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Balloons Above the Valley

4.4 (516 reviews)
Closed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Samantha C.

Epic experience!! Our family was visiting from overseas and this was on their bucket list. Everything went smoothly and the staff were so accommodating and friendly! It definitely made our experience amazing. We first got our breakfast at 5;45 am in front of model bakery. One thing that I would change is giving people a whole croissant/pastry. It's so easy and there's nothing else to eat! haha besides that the pastries were good and the coffee was awesome. Around 6:40 we started getting in the vans to drive to our takeoff location. Our pilot was jake and he was awesome. He gave us a good tour of the napa valley and pointed out different landmarks and spots. He also joked around and chatted with everyone in the basket. I was surprised that there were 18 people in our basket! I didn't know you could fit that many people! Our ride lasted about an hour and we finally landed on a hill. We got to take some pictures after and they drove us back to our cars at Oxbow public market. I think this is an experience everyone needs to try! I had so much fun and it was really incredible! We paid at the end of our stop.

View from the balloon
Nick M.

This place was amazing!!! We weren't sure what to expect because it was our first time going on a balloon ride, but it's definitely something I can say I'm glad I did. I'll start from he beginning cause there's alot to unfold in this review. We met up at the Napa Valley wine train at 5:30 am. Don't be late cause a few people were and we were waiting on them. They give you your itinerary and you sign a waiver , and the. You meet your pilot. They drove us in their vans to the take off point which was off the train track. See the video, it was amazing. I was worried that the wind might be to much fir the too lift off, but they said if they can't, they have alternative locations. Once we got I'm the air it was very smooth and very relaxing. There we about 20 people in our basket. Not alot of room, but keep in mind your not going to move around in the balloon basket . We rose up in the ir and went where the wind took us. After our pilot explained everything to us we were confident he knew what he was doing . He even took us inside a hillside where we were able to get close to some trees . Landing was pretty smooth. They picked up up with their vans and drive us back. And this is where it goes from 4 stars to 5. We purchase the champagne package which I highly recommend. We got to share a bottle of champagne with our pilot and he told us all about the first hot air ballon, which was way before airplanes , and explained to us where the name Pilot came from. Overall , it was a great end to a great experience and I highly recommend it .

The inside of the gigantic chute
Nitisha D.

What a fabulous experience! The entire staff is very polite. The facilities are clean. The equipment is well maintained. Good communication leading up to to the ride. Our pilot Jake was fabulous. He offered so much great info. Pointed out areas of interest. Told us a bit about the valley. Highly recommend both, hot air ballooning and this company.

Mel T.

What a nice experience! It's pretty pricey (about $200 per person) but it's definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. Here's a quick rundown of the schedule for the sunrise trip (which I think is the only time they fly probably due to weather/pressure conditions): Evening before: Call them to make sure your flight is all set for tomorrow, weather-wise Day of - 5:30 AM: Arrive at Model Bakery at Oxbow Market. Here they will provide you with some coffee and pastries (the almond croissant was amazing). You can also go to the back of the building for bathrooms (actual bathrooms, not porta-potties and I highly suggest you go because it could be a long trip). I believe you can park in the Oxbow parking lot but I'm not sure if it's free or not. We pulled into the first street parking spot we could find. Thankfully, it was a Saturday so street parking is free on the weekends 6 AM: Sign waivers and get loaded into vans that will take you out to where the hot air balloons actually are. Where they fly from depends on the flying conditions but our location was about a 40-minute drive out. Make sure you don't make any plans for after the flight (i.e. an actual flight on an airplane, or something you can't miss) because depending on the conditions of that day, you could be driving out further, which means you could be back later. It mentions that you would be back by 8:30 but when we were signing the waivers, they said there were instances where people weren't back until 11. 6:40 AM: Get loaded onto the balloons (maybe 10-15 minutes for everyone to get on), which are already set up when you get there so make sure you get your photo op quickly because they deflate the balloons as you are landing. The flight lasts about 45 min to an hour and you get great views of Napa. Make sure you dress warmly because it's cold up there, but the hot air from the propane (?) does help a lot 7:45 AM: Get your last photo ops (balloon is now mostly deflated) before they load you back into the van for the drive back to Oxbow My only complaint was the capacity of the balloon. I believe the balloon had four compartments from what I remember - one in each corner. I appreciate that they put your parties together (and that there are plastic separators - well more like curtains - between each compartment. However, our group was 6 people. I would say we are relatively thin women and it was a tight squeeze. The couple next to us was chillin with a whole compartment to themselves so I feel like they could have split us into 3 and 3 for a more comfortable ride and better experience. I probably wouldn't do another balloon ride in Napa but the experience definitely has me wanting to do one in other countries.

View of the bay from 2000' up!
Ashley T.

What a super fun way to spend a crisp January morning. We lucked out with one day of nice weather for our balloon launch. Getting a reservation was easy on their website and I even got a confirmation call the day before. Meeting at Model bakery was nice because they provided treats and coffee. Maya was a great host and made us all feel comfortable about our balloon flight. Drive over the the field was speedy, in a really warm van! Our captain, Jake, was really funny and answered all our questions. Even though the basket tipped over on landing, we had such a great time.

