Leonardo da Vinci said of flight - “For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.” After flying with us, Mark C. of Austin, TX said - “I suppose the only criticism I have is that maybe there should be a warning on the side of the basket that… ballooning can become addictive!”
Pre-Flight
Your morning with begin at the Vintner’s Golf Club in Yountville where you will be greeted with a smile and introduced to your pilot. After being checked in and a brief orientation, guests are driven directly to one of our launch sites where they are met by a bustle of activity, the hum of the inflation fans, lively colors and excitement as our hot air balloons gradually come to life.
The Flight
After all guests have boarded, the pilot completes his final check. The burners roar and then silence. Effortlessly, the hot air balloon ascends into the early morning winds that carry you gently above corridors of grapes and between the mountains of one of the most magnificent valleys on Earth.
Your experienced and knowledgeable hot air balloon pilot will act as your guide and entertainer while pointing out local highlights and welcoming questions from you and fellow adventurers. From tree tops to magnificent panoramic views, enchantment, romance, and excitement fill every colorful moment of this graceful adventure.
Post Flight
Your first impulse after a gentle touch down is to say, “Let’s do it again!”
The experience lasts a few hours, but the memories last a lifetime.
Napa Valley hot air balloon rides are widely regarded as some of the finest in the world and ranking in nearly every article published about the best places to go for a balloon ride. Napa Valley Balloons is particularly honored to be atop the list of the best hot air balloon ride in Napa. Fly with us and see why.
We’ve enjoyed being featured in many fantastic articles and travel shows over the decades of offering hot air balloon rides in Napa. We’ve flown celebrities, foreign dignitaries and more, but the most rewarding accolades come from our happy guests. Below are a collection of a few of our recent reviews and some of our more significant accomplishments.
"The Most Amazing Experience of My Life!!!" I surprised my husband with a hot air balloon ride for his birthday! And check off my bucket list! What a beautiful setting at the Domaine Chandon starting with a continental breakfast!! I can't believe i had been so nervous and so scared to do this the night before!!
It was spectacular seeing these massive balloons and exciting knowing we would be in one! It felt so smooth that we didn't even realize we were floating so high and so far. The views were amazing! I was able to take pictures of some breathtaking views! We loved every moment! We had Bob Swanson as our pilot, he was awesone. Made us feel at ease and had us laughing and having a great time! After the hot air balloon they had a very nice brunch ready fir us at Domaine Chandon Winery! Perfect way to end the morning! I have great pictures that Bob emailed us to remember this magical morning!!! Thank you Bob, you'll see us again soon!!! My husband will never forget this birthday! Live life and have fun! Try this with this company, they just are outstanding!!!
"Staff very thoughtful and professional"
We had a great day. The view and ride are breathtaking. We love to try stuff and, of course, sometimes it is a wash for us….This was a clear winner for the dough.
The ground staff were solid. A shout out to Scott who loaded us into vehicles, assured we were at the right balloon, and then took care of breakfast. He was everywhere always with a smile. The pilot, balloon driver was good humored though a bit quick tempered.
Met very cool people from all over the. world.
A great way to start a morning in Napa!
Best in the Valley
This company is fabulous. They left the other balloons in the dust on the day of our flight and went twice the distance. This made for some amazing pics of other hot air balloons in the valley. Also, our landing was incredibly smooth. We had ideal conditions and whatnot and we were lucky, but this company maximized the conditions. Amazing!!! Thank you so much for an awesome flight!!
Highlight of our trip
Definitely a bucket list item - went with my daughter, and this company is TOP NOTCH - the only one to use - safe, secure and fabulous - we had such a wonderful time.
Facebook
Krista K. - Brighton, Colorado
We rode on 9/25/17 Everyone was friendly and exceptionally sweet. The pilots drove us to our site helped us in the balloons and upon landing helped us out and back to the vans. The crew was also very helpful and it truly ran like a well oiled machine! We were even told that it was a perfect day and perfect ride. Which I couldn't agree more. Absolutely thrilling! Not one thing to complain about or change!
Mary Ann - Delray Beach, Florida
Amazing experience checked off my Bucket List...awesome staff! I am super afraid of heights and felt calm and just in awe the entire ride! The most peaceful morning watching the sun rise over the mountains with the best company! The champagne breakfast after was just as much fun!
Colleen W. - Conde, South Dakota Great experience all the way through the process. Safety and customer service is top notch and they lend to a great time. Mike was our pilot and did and excellent job. Do it!
"Patrice H. - Brooklyn, NY"
Last week, I visited Napa Valley for the first time. I read about how great Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. was so I knew I had to make a reservation and I am so glad that I did! They did not disappoint!
