September 12th, 2023
Celebrate Yourself with a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Napa Valley
Hot air balloons – they grace our skies with beautiful colors enhanced by the early morning or late evening sun. If you’re looking for a unique way to spend a special occasion – like a birthday, anniversary, girls reunion and more – adding a hot air balloon ride to your Napa Valley winery itinerary will certainly make a lasting impression.
Shayla here! One of the best parts of having a later summer/early autumn birthday is celebrating it with a trip to Napa Valley, and I thought why not add a hot air balloon ride to my itinerary this year? Despite having to wake up before sunrise, around 5 am, I was ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure: a hot air balloon ride with Balloons Above the Valley.
Why do some balloon rides start so early in the morning, you might ask? The answer lies in the unique characteristics of the atmosphere in early mornings. As the earth warms with the rising sun, the air becomes turbulent, which can make the balloon ride less smooth and controlled. Similarly, as the air cools back down in the evening there is a chance for better conditions.
By taking to the skies at dawn, I was more likely to be treated to a gentle, undisturbed current that carried me over the sprawling landscape with ease. For this reason, the early hour was not merely a choice of convenience but a deliberate decision so that I may experience the magic of Napa Valley in its most tranquil and breathtaking moments.
I met my fellow travelers in the early morning twilight, as I was traveling with a group of about 20. Our pilot, known as a “balloonist,” was a seasoned professional with years of experience navigating the skies in these majestic balloons. His passion for ballooning was evident as he explained how he came from a family of balloonists, the intricacies of the balloon, and the science behind its flight. I felt that I was in safe and skilled hands!
A balloon ride is not a round-trip adventure; it’s a journey with the wind, and the landing point can vary. There was skillful coordination between our balloonist and the Balloons Above the Valley ground crew to ensure not only our safety but a smooth conclusion to the experience. The crew followed our balloon in a van on the ground, which served to track our route and would eventually take us back to our starting point – picking us up after our gentle descent back to the earth.
While ascending into the sky, we gazed at the patchwork of vineyards, rolling hills, and quaint wineries that define Napa Valley. From this vantage point, the valley appeared to come alive in a way that’s impossible to grasp from the ground. The morning mist gently clung to the vine rows, creating an ethereal atmosphere that seemed almost surreal. The colors of the sunrise painted the landscape in rich, vibrant hues, and the world below seemed to awaken with the promise of a new day.
Celebrating my birthday in this way, a solo trip to the skies with new faces, felt both daring and liberating – a worthwhile experience. The silence in the air was only occasionally broken by “oohs and ahhhs” from the group when our balloonist/pilot pointed out different well known vineyards, and the sound of the burner which our pilot expertly manipulated to control our altitude. High up in the sky it felt as though time had slowed, and I was suspended in a dreamlike state, taking in the panoramic beauty of Napa Valley.
Balloons Above the Valley, with their expertise and professionalism, made this adventure an unforgettable one. The early morning start, the tranquility of the skies, and the unparalleled views of Napa Valley combined to create a symphony of sensations that will forever be etched in my memory. As I touched down and the balloon gently settled on the ground, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to embrace the skies and celebrate the gift of another year in such a remarkable way. And the best part? It ended with a champagne toast!
Shaunna and Shayla are the two sisters behind Wine Spencer. A contemporary wine brand that exists to inspire people to decant and appreciate the taste of wine. The two fell in love with wine early and chose to pursue WSET Level 2 sommelier certifications. Both were eager to share their passion with the world, so they joined forces, naming their new venture in the tradition of their father, grandfather, and great grandfather’s name ‘Spencer.’ It is a name that denotes stewardship, guidance, protection, and cherishing. Both sisters have a strong desire to redefine what wine means and give it a modern significance. Their focus is providing the wine novice and the oenophile an opportunity to create bespoke wine experiences.