I give it a 4.5. We had to arrive super early and wait for them to set up everything. It was cold outside and they did provide coffee, hot chocolate and snacks. We the weather being so unpredictable we had to wait. I was fine with wait because i do value my life. I had the chance to cross off a major item from my bucket list. A hot air balloon ride and wow, what an experience! The views were absolutely breathtaking. Floating high above the landscape, seeing everything from a completely new perspective, was truly magical. The sunrise was especially beautiful as we drifted along, and the silence up there, broken only by the loud occasional burst of the burner, was unlike anything I've ever experienced. That said, there were a few things to consider. The heat from the burner can be overwhelming, especially if you're not prepared for it. I didn't wear a hat, and I really wish I had and i am short 5'2 those blasts of hot air can get pretty intense when they hit you directly! So, if you're planning this trip, definitely bring something to cover your head. The landing was a bit of a wild ride, too. The ground was much harder and more uneven than I expected, and we didn't quite know where we'd land until we were almost on top of it. Also getting in and out can be extremely challenging. It's hard climbing into and out of the basket and it's very tightly packed. Not a lot of space to move. I knew the risks going in but the whole experience was so worth it. Even with those little surprises, it was absolutely incredible. Would I do it again? Definitely not! Despite the heat and the bumpy landing, the beauty of the experience makes it all worthwhile and a one timer for me. I highly recommend it if you're looking for something unique and unforgettable to add to your list of adventures. Just don't forget your hat! read more

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Amazing first time experience with a friendly crew. The ride was so smooth it felt like the world was moving around us. We had to go to a different location due to weather, which is fine. A change in location is preferred than cancellation. read more

This was a VERY FUN DAY !!! This balloon trip was an Anniversary Gift from our kids. Originally I was not too sure and something that I would not have planned to do !! However it turned out to be VERY FUN DAY !!! read more

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. read more

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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 . read more

Balloons Above the Valley - View from the balloon - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Napa, California

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Balloons Above the Valley - Prepping the balloons for flight - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Napa, California

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 read more

Balloons Above the Valley - High up in the air - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Napa, California

everything was just fine in the beginning then we had a passenger that ill. our ride was cut short and then they didnt even give us a percentage off at the end of the tour the lady sigges that we take the pictures home for free just because "they thought they felt like something went wrong" the pictures were taken like a blind person took them random shot this experience was a waste of money !!! read more

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. read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Balloons Above the Valley - 360 view from our Balloon attendant! - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Napa, California

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! read more

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I would definitely recommend experiencing your hot air balloon ride with Balloons Above the Valley. Their website had all the information needed and was very detailed on what they did as a company to ensure COVID safety. We met at the Model Bakery at 615am and was greeted by their friendly staff, Shawny (sorry for misspelling on name!), and a few others I didn't catch their names. They provided coffee and pastries. Gave a briefing on what the morning would entail. They had a couple of vans for all passengers to socially distance. The seats in the vans were covered with plastic covering and were clean. They also provided us with our own masks and hand sanitizers. Once we got to the "take off" area, we were given another safety briefing. Our hot air balloon basket was divided into four compartments and were separated with plastic barriers for each party. Russ was our pilot and he was friendly, and full of Napa knowledge! We had a slightly rough landing in a middle school parking lot and side swiped a tree but you can tell that Russ had it all under control! All the staff was friendly and took good care of all us. I would definitely recommend this company for your hot air balloon experience. read more

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My wife and I had wanted to do a hot air balloon and finally got the opportunity. Our initial attempt in July in Lake Tahoe was foiled by windy conditions. The staff and our pilot were friendly and hospitable. The balloon is massive and impressive up close. The flying experience is smooth and calm and easier than I thought. Absolutely no turbulence or rocking as the balloon weighs 2000 lbs. The view was nice but rather ordinary in that some of Napa had been impacted by the recent wildfires. Glad to check it off the bucket list. read more

Balloons Above the Valley - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Napa, California

