Up, Up, and Away with Napa Valley Balloons: Our Experience

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*beep, beep, beep* My alarm screeched at 5am.

Ughhh. It's too early

But that thought quickly passed and excitement began to sink in thinking about how in just over an hour, we would be rising with the sun in a hot air balloon while enjoying a bird's eye view of wine country. If that doesn't get you out of bed, I dont know what will.

We left our comfy beds at Elm House Inn, put on our layers, and drove the 10 min to Vintners Golf Club in Yountville, which was the meeting location for Napa Valley Balloons. We arrived a little after 6am and were pleasantly greeted with pre-flight pastries and croissants from Bouchon Bakery, along with coffee, tea, and juice. We listened to the classic safety spiel and then we were split into two groups and put into vans for a short drive to the balloon launch site.

When we arrived, there was a whole team of people starting to inflate the massive, colorful balloons. You don't realize just how big the balloon and basket are until you're right up next to them. It makes sense though, considering the spacious basket held 12 of us. You would assume 12 people in one basket means you're packed in like sardines, but actually it was quite spacious with plenty of room to move about and take in all the views.

Once the balloon was inflated, we climbed over the edge of the wicker basket and up we went!

I never once felt unsafe. The driver (?) erhgg... I dont know their technical name, pilot? captain? of the balloon was very experienced and smooth. He did tell us that all he can control is the up and down of the balloon, he cannot control where we actually go. That's up to the wind. So they had someone on the ground following us driving to the direction they think we will land, while on the walkie talkie with our pilot. It gave tornado chaser vibes.

Soon we were rising with the sun, floating above the perfectly aligned vineyard rows, taking in the 360 degree panoramic views of the valley. Gliding through the sky. It was so peaceful and quiet. We were up in the air for a little over an hour, which felt like the perfect amount of time.

Next up: the landing. Okay, this was the part I was a little bit worried about going into the flight. Are we going to crash into a tree? Is it going to be a harsh landing? The answer is no. The people at Napa Valley Balloons are professionals who have been doing this for years. They tell you to keep all limbs in the basket and slightly bend your knees upon landing. Once you're hovering right above the ground, a team of people from Napa Valley Balloons grab the basket and help lower you down and help you get out of the basket.

(Shop my outfit here)

Then voila! You're safely back on the ground and are shuttled back to the country club for a post-flight Chandon champagne toast on the patio! Cheers!

Details about the tour: We booked this exact tour "Hot Air Balloon Rides in Napa Valley Launching from Yountville"

Recommendations on what to wear:

• Comfortable closed toed shoes: you have to get in and out of the basket, which is taller than you think. Also you will be standing the whole time

• Comfortable clothes and layers: you start when the sun isn't even up, so it's chilly, but then it warms up the higher you go up, also you feel the heat of the hot air

• Pants or leggings: you'll be climbing in and out of the basket, no flashing going on here

• No purses or bags can be worn, so plan accordingly. Just take your camera or phone

If you're looking for what to do after your flight, you can check out my favorite Napa Valley wineries, here