Prepping the balloons for flight
Ashley C.

Went on a hot air balloon ride for the first time and I'm so glad we found this company! We started the day early and met at model bakery near oxbow market at 6:45 and offered coffee and pastries. From there, the group was shuttled to the launch site. Because of covid, they limited the number of passengers in the vans & hot air balloon ride. They required us to wear masks at all times within the vehicle and had plastic on the seats. In the hot air balloon compartment, they had it sectioned off with plastic barriers so each party was separated. In total, we were in the air for about 1hr 45 mins. The time in the air depends on weather conditions and finding an area to land. We had Chad as our pilot and I can't recommend him enough. He made it so fun and even provided bubble wands for us during the flight! The total cost for the experience was $599 for two people, which included the transportation to the site and also some printed photos at the end. If you have the opportunity to try it, it's definitely worth it.

High up in the air
Edgar H.

Truly enjoyed the ride. Our pilot Chad was not only skillful but hilarious. Also the complementary breakfast coffee and pastry was on spot early in the morning. Thanks to the crew and the pilot for unforgettable experience

My husband set up a balloon ride for my 30th birthday with Balloons Above The Valley, it was outstanding. From the pickup at model bakery to the champagne toast package we added on at the end. It was a once in a life time experience and the best way I could have asked to spend the start of my 30th birthday. Chad was our pilot, he was great, extremely knowledgeable and fun! Thank you for making it an awesome flight Chad! Maya and Scott took great care of us from start to finish they were excellent and lovely to chat with at the end! I would highly recommend Balloons Above The Valley to anyone who is looking to take a hot air balloon flight. Thank you again to the whole crew!

Haley L.

If you're thinking about it, book Balloons Above the Valley! We surprised my grandma with a trip in the clouds for her 75th birthday & it was spectacular! We got to the meeting spot bright and early, 6:15am. We made it just on time and completed our forms and had some pastries and coffee. We were told the instructions and hopped in our buses to go to the meeting spot. Our pilot was Chad and he was such a kick. The reviews say he sounds like Seth Rogan and my goodness ahah he sounded just like him. Chad was great he was super informative about the Napa County and its surrounding areas. I learned so much. He was also super fun in the sky, he has this awesome camera that does like a 360 sort of thing and that was such a great touch. Ohh my goodness and I almost forgot about the bubbles he gives us. That was also a super fun thing to do! All the staff are incredible and brought so much joy! This was one of the coolest things I've ever done & I will absolutely be back! Note: dress in layers. It's freezing in the morning but in the sky it's actually super comfortable and the fire also helps.

Chelsea M.

I got to say it was a awesome experience you meet up at a spot and the take you the to the launch site it's pretty cool to see they crew members work and put up the balloon up after you get done they meet you at the landing site and they take you back. It was so much fun the crew members and team do a awesome job. I booked my appointment online they called me the day before to double check if you are still going so you don't pay for the ride until after it's all done just in case if you want to use a different payment method. I paid about $189 per person they do have other deals as well the offered lunch after, but it's a little extra for that. I recommend wearing tennis shoes you do land in fields, hat, and comfortable clothes. Russ was a awesome pilot he knew what he was doing very knowledgeable he's been doing it for a long time as well. So if you are in the area I recommend doing it. It's a awesome experience like no other.

Watching the crew wrap it up!  IG: @ohmyono
Blessie W.

The perfect way to wrap up a trip to the Napa area! At the crack of dawn, I made my way to Model Bakery, the designated meeting area for the hot air balloon experience. There were about 30-40 of us present, as each hot air balloon comfortably accommodates 20, and there was an ample amount of complimentary pastries and coffee provided to fuel us for the day. As we were snacking, we were given waivers to sign our lives away and we were given a safety briefing. Flying is weather-dependent, as the only control that the pilot has is by blowing the torch to keep the balloon afloat, so we were waiting at the bakery until the crew got the green light on where they would take us to fly that morning. In no time, we were loaded up into 4 passenger vans and taken 40 minutes away to launch in the middle of an open field in Winters. It was a two feet climb into the basket, and soon enough, we were lifted up. The balloon was not a magic carpet, but my thoughts as the balloon lifted off- "a whole new world, a dazzling place I never knew..." Being in the air was a serene feeling. It was almost eerily quiet, and the countryside below was gorgeous. In the hour we were in the air, we were taken above almond fields, fruit trees, lakes, and other things. We were given free reign to take all of the photos and videos we desired. The occasional firing of the torch was hot on our heads, but it didn't bother us too much. That hour went by way too quickly, though! After safely landing and climbing out of the baskets, we were given permission to take photos with the balloon on land. It really is such a big contraption! Overall, this was a memorable time time some awesome people, and I'd do this again in a heartbeat somewhere else in the world.

TiYanna S.

My husband and I had so much fun. I surprised him with a hot air balloon ride for his birthday, and it did not disappoint. It was definitely an early morning, but watching the sun rise over the mountains and flying over the valley during harvest season was an experience to remember. Our pilot was knowledgeable, made us feel safe, and even captured a great photo of everyone in the balloon mid air. Would definitely recommend!

