I did a ton of research before booking our very first hot air balloon ride. I ultimately chose this…read morecompany because they were decently priced, had very positive reviews, and were located close to our hotel. We arrived at the pickup spot around 5:15 AM (15 minutes before takeoff), and the location was easy to find with effortless parking. There were also two staff members outside lighting the way to avoid any confusion. Once we checked in, we were told to head upstairs where they had a self-service setup of snacks, water, coffee, and even Irish whiskey. We were then brought outside and split into two groups. They mentioned they used the weights we provided in our forms to evenly distribute the weight for the baskets. We got to watch the balloons get blown up, and once we were all helped inside, a worker took pictures of us with our families. We then took off and enjoyed breathtaking views for about an hour. Our balloon pilot was so great. He pointed out a ton of interesting landmarks, told us all about his own ballooning journey, and kept us informed about our altitude and direction. A massive plus for our family was that our guide also spoke Spanish and chatted with my parents the entire time, making sure they felt completely included in the experience. Once our tour was over, we prepared for landing and were told the safest position to take (back against the basket wall while maintaining a squat posture). After a smooth landing, we were guided to a van and brought back to our pickup location. We ended the morning with a complimentary glass of champagne. I definitely recommend this for a fun/unique family experience.

Overall, I'd give Sonoma Balloon a solid experience, but probably not one I'd book again…read more The booking process was easy, communication was clear, and everyone we interacted with was incredibly friendly. The ground crew and pilots were professional, welcoming, and made everyone feel comfortable. The balloon itself was beautiful, and the flight was very smooth and peaceful. My biggest disappointment was that the experience wasn't quite what I expected. You're instructed to arrive at one location, only to be told you'll be shuttled about 15 minutes to another launch site, but we ended up driving another 45 to 50 minutes to Winters before even getting in the balloon. The flight itself was around 40 minutes, but instead of floating over Sonoma's vineyards, we spent the majority of the time over farmland. After landing, there was another 45 to 50 minute shuttle ride back. At the end of the flight, they offer a champagne toast, which is a nice touch, but it felt a little unorganized. Everyone was standing around waiting for the pilot to pour champagne rather than it feeling like a celebratory ending to the experience. None of this takes away from how kind the staff were or how enjoyable the actual balloon ride was. If you're looking simply to experience hot air ballooning, you'll likely have a great time. If you're specifically hoping to soar over Sonoma's famous vineyards, I'd recommend asking detailed questions about the launch location and typical flight path before booking. It was a fun experience, and I'm glad I did it once. For me, though, it isn't something I'd book again.

Kelly was super nice and kind 10/10 kayaking experience…read more We booked a tandem kayak For a early afternoon adventure and had a great time thanks to Kelly

It was an amazing experience kayaking with Justin. It's my first time kayaking and I initially…read morebooked for self kayaking. However, the wind was too strong and Justin was able to accommodate me for guided tour. Justin is extremely passionate about kayaking and knowledgeable about fun histories of Napa. Had some of my best time in Napa kayaking with Justin

My boyfriend planned this hot air balloon event for us as a surprise on Valentine's Day! We were in…read moreSF and we had to wake up at 5am to drive to Napa Valley because the hot air balloon company said to be there at about 630am ish. The meet up spot was at the Napa Valley Marriot Hotel. As everyone was gathering up and meeting and signing the waiver forms, a casual pastry breakfast was provided (starbucks coffee and tea, hot chocolate, and assorted pastries and muffins). On that particular morning, the Napa Valley was too foggy and they cannot issue up hot air balloons unless there is 0mph wind and the skies are clear. So they gave us the option of rescheduling our date or to travel with them to Winters. They drove us in big white vans! There were 3 hot air balloons and 8 couples were in each hot air balloon. It was really fun!!!!! The hot air balloon fliers were stationed in the middle and they educated us a lot on hot air balloons and steering with the wind and all the cool sorts! (However, I must admit that after a while it got kind of boring for me.. like.. okie.. now what? let's jump off!!! hehe i'm an adrenaline junkie.. sky diving is next for me :)) The way we landed was fun though! Our pilot taught us that the ladies had to sit on the guys' laps and we all had to duck down.. Landing was kind of rough in the sense that we kept going in one direction and our hot air balloon was tilted and kept bouncing off the ground and the hot air balloon finally tipped over! After the hot air balloon trips, we were driven back to the Marriot hotel for all you can eat breakfast, which consisted of sausages, bacon, bagels, scrambled eggs with cheese, waffles, coffee, tea, mimosas!!!! They took pictures of us as a couple and were selling semi-nice constructive paper frames with our picture and our balloon for $20?! So expensive, considering that the cost of the whole thing was already almost $700!! You would think that the picture would be included with the price hot air balloon package... OVERALL, wonderful experience :) very romantic and exciting and fun!!! I would highly recommend this to couples :) Maybe not on Valentine's Day because I know prices are more expensive on that special, over-hyped holiday haha

