The most unique and unusual way to tour vineyards

Experience Spier Wine Farm on a Segway Vineyard Tour

Also read: Soup and wine pairing, or a kitted-out winter picnic? Both are available at Spier this winter.

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Here’s an interesting way to see Spier Wine Farm: on a Segway. 

It’s super-easy and safe, plus you’re in the fresh air zooming through the gorgeous green Spier vineyards but without raising a sweat – what’s not to like? This is why Segway Vineyard Tours is so popular for team buildings and a memorable outdoor adventure for family and friends. 

Once guests are completely comfortable with their ability to drive their Segway, a guide takes them gliding through the beautiful landscape of lush vineyards and the jagged Stellenbosch mountain range beyond. 

TAKE A LESSON BEFORE TO GET COMFORTABLE

If you’re nervous about your ability to handle the Segway, don’t worry: there’s a 30-minute training session. That’s because, says Sue Ramgathi from Somerset West, who took a Segway Vineyard Tour, they really get you comfortable. “We spent 30 minutes with our tour guides, who showed us how to operate the Segway: mounting and dismounting safely, how to accelerate and slow down, how to take turns and manage bumpy patches.”

During the lesson, the Segways are programmed to training mode, which allows a maximum speed of 10kmph. Once you’ve got the hang of this electric two-wheeler, speeds can be increased. The Segways are also frequently sanitised during the tour, as are the helmets. “As a newbie, I was nervous but I got quite used to it after a while and it was so much fun,” says Sue, who especially enjoyed how knowledgeable the guide was about the farm.

DID YOU KNOW THE SEGWAY FEELS LIKE AN EXTENSION OF YOU?

Among the many reasons why it’s such a satisfying and enjoyable experience, says co-owner Erik Neethling, is because of the Segway’s LeanSteerTM technology. That means when you move the frame or handlebars in a direction the Segway responds almost immediately. 

With a bit of practise, you begin to ride almost intuitively. What’s interesting, says Erik, is that often it’s the most sceptical participants who return with the biggest smiles.

PICK FROM 3 SEGWAY VINEYARD TOURS TAILORMADE

There are three ways to experience one of South Africa’s most famous wine farms on a Segway Vineyard Tour. The most popular is the Sunset Tour. The Vineyard Tour goes from one block of vineyards to another and finishes off with a tasting of Spier Signature wines. The Spier Farm Tour is a one hour-long experience to the first block of vineyards, where you’ll learn about the famous wine estate’s biodynamic farming techniques.

ADVENTURERS, TRY PLAY SEGWAY SOCCER (YES, REALLY)

This fun challenge is only available for team-building bookings. Once you master the Segway’s technology, it might be time for Segway Soccer. This involves zig-zags, figure of eights, a course of riding through cones, and at the end of the obstacle course, each person must try to shoot a goal. 

Team-building activities can also be tailor made for the group, adding elements such as a treasure hunt and team prizes.

TRY AN EAGLE ENCOUNTER OR PICNIC WHILE OTHERS RIDE

Segway Vineyard Tour can accommodate 15 to 18 guests per tour, with four to five guests per guide, and team members can be split according to a pace that suits their comfort zone. Have a bigger group? They can train everyone together and split the group for the rides out.

If some in your team still feel uncomfortable on a Segway, Spier offers so many other options. Segway Vineyard Tours can be matched with spa treatments, an Eagle Encounter, a crafting experience or picnic and wine-tasting. 

Segway Vineyard Tours has a team-building special: Spier Farm Tour (70 minutes) at R275pp or R305pp including wine tasting (minimum booking of eight).

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End every month with a Wine & Climb at Cape Point Vineyards

Still stuck for ideas for your company’s end-of-year celebration?

We’ve collected some great options for strong and fun team-building activities. 

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Keep your travel goals strong and check out our bucket list.

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