360 view from our Balloon attendant!
Jennifer T.

This was my first time on a hot air balloon and I am glad that we went with balloons above the valley! My boyfriend surprised me with a trip for my birthday and opted for the brunch package. On the day of our flight, there was some fog in the area and we had to drive a further 45 minutes for our balloon. Didn't bother me because we met at a Model bakery beforehand and was given pastries and coffee. Make sure you get there on time because that's your chance to ask any questions or use the restroom depending on where you came from. I absolutely loved our balloon attendant. I think it was chad? I was on the Chad bus-I think that's our balloon attendant. He was engaging with our basket of people the entire time and even brought bubbles for us to blow at like... 1500 feet! The view was absolutely breathtaking. After the ride was over, they made sure to suggest photo ops on different parts of the balloon! We got some AMAZING photos because of them. Because we got the brunch package, we were brought back to oxbow public market for breakfast served from C Casa with champagne and merch.

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Amazing experience! Our Pilot Chad was great. Provided us with tone of information and entertainment too :) Highly recommend!

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Wonderful experience!! Staff were friendly and knowledgeable, weather was gorgeous and the ride was smooth and dreamy!!

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Balloons Above the Valley Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Balloons Above the Valley

Is a breakfast still served? I saw a few years ago eggs and bacon being served. Also do you guys still fly over Napa? I read your Google reviews, and apparently you lost your…

Matt G., Thank you for reaching out. Currently we offer a champagne toast after flight and where you end your experience with us is at the Napa Oxbow market which has many… Read more

Hello, Where is the launch site? I saw someone post a picture of what appeared to be a flight path over Winters CA. I am from that area so I would prefer to book a flight…

We never got close to Winters and launched from just outside the city of Napa. Where and how far you go depends on the wind.

What are the restrictions and rules related to covid? How many people max per ballon? Thanks?

Can we drive to here? Any parking area? Thanks

Hello. There is plenty of free parking where you meet us at in the morning. From there we will transport everyone in our vehicles to the launch site for the morning.

How long should I expect to be there for? Just wanted to know for a set up lunch afterwards. Thank you so much:)

The whole adventure can take up to 3-4 hours, dependent on weather=launch location, flight time and landing spot, and whether you stay for brunch or not.… Read more

Are there pick up spots in San Jose or San Francisco to the meeting point? Perhaps participating hotels?

Hey Amar! They pick up at any hotel in Napa Valley. Unfortunately they do not have a pickup point in SJ of SF..

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Review Highlights - Balloons Above the Valley

I felt very safe throughout the experience, plus got treated to a champagne brunch after the balloon ride.

Mentioned in 41 reviews

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What an amazing experience! Absolutely breathtaking views of Napa Valley!…read more The pilot and crew were fantastic! They operate like a well oiled machine and focus on your safety and your happiness

Overall we had a good experience. I wish they would've…read morecalled us sooner to tell us what time they were picking us up. I ended up calling them the day prior to make sure what our pickup time was. She told me they don't usually call until the afternoon of the day prior. They picked us up from our hotel and brought us to the meeting location at 6am. Coffee, water, tea, muffins, and granola bars were available. The muffins were very tasty. There was very minimum communication. They never said what time we would be leaving. They gave us a bathroom reminder and then a long wait and then suddenly it was time to go. They fit a lot of people in a small waiting area. Which is outside btw. The staff was nice however, the person calling names for groups said our last name so wrong we didn't even know it was us and she was so quiet you could barely hear her. If you're in a later group, you will have a long day. We were in group one and got back to our hotel by 9am and other balloons hadn't even landed yet. Our driver, Bailey, was so sweet and nice. Our pilot was Chad, and you better hope you get him. He was informative, funny, nice, communicated well and considerate. Once we went to the launch site, it was a 20-30 mins wait for the balloon to be ready. We were in the air for about a half hour. We landed and then the vans came to get us, brought us back to the meeting location, and the our hotel. We had a good experience. Plan your day accordingly as you might not get back to your hotel until 930-1030.

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Here is the rundown:…read more They do not confirm your seats until 3 days prior but they take payment. Don't you find this bizarre? I don't understand why they cannot confirm at the time of booking. You are picked up at a designated hotel (not your hotel) and then two additional stops at two other hotels to pickup additional passengers. Then the shuttle drives you to the airport. You watch a very outdated video on safety. Then 6 of you are jammed into a helicopter plus the pilot. If you are bigger you will be uncomfortable and if you are smaller you will be uncomfortable because of the bigger people. The pilot does a 15-20 minute tour that goes over the bay, golden gate bridge and Alcatraz and then you land in Sausalito where the shuttle meets you to take you back. I could not understand the pilot AT ALL. I had no idea what he was saying during the entire tour. In total it takes about 2 hours and is $215 per person. Is it worth it? Yes if you book with a different helicopter touring company. This was a bottom budget tour.

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Balloons Above the Valley - hot_air_balloons - Updated May 2026

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