a private half-day outing with transport, preparation, time at the lake, and the tasting, not four straight hours under sail.

Potrerillos Lake sits in Mendoza Province among the Andes. From the boat, you get a view that is quite different from the usual winery visits and mountain drives. Instead of looking up at the peaks from a road, you see them beyond open water, with the lake creating a broad foreground.

The trip is best suited to people who enjoy scenery at an unhurried pace. You will not be rushing between several attractions. The point is to let the setting do the work.

Boarding the award-winning VÃIU

The sailing takes place aboard the VÃIU, an award-winning sailboat with space for up to eight passengers. A capacity of eight keeps the outing small and works well for couples, families, or a group of friends traveling together.

The private-group format is one of the strongest parts of the booking. You are not being placed into a large excursion with dozens of people. A smaller boat also makes the tasting and conversation feel more relaxed, although the exact seating arrangement and cabin space are not specified.

The crew is described as friendly and expert, with safety as a clear priority. Life jackets are available for every passenger, and the boat carries a VHF radio, handheld VHF communication equipment, satellite GPS, sonar, a first-aid kit, and other communication tools. Wi-Fi is onboard for crew use, not for passenger internet access, so do not book this expecting a connected work session.

You should wear comfortable clothes and closed shoes. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and camera are also recommended. Even on a pleasant day, the combination of sun, open water, and mountain air can make protection useful.

The 1.5-hour sail across Potrerillos Lake

Once aboard, the central part of the outing is a 1.5-hour sail across Potrerillos Lake. The water is presented as crystal clear, and the Andes provide the backdrop throughout the ride.

This is a scenic sailing trip rather than a high-speed adventure. The appeal comes from the quiet movement of the boat, the open views, and the chance to sit with a drink while the mountains frame the horizon. If you like trips that give you room to talk, take photographs, and simply watch the scenery, this format should suit you.

The lake also offers a fresh angle on Mendoza. The province is famous for vineyards and tasting rooms, but this trip shows that its appeal is not limited to wine-country roads. The water brings a different mood, with the mountains feeling more spacious and the day less structured.

The sailing time is fairly short, so keep your expectations in check. You will get a memorable taste of the lake, not a full-day sailing expedition. The remaining time in the four-hour schedule includes the transfer and other parts of the experience.

Wine, sparkling wine, cheese, and dried fruit

The tasting is designed to accompany the scenery. You receive sparkling wine, wine, a cheese platter, and dried fruits. That combination makes sense for Mendoza, where wine is part of the region’s identity and small savory foods work well on a boat.

The food is meant to enhance the sailing, not replace a winery lunch. You should think of it as a light onboard pairing. It gives you something to enjoy during the ride without turning the outing into a formal meal.

One practical point is worth noting: the cheese selection may lack variety. The wine and cheese were praised as part of the experience, but one assessment specifically found the range of cheeses too limited. If you are booking mainly for an extensive tasting, this could be a disappointment.

For most people, the setting will matter more than the size of the platter. A glass of sparkling wine with the Andes in view is the kind of small pleasure that makes this outing feel special. Still, eat beforehand if you need a substantial lunch, since personal expenses and additional food are not included.

Why the private format changes the day

A private group of up to eight people gives you more control over the mood. Couples can treat it as a quiet outing, friends can share the wine and views, and families can enjoy an activity that does not require a full day of hiking or complicated planning.

The format is also useful for groups with different interests. One person can focus on photographs, another can enjoy the tasting, and someone else can simply sit back and watch the mountains. You are not locked into a large group schedule.

The boat is not recommended for people with back problems. Sailing involves sitting, movement, and getting on and off a boat, so this restriction should be taken seriously. The provided information does not give details about step-free boarding or other mobility arrangements, so ask the operator before booking if you have access needs beyond the stated guidance.

The range of crew languages is unusually broad for a small excursion. Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, French, and Chinese are listed. That can make safety instructions and practical communication easier for mixed-language groups.

The views are the real centerpiece

The wine and cheese give the trip its theme, but the Andes are the reason to book it. Potrerillos Lake offers a wide, open view that changes the feel of a Mendoza visit.

Mountain scenery can become repetitive when seen from a tour bus window. On the lake, you have a different foreground and fewer visual distractions. The water reflects the light, the boat moves at a slower pace, and the scale of the mountains becomes easier to appreciate.

