Brightly colored hot air balloons drifting across the rolling hills of Napa Valley, just as the sun rises, is enough to stop everything and gaze. It’s as if one stepped into a storybook setting. The awe of such a sight is inspiring. Imagine being in the hot air balloon, and it’s a whole other fairytale come true, grand and glorious.
Napa Valley Aloft offers a unique adventure to see the world from a birds-eye view. The premiere hot air balloon company is family-owned and has been creating magical experiences since 1978. Jerrold Kimball (Jay) was the first generation of balloonists to introduce hot air ballooning to Napa Valley, sharing the joy with the community and his children, now grown. The family of hot air balloon enthusiasts is continuing the legacy, running the business from the ground and the air.
“Hot air ballooning is a way to celebrate life, create memories, and bond with loved ones,” said the founder’s son Jared Kimball.
Being raised around hot air balloons, the Napa Valley Aloft family knows better than anyone how to create a memorable experience from start to finish. A trip begins in the wee hours when the wind is at its calmest and to experience the magnificence of the valley at sunrise.
Safety is a top priority. Napa Valley Aloft launches its balloons from one of two locations, The Estate Yountville as the primary launch site and northern Napa County in the town of Pope Valley, to better increase the chances of take-off as the weather varies across the region and may impede a successful trip. In addition, offering smaller baskets makes for a safer, more intimate, and personalized experience, setting it apart from the competition.
Lift-off is slow and gentle, the anticipation palpable. Once in the air, the magic begins, and for each guest, that moment of awe comes in gasps, grins, and glistening eyes as the world’s beauty is spread out in front of them, drifting ever-so calmly for just under an hour. It’s an encounter like no other.
“Hot air balloons offer an opportunity to slow down, take a break from the daily hustle and bustle, and enjoy a peaceful and serene flight over breathtaking landscapes,” said Jared.
After a gentle landing, elated guests are invited to a champagne brunch for an additional fee to relive their experience and toast to the world’s splendor. It’s no wonder time after time, Napa Valley Aloft earns five-star ratings on popular websites such as Yelp and Tripadvisor and was voted the number one hot air balloon company by USAToday in 2019. Newly-minted balloon enthusiasts rank hot air ballooning as one of life’s top must-dos, especially gliding over the rolling hills and vineyards of wine country with Napa Valley Aloft.