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Ballons Above the Valley should be your #1 choice for hot airballoons in the Napa area. We had the pleasure of having Jake as our pilot. Jake and the rest of the crews was nothing but professional and courteous of all of the guests. They made the proper accommodations to ensure we all had a great time and a lovely experience. Don't hesitate to took with them! read more

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This review is about a month late, but better late that never right? It all started in November, when my best friend and I booked a ride for the day of her birthday. We both live about an hour and a half or so away from the meeting location, so we drove up separately and stayed at a hotel in Fairfield the night before. When we drove up, the air quality was really off because it just so happened that the Paradise fires had just begun. Great. That night and even the next day, we thought everything was good with the ride because no one contacted us. They even inform you that they will call you at 5 something in the morning on the day of your flight to inform you if there are any changes/cancellations due to the weather. Having not received these calls, we woke up at the butt crack of dawn, probably before dawn, to get ready and drive to Model Bakery. Everyone was there and ready, we signed our release forms, and even had a spot of coffee and some pastries. After some time, someone made an announcement that the pilots decided to cancel the rides due to the air quality. I was too tired to be angry, so I was mostly super irritated that they didn't contact us sooner. In any case, we rescheduled for a month later with no issues and it was a really good experience. The views are breathtaking. The ride seemed to last a long time as well. We were really packed in there tightly, but it kept me warm. I'm glad I got to finally ride in a hot air balloon and despite my feelings about they way they handled our original flight, I would recommend this company. read more

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My wife bought us tickets as a Christmas gift which we used today. Everyone we worked with at this company was a complete professional. We met at a central location and enjoyed coffee and pastries while we checked in. Then we were driven to the launch site about 8 miles away. Our host, our driver, and our pilot were each very friendly, happy and engaging. The weather was perfect, and the ride itself was stunning as you might imagine. I can't wait till we can do this again! I very highly recommend this wonderful company. read more

Balloons Above the Valley - High above Napa Valley! - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Napa, California

A hot air balloon ride was what really lured me in to a Napa trip with my friends since I don't really drink wine...and it was AMAZINGGGG! We booked tickets beforehand, woke up at the crack of dawn to meet at a pickup spot (Model Bakery). They provided complimentary pastries & coffee as we listened to basic instructions and were then carted to our launch site in their vans. THE BALLOON RIDE: The basket is large and you gotta climb into it, so ladies, don't wear skirts! Our basket had 22 people separated into 4 sections. Jake our pilot would explain how everything works as he set up and away we went after he was finished. THE VIEW WAS BEAUTIFUL!!!...I even got to see French Laundry's roof :D Depending on your pilot's skill you can either see alot....or see nothing. Another group of balloons drifted far into a cloud of fog and likely couldn't see much after that.... Our landing in someone's vineyard was smooth...didn't tip over or tumble....we were actually upright! Lots of cheering afterwards. The van followed us to the landing site and picked us up. We were transported back to Oxbow Public Market (right behind Model Bakery)....and people who paid for brunch ate there. read more

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Jake was our pilot and he was impeccable I enjoyed every minute and I would highly recommend this company to anyone I know read more

Balloons Above the Valley - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Napa, California

It's not cheap but it's a solid outfit and you probably won't get a better deal from any of the other operators. Meeting is early (I think 5am) at Model Bakery at the Oxbow Market near downtown Napa. Free pastry and coffee when signing in. If weather in Napa is not conducive to flying, they have an alternate launch site 40 min away. Model Bakery is a great place to eat breakfast after. Save $20 if you book Monday through Friday. Unfortunately no discount for repeat customers. read more

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

A stunning amazing experience. What a way to get an early start to celebrate a special birthday. Thanks to Capt. Jake and the amazing ground team. read more

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They Canceled last minute after 1.5 hours of nonsense waiting. Supposedly wind conditions were unsafe. Seems fishy. But whatever. We just went on with our day and had a good time anyway. Don't waste your money here. read more

