| The most popular way to see Napa is on the | | | | fret: the trained, licensed pilots operating these |
| ground, picking your way through vast vineyards | | | | balloons are extremely capable. Indeed, it's so |
| tasting any number of different wines. If you're in | | | | safe that the United States Secret Service even |
| the mood for something that will stimulate the | | | | allowed Chelsea Clinton to fly! The ride is much |
| blood a bit, however, there's another option. One | | | | more gentle than an airplane, with no herky-jerky |
| of the most unique approaches to experiencing | | | | movements. If anything, all you'll experience is a |
| the glory that is the Napa Valley is to ascend | | | | wonderful gliding sensation. |
| above it in a hot air balloon. From this new | | | | Your experience will begin with a pre-dawn |
| vantage point, you'll truly appreciate the vivid | | | | continental breakfast of coffee, pastries, and fruit. |
| green landscape. With the number of hot air | | | | The captain of your balloon will give you a quick |
| ballooning companies rising steadily over the past | | | | orientation, going over the safety protocols. From |
| two decades, prices have dropped dramatically, | | | | there, the only place to go is up! A soft whisper |
| and it's now possible to soar above the clouds for | | | | turns into a shooting flame in seconds, and you'll |
| less than 200 dollars per person. So grab a couple | | | | gently lift off the ground, soaring ever higher until |
| of bottles of fantastic California wine, and prepare | | | | the entire valley comes into view. From this |
| to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. | | | | perspective, the Valley's beauty resembles a |
| Commercial ballooning in the Napa Valley began in | | | | piece of fine art. Your captain will be happy to |
| the 1970's, and has grown steadily along with the | | | | answer any questions you might have, all while |
| proliferation of wineries. There are now at least | | | | pointing out points of interest. The flight lasts |
| five companies operating balloon tours, with new | | | | approximately an hour. Upon returning to land, the |
| ones popping up every few years. The most | | | | company will provide a fantastic champagne |
| established are Napa Valley Balloons, Balloons | | | | breakfast, where you'll be able to sample different |
| Above the Valley, and Napa Valley Aloft. Each of | | | | Napa Valley wines. |
| these companies has provided excellent service to | | | | Touring the Napa Valley via hot air balloon is one |
| visitors since the 1980's. | | | | of the best ways to experience the majestic |
| Trips run year round, with the best weather in | | | | landscape. Leave your cares on the ground and |
| the spring and summer. If you're looking for a | | | | rise towards the heavens. This is certainly one of |
| great deal, however, you might want to consider | | | | the most romantic options for your time in Napa, |
| taking a ride during the winter. Booking over the | | | | and, if you can keep a secret, you wouldn't be |
| Internet in advance is usually the cheapest way | | | | the first to propose a couple of thousand feet |
| to get into the air. | | | | above the gorgeous Napa Valley. |
| For those of you with a fear of heights, don't | | | | |