Has anyone taken these tours? They offer one hour balloon rides over the Napa Valley and a champange brunch upon return. Sounds great for $165.00 internet special. All info appreciated!

Balloons Above the Valley
5091 Solano Avenue
Napa, Ca 94558
800-464-6824 or 707-253-2222
Fax: 707-258-8889
Email: [email protected]

We did one a few years ago and enjoyed the experience. Pilot was good and we all got some great views.

I think it would depend on the weather. I can't think of anything more disappointing than a balloon ride on an overcase day when you couldn't see anything.

On a nice clear day in May however....

how kind of you to give the price and all information about the balloon ride. I imagine that your post will disappear as all advertising on this site should. Nice try, though. LMF

LMS, Not fair! I know for a fact cd is NOT advertising but would seriously like feedback. I think the info was very helpful in helping those who might be able to comment know precisely what she was talking about.

cd: Very worthwhile. The Mustard Greens are now in bloom in the valley and the expanse of yellow among the grape vines is awesome. There are a number of Companies that do this. It is fun to see the brightly colored balloons in the air around you. Our company did it's prep and our ascent from the parking lot at Peju Winery. It was a spectacular experience.

LilmsFoodie
I know it appears that I am advertising but in fact have only talked to these people once. I included the information so that anyone that has done this flight would be able to relate and comment. Sorry to have offended. Wish I did work for them as then I would not have to pay. Thanks to all for your information and thanks Grasshopper for the support.

I wasn't offended. It is just not often that someone would include such specifics on a tour. The immediate support from Grasshopper also signaled some sort of advertising thingy. Just my antennae up from years on the internet and pump and dump stock schemes. This is Napa Valley afterall with all those dot.com people seeking work wherever they can find it.

I did this once and it was wonderful. I'm sure you'll have a great time. Go for it.

Thanks LilmsFoodie
If you or anyone have the names of other companies and can recommend them, I would be more then happy and appreciative to have that info.

I did it once and it was a great experience. I thought the name was "Balloons over Napa" but I could be wrong. The only bad part is you usually have to get up at about 4:30 or 5 AM to arrive before dawn to do the trip!!! Not easy after a day of winery hopping and major dining in Napa.

I'm not sure what the overcast sky would mean to detract, although of course it would be nicer in full sun. But you are low, below the clouds, so you certainly wouldn't have a problem seeing things unless there was a low and dense fog -- something I've never seen in Napa.

We took a ride with this company last summer, on the 4th of July. They were very nice and professional and the brunch was nice, but one warning: they really, really pack people into those balloons. (Maybe they all do) It wasn't a very comfortable ride at all.Several people commented on it. Perhaps it would be different at a less crowded time.
Also, I'll note that I thought we'd cover a wider area than we did. Don't get me wrong, the views were beautiful, but we seemed to hover in and around that main drag (the highway) for most of the time.
Overall, I guess we were a little disappointed with the trip and wouldn't do it again.

Thanks to all of you for your responses.

March 22 or 23 is the "blessing of the balloons" so anytime around those dates will be very crowded. Personally I have not seen the balloons go up is it foggy or windy.
It is a great view...