A Joyride on a Segway through Spier’s Vineyards

I can still hear the excitement in my partner’s voice as she shouted playfully from ahead, “This is exactly how water skiing would feel if you ever managed to get up!” And I couldn’t agree more. It was exhilarating! A quad bike ride couldn’t even come close to the level of enjoyment I experienced on that Segway. What made it even better was the complete absence of noise. Plus, I didn’t have to endure the embarrassment of swallowing water while desperately trying to stand up.

I had been eagerly anticipating this tour for two compelling reasons. First and foremost, I was thrilled at the prospect of riding a Segway. And secondly, I was genuinely curious to delve into Spier’s innovative farming philosophy and gain a deeper understanding of their methods.

As someone who fancies myself an urban farmer (I’ve got a farm in my heart), I was really excited to learn that the food I was enjoying at Spier’s restaurant, Eight at Spier, was actually free-range and grown organically just a kilometer away from where I sat. It was a true farm-to-table experience.

As part of my Fair Trade in Tourism weekend, I had the chance to try out their Segway Gliding Tour, and let me tell you, it was a blast. If you haven’t been to Spier in a while, this alone is worth the visit. The tour lasts about two hours and gives you a unique and fun way to see Spier’s commitment to sustainability, where they balance their business success with social and environmental goals.

So, we kicked things off with a little lesson, and boy, did it remind us of our younger days! A quick whip around the obstacle course, and suddenly all those years of being responsible adults were gone. We felt like kids again, bursting with energy and ready to go. We set off along the Eerste River, surrounded by the vibrant hues of autumn. The trees dazzled us with their fiery reds and shimmering golds before leading us to a breathtaking protea garden. Honestly, we were having so much fun that we couldn’t fully appreciate the stunning scenery just yet.

As we moved away from the proteas and their many birds, we made our way towards the vineyards. Along the way, we passed by Spier’s water treatment plant. This plant is no ordinary one – it treats and cleans recycled water through a series of stone beds and a reed pond. The water is then pumped back into a holding dam, allowing Spier to use up to 30% less water than other farms in the area.

I have a deep love for horses. They are majestic creatures. However, when it comes to exploring the beautiful Spier Wine Farm and its vineyards, I found a new mode of transportation that I thoroughly enjoyed – Segways. These self-balancing devices don’t require saddles or stirrup shortening. There’s no need to endure the uncomfortable trotting or worry about any disobedience. It was the perfect way to experience the vineyards in all their splendor.

What a beautiful day it was! I found myself cruising down a dirt road, surrounded by vineyards. As I drove past the wine cellar and the press, my destination was the organic vegetable gardens. Along the way, I couldn’t resist stopping to take a closer look at the free-range chickens. The previous day, I had the pleasure of tasting their eggs, which were absolutely delicious.

These chickens are truly unique. They live in spacious outdoor coops that are moved every few days. This not only provides them with ample space to roam around but also serves as a natural source of manure, benefiting the soil. Additionally, the chickens play a vital role in pest control, as they diligently eat up any insects and other nuisances that cross their path. Truly, they are free to explore the world around them, with only the need for food and the safety of the coop at night drawing them back.

As I made my way along bumpy dirt paths and maneuvered around murky puddles, I couldn’t help but take a moment to chase after a mischievous flock of free-roaming mutton. My apologies if their escapades made your lamb chop a bit tough to chew. Eventually, I arrived at Spier’s magnificent vegetable garden, where an array of vibrant greens and colorful produce thrived.

Here at Eight at Spier, the vegetables that grace your plate and the salad you savor are all cultivated with great care and love. This bountiful garden is a testament to the power of organic farming and sustainable practices. I couldn’t help but notice the peculiar sight of speakers hanging on the walls of the garden shed. Curiosity got the best of me, and I inquired about their purpose.

The answer was both intriguing and heartwarming. These speakers are not meant for human ears; rather, they play lovely classical melodies to the herbs and vegetables. This unconventional harmony is believed to enhance their growth, resulting in yields of exceptional quality. It’s a beautiful example of how Spier harmonizes the pursuit of business success with a profound commitment to sustainability.

Amidst the lush greenery, I came across a whimsical figure that stole my heart. Standing tall amidst the crops was the happiest scarecrow I had ever seen. It seemed to radiate joy, and I couldn’t help but imagine it dancing to its very own mood music, filling the field with enchantment and mirth.

As we made our way back, we encountered some mighty bulls who showed little regard for us and the fence keeping us apart. We paused to chat with a farm worker who was busy collecting eggs from the portable chicken coops scattered around. It was fascinating to see such a unique farming setup.

Before we returned, we reached the highest point on the farm – a hill that provided stunning views of the picturesque Stellenbosch Mountains, the vibrant city of Cape Town, and the majestic Table Mountain. It was a sight to behold, and it made me realize how vast and beautiful our world truly is.

After the tour, it felt strange to be back on solid ground. Walking suddenly seemed unnatural and cumbersome compared to the effortless balance we had achieved on the segways. It also took much longer to cover the same distance.

Reflecting on this experience, I learned to appreciate the simplicity and efficiency of a segway. It allowed me to explore the farm effortlessly while taking in the breathtaking scenery. It’s incredible how one small device can completely transform the way we perceive and navigate our surroundings.

So, if you’re looking for an exciting and unique adventure, I highly recommend trying out a segway tour. It offers a whole new perspective and allows you to embrace the beauty of nature while gliding effortlessly through it. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

I forgot that the tour also included a free wine tasting. After savoring multiple glasses of delicious wine, along with some tasty cheese, biscuits, and olives, I felt that same exhilarating sensation once again.

To learn more about the Segway Gliding Tours, you can visit their website at www.segwayglidingtours.com.

For more information on these or other Fair Trade Tourism adventures, you can visit the FTTSA website or connect with FTTSA on Facebook.

Spier Wine Farm is proudly certified by Fair Trade in Tourism.

Contact Spier

Eight at Spier

Eight at Spier