My flight was on 4/12 and our meeting time was 6am at Domaine Chandon, where there was coffee and pastries waiting for us. Bob, our pilot was extremely kind and knowledgeable. He made us all feel very comfortable and safe, as did the rest of the team and staff. Our ride in the air was about an hour long, the perfect amount of time! There were about 8 of us who went up together and that was the perfect amount of people so that it did not at all feel cramped or overly crowded. Once we landed, we all went back to Domaine Chandon for a tasty buffet breakfast and mimosas. They send you pictures from the flight before you leave, so you have them the same day to share with family and friends. Many thanks to Shannon for helping me schedule and book this unforgettable experience! I look forward to returning for another ride!
Google+
"Such a wonderful experience!"
Such a wonderful experience! Perfect from beginning to end. They picked us up, brought us to a beautiful vineyard for coffee and snacks, then off we went to board our balloons. The entire balloon ride was a dream.
Breathtaking views the entire time and smooth take off and landing. I'm afraid of heights but, the views were just so gorgeous and the ride so smooth, I wasn't even bothered at all. The trip ended with a lovely brunch and socializing with the group before being brought home by one of the many incredibly friendly staff. Highly recommend this unique experience!
"ABSOLUTELY 5 STAR PLUS EXPERIENCE"
Everyone on the staff is so friendly and professional. It was an amazing experience. Bob was our captain and made the trip so wonderful and fun. My kids gave me this hot air ballon ride experience as a Mother's Day gift because we came to Napa to visit.
WOW it was on my bucket list and I'm so glad they took me. The ride was so serene peaceful n beyond BEAUTIFUL!!!! The food was delicious that they served. ABSOLUTELY 5 STAR PLUS EXPERIENCE!
"Worth Every Penny!"
Staff is professional, friendly and amazing! The flight was beautiful and breathtaking. I have a real fear of heights....this had ZERO effect on that. The staff and pilot make safety a priority and it's evident in how safe everyone felt the entire trip!! The food was delicious. And it was worth every penny!
"I Highly Recommend this Company"
This experience was incredible! The view was unbeatable and everyone in the company was friendly and welcoming. Our driver Dan gave us a great tour during our trip to and from the site. His stories and knowledge of Napa were amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed our conversations with him. I highly recommend this company!
Yelp
Blanca S. - Modesto CA
From the time I booked to the time we landed everything was perfect. Took a flight at the end of April and was simply amazed at how wonderful and smooth a ride it was.
Morning started off by meeting at Domaine Chandon and greeted by coffee and pasteries. After filling some paperwork out we were shuttled off and came upon the area where the balloons were being blown up. Had a chance to take some pictures before we were asked to get in the balloon and before we knew it we were off. So smooth.
I think if people knew how relaxing this was more would take the chance and do it. Had a bump when we landed & it was over. So much fun.
We were shuttled back to Domaine Chandon where a champagne brunch was waiting. Mimosas or champagne. Beautiful end to the experience. I'd definitely recommend them.
Jan K. - Honolulu, HI
From the pickup to the drop off, the entire team provided the best service and the most memorable tour of our trip. Friendly, assuring, knowledgable, and great communication all along the way made our group completely comfortable with the process.
It was exhilirating, beautiful and gave us all an appreciation of the valley and all it has to offer. The crew was very experienced -- we had an awesome landing, too. Moreover, every person on the team was fully engaged -- you can tell they all love what they do and love the people they work with/for. WE can't wait to do it with Frank and Mike again...and will recommend them highly to everyone we know.
Bill S. - Pacific Palisades, CA
We had a truly unforgettable experience. Everyone was really nice and professional throughout, from booking to the drop off at the end of the ride. Our pilot was Russ, who is a total gem. We will never forget this experience and we hope to be back.
Jazzy S. - San Francisco, CA
Most awesome experience ever. My husband surprised me with the balloon ride for my birthday. I cannot say enough how beautiful the sunrise and the view above Napa Valley was. After landing, the pilot took us back to the beautiful Chandon winery, serve us food and some champagne. The overall balloon ride was amazing, service is incredible.
In the Media
The recognition we value the most is that of our customers in online reviews, thank you cards, and the positive notes in our guest book. That said, it's always nice when travel publications take notice of what we do and who doesn't like being listed among the BEST BALLOON RIDES IN THE WORLD! Here are just a few of the recent articles in which Napa Valley Balloons was featured:
We passed the close scrutiny of the US Secret Service before Chelsea Clinton joined the long list of notables from all walks of life who have chosen to fly with Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. while discovering and exploring our corner of the wine country. We are proud that our level of excellence met security criteria for Chelsea’s flight. A grand time was had by all!
