It was six o’clock in the morning, the air crisp and there was a slight cool breeze billowing from the mountain side. I was standing on the veranda, sipping on my freshly brewed cup of coffee and looking over the Cape Winelands. I was ready for my tranquil day out in the fresh air. Fly fishing.

 

The Urge

I’ve been trying my hand at fly fishing for the last few months. Although I’m far from pro status, I would say that I’m not all that bad.

 

It was my friend Tom who sparked the passion for fly fishing. Being an enthusiast himself, it took some persuasion to get me to come with the first time. The idea of touching slimy fish just didn’t appeal to me to say the least, but being one always up for a challenge I gave it a go.

 

Now, a couple of months later I would say that I’m the one hooked. Since then I’ve become Daniel’s female fly fishing fanatic. Which brings us to where I was standing at that moment: on the Alluvia winelands. Daniel was busy preparing our tackle for the day while I was enjoying the view. Lush green vineyards as far as the eye could see surrounded by dramatic mountains. This was nature at its most beautiful.

 

Our day trip

We set off on our trip into the mountains. The trip there was exhilarating and I was thankful that we drove my 4x4 because the road got a little more challenging than your average dirt road. When we eventually arrived I felt ready for some good quality fly fishing time. We were informed that fly fishing in the Stellenbosch area was primarily for trout and that this particular spot was good for catching the big ones.

 

They say fly fishing is all about technique, well on that sunny day I had plenty. That or really good luck, because five minutes had not even passed and I already had my first catch of the day. Yes, he was a beauty and a bit of a fighter too.  I think he was relieved when Daniel put him back in the water (yes I may be fly fishing, but still not touching them).

 

The thing about fly fishing at Alluvia is that it’s on catch and release basis only. So if you’re not willing to put that big one back, then this is not the place for you, but if you are in the sport for the sheer art and challenge of it, then Alluvia is the place.

 

Feeding the ravenous

After a day at the stream where both Daniel and I had a couple of good bites, we collected our tackle and headed back to the guesthouse.

 

After a nice warm shower, feeling fresh and clean, I was absolutely ravenous. We set off to enjoy some of the finest cuisine at the Tokara restaurant. The meal, as with most Stellenbosch restaurants, was absolutely divine and perfect for my current state of hunger. The setting was laidback and I was feeling very relaxed, although that may have been due to the wine, but the setting itself was beautiful too.

 

All you need

After our late lunch we set off to explore the countryside. I don’t recollect feeling so relaxed and so at home at any place. We chose to stay at Alluvia specifically as they offered fly fishing, but I don’t think that either Daniel or I realised just how mesmerizing the Cape winelands really was.

 

Our initial goal was to enjoy a quality fly fishing escape. What we received was so much more. We enjoyed three days of good fly fishing, two days of wine tasting, accommodation that felt like a sanctuary, and the overall feeling of being totally revitalized.

 

If anyone asks me where the best place is for a much deserved holiday, I always recommend Alluvia. Not only is Alluvia one of very few wine estates that offers fly fishing on site, but its scenery is absolutely breathtaking.

 

I can’t wait for our next trip of good fly fishing at Alluvia!

 
Author Bio:

Alluvia Boutique Winery & Guesthouse is in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands and perfect for those adventurers who enjoy the art of fly fishing.