A balloon glides silently on a morning in the vineyards.
Most balloons launch from the Yountville area early in the morning. The first "shift" rides in the balloon gondola while the second shift pursues the balloon in the "chase" vehicle. Then, after the balloon sets down at the end of its voyage, the two crews switch for the second flight. Almost every morning's flight ends in a champagne brunch. You can even get married in a balloon. Cost, including brunch, ranges from $195-$260 per person for a one-hour flight.
Buy Hot Air Balloons by Ailsa Spindler and Clive McFadden.
The view that only birds, balloonists and people who own this book can see. Buy Napa Valley: A View from Above
Above the West Ballooning
707.944.8638
Adventures Aloft
800.944.4408 707.944.4409
Balloons Above the Valley
800.464.6824
Balloon Aviation of Napa Valley
707.944.4400 800.367.6272
Bonaventura Balloon Company
800.359.6272
Napa Valley Balloons Inc.
707.944.0228 800.253.2224
Napa Valley Drifters
707.252.7210 877.463.7438