"Best in the Valley"
This company is fabulous. They left the other balloons in the dust on the day of our flight and went twice the distance. This made for some amazing pics of other hot air balloons in the valley. Also, our landing was incredibly smooth. We had ideal conditions and whatnot and we were lucky, but this company maximized the conditions. Amazing!!! Thank you so much for an awesome flight!!
Colleen W. - Conde, South Dakota
Great experience all the way through the process. Safety and customer service is top notch and they lend to a great time. Mike was our pilot and did and excellent job. Do it!
"Worth Every Penny!"
Staff is professional, friendly and amazing! The flight was beautiful and breathtaking. I have a real fear of heights....this had ZERO effect on that. The staff and pilot make safety a priority and it's evident in how safe everyone felt the entire trip!! The food was delicious. And it was worth every penny!
Jazzy S. - San Francisco, CA
Most awesome experience ever. My husband surprised me with the balloon ride for my birthday. I cannot say enough how beautiful the sunrise and the view above Napa Valley was. After landing, the pilot took us back to the beautiful Chandon winery, serve us food and some champagne. The overall balloon ride was amazing, service is incredible.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In that case, we have a lot to say! Hot air balloon rides in Napa are incredibly scenic. Enjoy some of our favorite photos in the gallery below and be sure to follow us on Instagram.
You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers! From hot air balloon basics to the best places to hot air balloon in the bay area. Still have more questions? Please feel free to call our office (707) 944-0228 any day of the week between 9am and 6pm (PST) and we’d be delighted to answer your questions.
Why do you claim Napa Valley Balloons provides the best hot air balloon rides in Napa?
We love ballooning, we delight in sharing the joy of hot air ballooning and we are dedicated to making you love it too! We employ the best pilots and staff, fly the best equipment and have been offering rides longer than anyone else in the industry. We strive everyday to not only provide the best hot air balloon rides in California but to provide hands down the best hot air balloon rides in the U.S.
Does it get cold in the balloon? What should I wear?
The coldest part of your morning will be on the ground! Come dressed in comfortable layered clothing. Walking shoes and a hat are also recommended and of course don't forget you camera.
Is ballooning safe?
Absolutely! Flying is the safest form of transportation and, statically speaking, ballooning is the safest form of flight. Believe it or not, getting in and out of the basket is the most challenging part of the whole flight! That said, hot air balloon rides are an involved outdoor activity and may not be appropriate for everyone. Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. has highly skilled and experienced pilots and crew with impeccable safety records. You are in great hands.
I'm on vacation, why so early?
Balloons fly best in cool, calm, stable air which in Napa is usually just after sunrise. Our meeting times will vary throughout the year to reflect the change in sunrise times.
How many passengers do you fly in your balloons?
Our state-of-the-art balloons are certified to carry 6, 12, 16 and 20 passengers. As the best that money can buy, the baskets are compartmentalized to ensure maximum comfort and safety.
What are hot air balloons made of? Our hot air balloons are constructed with fire-treated nylon and a fabric called hyperlast. Both meet very specific manufacturer requirements. This material is lightweight but very strong. The baskets are made of rattan, each one individually woven by hand onto a rigid frame.
How high do hot air balloons fly?
Most balloonists enjoy low-level flight. Typical hot air balloon rides in Napa average between tree level and approximately 2,000 ft. The world record for altitude in a hot air balloon is 64,997 feet.
How long can a balloon fly?
It depends. Factors like outside air temperature, weight being carried in the basket and weather determine the duration of the flight. The balloon carries enough fuel to remain aloft for 1 hour, plus a sizable reserve fuel supply.
Do passengers ever get airsick?
No. Hot air balloons move at the same speed and direction as the wind so passengers experience no sense of motion.
How is the balloon steered?
It is not "steered" in the conventional sense. A hot air balloon moves with the direction of the wind. However, winds tend to stratify in different directions and altitudes. A balloonist uses these varying currents to guide the balloon to an appropriate landing site.
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, can I ride a hot air balloon in San Francisco?
Unfortunately, San Francisco is not well suited for hot air balloon flights. If you are looking for hot air balloon rides in the bay area, we recommend either one or our companies in Sonoma or Napa. Review our locations to decide which hot air balloon ride is best for you.
I've heard a lot about Sonoma. Do you offer Sonoma county hot air balloon rides?
Napa Valley Balloons only provides hot air balloon rides in Napa but if you wish to hot air balloon in Sonoma, our sister company Up & Away Ballooning are based in Sonoma County and offer hot air balloon rides daily, weather permitting.
