Ahead, five unique team building experiences that meetings and events groups can enjoy while staying and meeting at The Wigwam.
1. ‘For the Love of Bubbles’ Champagne Class
A glass of bubbly at check-in. A sabering ritual in the evening. A champagne-centric brunch. Champagne and hotels are a natural pairing.
But at The Wigwam, champagne connoisseurs as well as those who are new to bubbles can dive even deeper by experiencing the “For the Love of Bubbles” champagne classes taught by Christopher McLean, the resort’s executive chef and beverage director and a Certified Level 2 Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers.
In the interactive presentation, McLean teaches groups about different champagne houses as attendees sample different bottles of bubbly paired with French cheeses. They’ll also learn about champagne’s fascinating history and get advice on pairings.
For instance, did you know that French monk Dom Pérignon, heralded as the creator of champagne, spent years trying to remove the bubbles from champagne because the pressure caused by the carbon dioxide was causing the bottles to explode? Or that champagne pairs beautifully with a cheeseburger?
“It cleanses your palate between each bite, and cuts through the meat and cheese, so it tastes like you’re enjoying the first bite every time,” McLean says.
You’ll also get a good overview of how to taste champagne. Instead of the celebratory flutes, larger white wine glasses put your nose down into it so you can get the nuance of the champagne, McLean explains.
2. Wellness-Focused Activities
Groups visiting The Wigwam will discover ample opportunities for rest and relaxation in this tranquil desert oasis, surrounded by cacti, desert blooms, and scenic views. The resort features three 18-hole golf courses as well as picturesque pools perfect for unwinding between meetings and breakout sessions.
For a peaceful outdoor experience, the Trellis Garden offers a serene setting for yoga and meditation. Instructors are available to lead sessions, including adaptive sitting yoga classes suited to various skill levels, says Vice President of Sales and Marketing Jason Bossenberry.
Smaller groups can indulge in personalized treatments at LeMonds Aveda Salon – Spa, which offers a variety of customizable wellness experiences.
Wellness also extends into meetings, where groups can incorporate options like IV therapies and B12 shots to help boost energy and focus throughout the day, breathwork sessions, and sound healing meditation with crystal singing bowls.
Guests can also take advantage of the property’s 4.2-mile loop trail, which is ideal for guided sunrise or sunset walks or solo outings. The path winds through the grounds with scenic golf course views, offering a nice reset.
“It’s a beautiful area,” Bossenberry adds. “The colors in the sky are unique to our region.”
3. Cooking Classes and Competitions
In addition to guided tastings, groups looking for unique team-building experiences can dive into interactive activities like cooking classes or friendly culinary competitions that spark creativity and collaboration.
A guest favorite rooted in regional flavors is the Southwest Chili Competition, where teams select from various meats, vegetarian options, and spices to craft their own award-worthy bowls of chili.
For a more spirited experience, groups at The Wigwam can enjoy a speakeasy-style cocktail mixology class. Participants learn about different liquors, mixers, and glassware before testing their skills in a lively cocktail-making contest.
Those in town for meetings and events can also opt for elegant wine dinners featuring seasonal five-course meals paired with carefully selected wines, or enjoy craft beer dinners with curated pairings from local breweries that spotlight Arizona’s brewing scene.
“There’s always something new and exciting going on here,” McLean says.
4. Agave Experiences
Tequila is having a major moment. Agave-based spirits, including tequila and mezcal, claimed the No. 2 spot for spirits revenue in the U.S. in 2024, according to the Distilled Spirits Council’s annual economic report. While vodka still holds the top position in terms of total sales, its growth has plateaued—unlike tequila and mezcal, which saw sales increase by approximately 3% last year and continue to gain momentum among American consumers.
The Wigwam leads a “A Tale of Tequila” sessions that explore the heritage of tequila, including the history of agave cultivation and the distilling process. For tequila lovers who want to branch out and explore more spirits in the agave family, the Wigwam Bar holds in-depth tastings that can include racilla and bacanora, as well as sotol, which is made from Dasylirion wheeleri, or more commonly known as desert spoon. Guests are given a tasting plate with wet stones, cut grass, fruits like pineapple to help them pull and identify different tasting notes.
Tastings always include a pour of Codigo 1530 reposado, which The Wigwam has its own barrel of and that’s unique because it’s rested for six months in French White Oak Napa Valley Cabernet wine barrels. With notes of agave, vanilla and pepper, it works nice in the bar’s signature tequila Old Fashioned cocktail or swapped in for vodka in an espresso martini, says Amanda Spickard, outlets manager at The Wigwam.
5. Phoenix-Area Sports Experiences
From wellness experiences to unique tastings and fun team building activities like building boats to race them in a pool, The Wigwam can host an array of unique gatherings on the property.
For those looking to explore beyond the resort, the team can arrange unforgettable off-site excursions around the Phoenix area.
Highlights include receptions at the nearby Phoenix Raceway in Avondale—where guests can even take a lap on the NASCAR track—and springtime outings to baseball games. The Phoenix metro area’s Cactus League is home to 10 ballparks and 15 Major League Baseball teams during spring training.
These team building experiences aren’t just fun, but they create space for teams to connect, collaborate, and return to work with a stronger sense of camaraderie (and maybe a new go-to bottle of champagne or favorite chili recipe).