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Cape Winelands Scenic Flights - Alluvia Boutique Winery

Posted on February 5, 2008 - Filed Under Travel and Leisure

While staying at the Alluvia guesthouse I booked myself a Cape winelands scenic flight and yesterday was my first time flying in South Africa. It was nothing like I imagined it to be, and for that I am eternally grateful, because I am afraid of heights. It was sunrise on this particularly sunny day as I watched the crew prepare the humungous balloon for take-off. And as gently as a passing cloud we set off for the ultimate airborne adventure across the picturesque Cape Winelands.

Lift off
The feeling of peeling off the safe, solid ground is a tad overwhelming. I think that’s why the sign read “Sorry, no mums with tums,” I guess the feeling would probably be too much for a pregnant woman. I peeped over the wooden basket – strangely enough my fear of heights had lessened since lift off – and watched as the balloon took me higher, gently drifting into the sky. Looking down from up above actually makes you realise how tiny you are, relative to the world, and suddenly all your problems seem so minuscule.

Take me higher
There’s nothing quite like capturing the panoramic view of the beautiful Winelands from high up in the air. The warm African sunrise gave the Stellenbosch vineyards a romantic golden glow. I made sure I had enough memory on my digital camera for loads of pictures for my scrapbook.

Floating high above the ground, with the light morning breeze and an uninterrupted view of the green countryside below, I had more than just pictures to take home with me. The balloon pilot told stories and anecdotes about certain areas of the Winelands as we passed over them, which made for amusing entertainment during the trip.

Coming back down
Coming back down to tree top level is even more exhilarating, as we soared over the orchards and vineyards. I felt as free as a bird. The only word that comes close to describing it is: magical.

The landing was a bit bumpy, but to be expected from the oldest form of air transportation. Fortunately I remembered to wear comfortable shoes so I wasn’t caught off balance. The course of an air balloon is to a large degree dependent on the wind, but there was a retrieval vehicle directly below the balloon, which followed us all the way until our point of return, even when we were so very high above the ground.

I watched as the big colourful balloon easily released the remaining air and collapsed to the ground. The crew neatly packed the equipment away as we were escorted to a warm, hearty South African breakfast with champagne in the countryside.

Lunch at Grand Roche Hotel
The staff at Alluvia recommended the restaurant at the Grande Roche for my lunch outing. And they were right, for lunch at the Grand Roche Hotel was rather elegant. An award winning chef, Frank Zlimke, and his team of fine cooks prepared an artfully tasty dish that looked like something that should be photographed rather than devoured. I was blown away by the exquisite setting of the Grand Roche Hotel, set on the slopes of Paarl Mountain in the lush Paarl Valley. The 18th century manor estate gives you the view of the stunning vineyards and rugged Paarl mountain valleys.

After lunch I went for a short walk around the premises and was rather impressed with their well stocked cellar, holding 300 of the finest vintage wines, all from vineyards around the Cape.

Heading back
After my luncheon, I headed back to the Alluvia guesthouse. This was my last day at the estate and I spent it strolling on the grounds enjoying the view of the Stellenbosch area. The next morning I was more relaxed than I’ve been in quite some time and set off on my way back home.

I’ve printed my pictures and stuck them in my scrapbook, along with my commemorative air ballooning certificate, and I bet if I hadn’t taken that one picture of me and the pilot, none of my friends would have believed that I was more than seven feet off the ground, let alone in a hot air balloon. I’d say my fear of heights has been conquered.

Author Bio:
Alluvia Boutique Winery & Guesthouse is in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands and offers scenic flights of the beautiful Cape Winelands.

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