This is an experience for sure. Overall, I felt very safe. You start the day early and are given complementary coffee and a pastry. If there's extra you'll get to go for seconds. Then you'll load up in a van and be taken to the balloon. They will split couples up to fit everyone in the balloon. The balloon doesn't go up as high as I'd have liked. It's also not a very long ride. Maybe 40 mins. It goes by so quick. Our pilot talked a lot and I wished he would been quiet so I could take in the views in peace. When you get back to your car they squeeze another $20 out of you if you want to purchase a photo they take of you in the basket. read more

Great Experience. Stunning Views. Bring a Jacket, don't listen to the people that say it's 15 degrees warmer in the sky and there is fire that heats the balloon. It's cold. Our pilot was phenomenal, poised, great humor, 3rd generation pilot. Explained everything. I only wish they had a camera that is mounted on the balloon for a picture while in the air. Another company had that a different time I flew. Oh and put the actual address of the bakery in the confirmation email please. It just says Napa and there's another Bakery of the same bakery in Yountville. read more

It was a really great experience! They are very organized! Our guide was so funny and attentive explaining and really making our ride so much nicer. read more

Went with a group of 6 girls for a bachelorette party. So much fun! Arrived at 5:00AM, greeted with (much needed) coffee and pastries. Our pilots name was, Jon. Absolutely wonderful! Very informative during the ride and great cheerful personality. During our flight we flew low enough to graze the grass and reached heights of 2400 feet! It was amazing experience, I would definitely do it again. Unfortunately because of the air conditions we were unable to fly over Napa valley, but the company is very flexible about rescheduling if you had your heart set on Napa valley. read more

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First time in a hit air balloon. We had a great time with Captain Chad. He had us entertained throughout the ride and at the after party. read more

Balloons Above the Valley - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Napa, California

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Highly recommend this company! Awesome experience and incredible views. I didn't know what to expect since it was me and my husband's first time but nevertheless I wasn't nervous like I thought I would be and it was just breathtaking. So glad I was able to experience this, the company knew what they were doing and very professional! You get what you pay for! read more

Balloons Above the Valley - Hot air balloon - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Napa, California

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Such an amazing experience. Took my girlfriend for our anniversary. Our pilot Jake was funny and made our first time experience amazing! Staff was excellent and made sure we were safe, and also made us feel comfortable! read more

Balloons Above the Valley - Our hot air balloon! - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Napa, California

Chad was our Pilot and he was great. He is the Top Gun of Balloon pilots. Just look at pics. If u have never done this, well then now is the time. Balloons Above The Valley are the Top Notch group. read more

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I called the day before around noon to confirm the reservation and that we would be meeting at 5:45 am as instructed in the registration email. My wife and I show up at 5:40 am and wait around for an hour. Another couple showed up as well. I called and the office doesn't open until 8 am. I left a voicemail and was contacted at 8:05 am saying the day's activity was canceled. The rep informed me an email was sent to everyone but I tripled checked and an email was not sent to me. The rep admitted she probably should have called. The rep then sent me the cancellation email 10 mins later. This was the last day of our vacation and no chance of rescheduling with a different company. What kind of company doesn't have a point of contact while you are supposed to be picking up customers?!? Very unprofessional. read more

My sister, boyfriend and I had a great time! The team was professional, and our balloon pilot was was knowledgeable and fun! We spent about an hour up in the air over Napa valley with beautiful views! Would highly recommend! Though the site said 3 hours for just the balloon ride (no brunch), we finished in about 2. My only wish is that we could have had time to take photos with the inflated balloon. read more

Balloons Above the Valley - Loading Into the basket - Hot Air Balloons Near Me - Napa, California

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

Ahhhhh such an awesome experience! Jeremy did a great of making us feel comfortable when we checked in. Scott did a great job of letting us know what we should expect. Chad was very knowledgeable and did an excellent of navigating the balloon. It was so beautiful and peaceful in the air. It was my most favorite part of our trip to Napa Valley! read more