WELCOME TO NAPA VALLEY ALOFT

On most days, we launch from the historic grounds of the V Marketplace, Vintage 1870, in the heart of Yountville–a quaint rural village near the mid-point of the Napa Valley. As we rise above the valley floor, panoramic views open up of the Napa Valley Wine-growing region. To the north is the majestic Mt. St. Helena, to the west the Mayacamas Mt. Range, and to the east the sculptured terrain of the Vaca Range. With favorable winds aloft the balloons can climb to higher altitudes where we may catch a glimpse of the San Francisco skyline and even the majestic Sierras to the east. On Foggy mornings in Yountville, we have exclusive launch options located in Northern Napa Valley.

Because there are so many variables in ballooning, we can only give you an estimate of how much time you want to plan on spending with us. Generally, not counting any shuttle service we provide from your lodging, you should count on being with us for about 3-½ to 4 hours. This includes check-in, balloon inflation, the flight, pack-up, transportation back from the landing site, and a leisurely sit-down breakfast served in a restaurant setting in Yountville. We hope that our passengers will be able to set aside enough time to fully enjoy the magnificent experience of ballooning hot air balloon flying without feeling rushed.

Napa hot air balloon rides (and pretty much all of Northern California) are always an early morning sport. We launch just after dawn when the winds are at their calmest and the temperatures are the coolest. We hope that the lovely light of the early morning and the special sounds that can only be heard before the rest of the world is awake make it worth it to our passengers to join us on this early morning adventure.

Napa hot air balloon rides (and pretty much all of Northern California) are always an early morning sport. We launch just after dawn when the winds are at their calmest and the temperatures are the coolest. We hope that the lovely light of the early morning and the special sounds that can only be heard before the rest of the world is awake make it worth it for our passengers to join us on this early morning adventure. Napa Valley’s ground floor is the primary launch area for all hot air balloon companies. Fog (40% of mornings fog April – July months *2019) forces hot air balloon companies to launch outside of Napa Valley because of low visibility making flying unsafe. However, Napa Valley Aloft has exclusive rights to a viable alternate flight corridor in Napa Valley’s wine country region, located in Northern Valley. Pope Valley is a beautiful rural escape that experiences a low percentage of the fog because of its high elevation on the eastern base of Howell Mountain. Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Rides offers a beautiful flight launching from the Kimball Ranch.

You won't be able to find hot air balloon rides directly in San Francisco due to the city's dense urban landscape, unpredictable weather conditions, and air traffic restrictions. Your best option is to drive up to Napa Valley, a part of the bay area that can provide exceptional hot air balloon tours. But you can see San Francisco during your flight on clear days.