This is also a strong choice for photographs. Bring your camera, but remember that bright sun on open water can wash out images. Sunglasses and a hat are practical for comfort as well as appearance.

Weather is a major factor. If conditions are unsuitable, the sailing may be canceled, and nearby replacement dates may be hard to arrange. Build some flexibility into your Mendoza schedule if this outing is important to you. A rigid itinerary could make a weather cancellation troublesome.

Is $213 per person a fair price?

At $213 per person, this is not a budget lake excursion. The price makes more sense if you are traveling as a private group and value the combination of transportation, a small boat, crew, safety equipment, mountain views, and drinks.

The included pickup and drop-off are important. Potrerillos Lake is outside Mendoza’s central sightseeing area, and arranging transport separately could add both cost and planning time. The private setting also gives this outing a more special feel than a standard shared boat ride.

The value is weaker if you are mainly seeking food and wine. The tasting includes several appropriate items, but the cheese selection may not be broad. You are paying primarily for the lake setting and private sailing, with refreshments as an added pleasure.

I would compare this cost with what you want from your Mendoza trip. If your schedule already includes several vineyard visits, the lake outing adds variety. If you have only a small budget, a regular scenic excursion may offer a better fit, though it will not provide the same private-boat atmosphere.

Who will enjoy this most

This outing works especially well for couples. The combination of calm water, sparkling wine, and mountain views creates a romantic setting without requiring a full day of formal activities.

It is also a good choice for friends or families who want an easy shared experience. The four-hour duration is long enough to feel worthwhile but short enough to leave part of the day open for another plan.

You should consider it if you enjoy:

• Scenic outings with plenty of quiet time
• Small private groups
• Wine and light food pairings
• Mountain photography
• Comfortable outdoor activities rather than strenuous sports
• A special occasion during a Mendoza stay

You may want to skip it if you need a long sailing trip, a large gourmet tasting, or a highly active adventure. The sailing time is limited, and the cheese offering is not designed as a major meal.

Planning your clothes, comfort, and camera

Wear closed shoes and comfortable clothing suitable for an outdoor setting. A hat or cap is recommended on hot days, and sunscreen is essential because there may be little protection from direct sun while you are on the water.

Bring sunglasses and a camera. The Andes views are the kind of scenery you will want to remember, and the boat provides a distinctive viewpoint.

Do not count on passenger Wi-Fi. The onboard connection is listed for crew use, while the boat’s communication systems are focused on safety. That is not a flaw for this kind of trip. In fact, putting your phone away for part of the sail may improve the experience.

If you have back problems, this activity is not considered suitable. Also remember that weather can cancel the trip, with limited options to move it to a nearby date. The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, which gives you some protection if your plans change before that point.

My final call on the Potrerillos sailing

I would book this outing if you want to pair Mendoza’s wine culture with a peaceful mountain setting and you are comfortable paying for a private, scenic experience. The boat, small group size, included transfers, strong safety setup, and beautiful lake views give the trip real value.

I would not book it mainly for the cheese. The platter may feel limited, and the sailing itself lasts 1.5 hours rather than the full four-hour activity window.

For couples, small groups, and families seeking a memorable change from winery visits, this is a strong choice. Keep your schedule flexible for weather, bring sun protection, and think of the wine and cheese as a pleasant extra. The Andes and the quiet water are the main event.

FAQ

How long does the Potrerillos Lake sailing tour last?

The full activity lasts four hours. About 1.5 hours are spent sailing on Potrerillos Lake.

What is included in the price?

The price includes pickup and drop-off, the 1.5-hour sailing trip, mountain views, sparkling wine, wine, a cheese platter, dried fruits, and an expert crew with safety equipment.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for each experience from your place of stay within the covered service area.

How many people can join the private boat trip?

The VÃIU can carry up to eight passengers, and the activity is offered as a private group experience.

Which languages are available?

The listed languages are Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, French, and Chinese.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat or cap, sunscreen, a camera, and comfortable clothing. Closed shoes are recommended for outdoor walking and time aboard the boat.

Is the tour suitable for people with back problems?

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

What happens if the weather is unsuitable?

The sailing may be canceled if the weather is not suitable. Rescheduling for nearby dates may be difficult, so keeping some flexibility in your itinerary is wise.