| The most popular way to see Napa is on the ground, | | | | Indeed, it's so safe that the United States Secret |
| picking your way through vast vineyards tasting any | | | | Service even allowed Chelsea Clinton to fly! The ride is |
| number of different wines. If you're in the mood for | | | | much more gentle than an airplane, with no herky-jerky |
| something that will stimulate the blood a bit, however, | | | | movements. If anything, all you'll experience is a |
| there's another option. One of the most unique | | | | wonderful gliding sensation. Your experience will begin |
| approaches to experiencing the glory that is the Napa | | | | with a pre-dawn continental breakfast of coffee, |
| Valley is to ascend above it in a hot air balloon. From | | | | pastries, and fruit. The captain of your balloon will give |
| this new vantage point, you'll truly appreciate the vivid | | | | you a quick orientation, going over the safety protocols. |
| green landscape. With the number of hot air ballooning | | | | From there, the only place to go is up! A soft whisper |
| companies rising steadily over the past two decades, | | | | turns into a shooting flame in seconds, and you'll gently |
| prices have dropped dramatically, and it's now possible | | | | lift off the ground, soaring ever higher until the entire |
| to soar above the clouds for less than 200 dollars per | | | | valley comes into view. From this perspective, the |
| person. So grab a couple of bottles of fantastic | | | | Valley's beauty resembles a piece of fine art. Your |
| California wine, and prepare to embark on the | | | | captain will be happy to answer any questions you |
| adventure of a lifetime. Commercial ballooning in the | | | | might have, all while pointing out points of interest. The |
| Napa Valley began in the 1970's, and has grown | | | | flight lasts approximately an hour. Upon returning to |
| steadily along with the proliferation of wineries. There | | | | land, the company will provide a fantastic champagne |
| are now at least five companies operating balloon | | | | breakfast, where you'll be able to sample different |
| tours, with new ones popping up every few years. | | | | Napa Valley wines. Touring the Napa Valley via hot air |
| The most established are Napa Valley Balloons, | | | | balloon is one of the best ways to experience the |
| Balloons Above the Valley, and Napa Valley Aloft. | | | | majestic landscape. Leave your cares on the ground |
| Each of these companies has provided excellent | | | | and rise towards the heavens. This is certainly one of |
| service to visitors since the 1980's. Trips run year | | | | the most romantic options for your time in Napa, and, if |
| round, with the best weather in the spring and summer. | | | | you can keep a secret, you wouldn't be the first to |
| If you're looking for a great deal, however, you might | | | | propose a couple of thousand feet above the |
| want to consider taking a ride during the winter. | | | | gorgeous Napa Valley. |
| Booking over the Internet in advance is usually the | | | | ZaZaGallery. Located in the wine country and I must |
| cheapest way to get into the air. For those of you with | | | | say that our art is the buss in our community. Our fine |
| a fear of heights, don't fret: the trained, licensed pilots | | | | art prints are gallery wrapped using the finest canvas |
| operating these balloons are extremely capable. | | | | and inks to create a museum grade art piece. |