Props for Bob and Terry and Whorehay or is it Horehay? It was very early, we had to be driven…read morearound to find the right spot due to poor weather conditions. During the car ride Terry was happy to tell us about wineries since we were curious. He seems to be very well knowledgeable in that area. Good tips and all where to visit. We were very pleased. Above all I'm glad they choose to be more on the safety side although weather conditions were not looking good in Napa that day, we got to go near Rainbow City. They set up quickly, while we were in the car reading over the contract, yes there is a life death contract, well not that severe, but it's basically saying if they land somewhere in someone's property by accident or what not or get arrested for something then don't sue the dudes. Doubt that ever happens but hey, it's just a paper for safety requirements for their license. So before we started off, we had our chances to take pictures. Bob and them guys were nice, Bob was our pilot for the day. He was great. Talking was minimal, so we got to enjoy our time staring out from the high altitude. He told us about the speed we were going, altitude, distance and all that. Loved his company. He told us safety landing procedures too. All in all we were super satisfied with the service. :) We had a safe landing. Bob cared enough to ask me how I was doing when I was freaking out on the side holding on to the pole for dear life :) He also told us stories, about other couples, hear it for yourself haha~ Any doubts on this? Ask me, I'd be happy to share my experience. All I have to say is if I had enough money, I'd definitely go back and do it again at this place. :) Oh, we even got a free Champagne @ the end & a picture w/ bob. (See pix) :D

My husband and I did the Napa City Ghosts & Legends Walking Tour last night as a Christmas gift,…read moreand I absolutely loved it. The tour guides (aka very accomplished paranormal investigators) were engaging, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about Napa's history and the paranormal. It was the perfect mix of spooky, fun, and fascinating -- we learned so much about downtown Napa along the way. We can't wait to do their Sonoma tour next and to watch the documentaries the tour leads are part of. Highly recommend!

We participated in the Napa Downtown Walk, Ghosts of the Redlight District & Main St. with Devin as…read moreour tour guide. I think he did a pretty good job keeping it casual and interesting. Attendees become paranormal investigators during the tour, given several tools to track paranormal activity (spiritual dowsing rods, and a ghost hunting meter that measures electric signals (as ghosts give off electric signals). We made about 4-5 different stops that are either haunted or have affiliation with death, and Devin helped the group communicate with ghosts during some of the stops, combining storytelling with interesting historical events in Napa. We had a combination of skeptics and believers in our group, including at least one witch. I, of course, came for the entertainment, getting to talk about serial killers, learn a bit about history, and also get in a few laughs as Devin brings the humor as well. I did learn some new things, such as the difference between a ghost and a spirit, possible origins of the terms "lobbying" and "pulling my leg", and that Cole's Chop House (where my bf and I had dinner earlier that day) was formerly a mortuary. We ended at the courthouse, not where we started the tour, with the story of the last public execution in California which took place here in Napa. Overall, we had a fun time, and it's an unconventional way to tour the streets of Napa, and definitely enjoyable if you like ghost stories.

Visiting the Sonoma Grey Barn Farm was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to wine…read morecountry! Don was there to greet us as we arrived at the farm & was such an amazing host. He generously offered us everything from gardening gloves, to pruners & gave us some great tips on how to best cut the flowers growing on his farm. The property and gardens are so immaculate and well tended to, it simply a joy to be surrounded by such natural beauty. Our one hour on the farm flew by so quickly but we enjoyed every second we were there, despite the scorching heat wave that was sweeping through wine country that weekend. It is a stunning location to take photographs and the flowers we brought home with us lasted a really long time! We look forward to returning to this beautiful farm in the near future. Thank you Don for a very memorable visit!

Took my two kids to the most beautiful u-pick flower field today. Don was very helpful, providing…read moregloves, shears, a bucket, and plenty of tips on how to cut flowers and keep them fresh at home. He even made my son feel more at ease about the busy bees working hard in the field. There were so many flowers to choose from, it was easy to spend the whole hour walking the garden and picking your favorites. Be sure to bring your largest vase from home for easy transporting. I would definitely recommend this as a special outing, and we'll be back in the future!

Literally had the most fun on this tour! Firstly, I need to shoutout our amazing guide Abe, he was…read morekind, funny and soooo patient. My friend and I were so embarrassed running behind for our tour and had the whole limo bus waiting on us. We had to take the walk of shame onto the bus after being like 20 minutes late and we were welcomed with open arms by Abe and then everyone else on the bus. We had the best time singing karaoke and cutting up as we went from vineyard to vineyard. We got in depth tours at each winery and were able to try about three wines at each spot. It was the perfect amount of wine without getting us all getting totally sloshed. It was the ideal day in Napa thanks to this tour and our guide. I honestly can't wait to go back and do another tour! I promise I'll be on time for the next one.

Had a great experience with Mr. Abe our driver. He was kind and funny. We went to three wineries…read moreand ate lunch at the second one. Everything was perfectly executed. I recommend this place.

It was a joy for our family and friends to have Shay and her LEGO empire at our son's 5th birthday…read moreparty. Time flew and kids of all ages had fun. 10 times better than a jumpy house party for sure!

Shay brought her legos for my son's sixth birthday and it did not disappoint! Kids ranged in age…read morefrom four to fourteen (or fifty) and everyone had a great time.

Cutest hidden gem in Napa! So glad I found this b&b. Bann means home in Thai, which is exactly how…read morethey make you feel when you arrive on property. The rooms are huge and spacious and very elegantly decorated. They also offer complimentary breakfast the next morning with your choice of food and drink. Wow! On a nicer day, there is an outdoor pool and sauna that can be used.

Devine place for Thai food tucked away in Napa located on the Oak Knoll Hotel property. A dear…read morefriend secured holiday brunch reservations for us, and the special entrees, tea and cappuccino pairings were decadent and enjoyable. The service was top notch! We hope to return and stay at Oak Knoll next time around. Thank you for a memorable experience! Note: Shared ownership with Osha Thai in San Francisco.