Up, Up & Away

Up, Up & Away

Thought those vineyards were beautiful from the highway? Top that with a bird's-eye view! Several companies offer hot-air ballooning trips over Napa and Sonoma. Rides usually cost between $200 and $250, last about an hour, and include brunch or lunch after the flight. (Many companies drop their rates a bit in the off-season.) Flights take off at the crack of dawn, literally, and you can watch the huge, rainbow-colored balloons inflate as the aircraft is readied.

Balloons Above the Valley (707/253-2222; 800/464-6824 in CA. www.balloonrides.com).

Bonaventura Balloon Company (707/944-2822 or 800/359-6272. www.bonaventuraballoons.com).

Napa Valley Balloons (707/944-0228; 800/253-2224 in CA. www.napavalleyballoons.com).