Wine Country Hot Air Ballooning

A Hot Air Balloon ride over the vineyards is a memorable experience of the Wine Country.

Soaring above the Wine Country in a hot air balloon will be an unforgettable experience for your visit or special occasion in Napa Valley or Sonoma County. The early morning flights offer you breathtaking views of a beautiful wine country sunrise and extraordinary vistas of the Sonoma and Napa Valley Wine Country vineyards and landscapes. Flying up high in the sky in a hot air balloon is a sightseeing adventure to be remembered - for a special occasion with friends or family, a romantic getaway, or a personal experience to enjoy.

Up, up, and away - Where will we go?

Each balloon flight is unique, and you travel where the winds take you. Wind moves in differing directions with changes in altitude, and the pilot moves between the layers of wind currents to "steer" the balloon. The heat in the balloon is increased to ascend or decreased to descend to the desired altitude. The pilot uses the varying currents to guide the balloon and to land at an appropriate site.

What does it feel like to ride in a hot air balloon?

The experience is unlike any other forms of flight, aloft in the air, safe and secure in the gondola. You hear the roar of the burners as you ascend into the sky, and then silence as you float in the air over the picturesque countryside. The hot air balloon moves with the wind and you peacefully drift where the currents take you. Because you move as one with the winds you don't feel the wind and it does not rock or sway the basket, thus you do not get motion sickness as you would with other forms of transport and there is no fear of falling out. Even if you don't like heights, there is no sensation of vertigo.

How fast does the balloon travel?

Your speed of a hot air balloon is determined entirely by the speed of the wind, there is no forward propulsion system on a hot air balloon. But what a wonderful pace for enjoying the sites and sounds of the Northern California scenery.

How high will we go in the hot air balloon?

Most hot air balloon flights are at a relatively low altitude, typically anywhere from tree level to about 2000 feet.

When is the best time of day to fly a hot air balloon?

The best time to fly a balloon is just after sunrise because this is the time of day when winds are calmest and the air most stable. If the weather is not safe or appropriate for ballooning, the pilot will cancel or postpone the flight until the weather improves or the fog lifts.

How many passengers fit in the basket?

Basket size can vary and the amount of passengers they carry can vary from 2 to 12 people. The weight that the balloon can carry is determined by the volume capacity of the envelope suspended above the basket.

What should I wear on a hot air balloon ride?

Ballooning is an outdoor activity and you should dress accordingly. Recommended attire includes comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, casual pants or shorts, a light jacket, and a cap or hat to protect your head from radiant heat. Even with the great wine country weather, the mornings might be chilly, but it can warm up quickly and it's always warmer in the balloon than on the ground.

How much time should I allow for my flight?

You can usually expect to spend about three to four hours on the adventure, and about one to two hours up in the air. Time is needed to inflate the balloon before the flight and then deflate the balloon after landing, which is part of the ballooning experience. This is also a great time for a light breakfast or brunch and a champagne toast, which is offered by most ballooning companies.