While riding in a hot air balloon isn’t really as exciting as you’d expect it to be, it was an experience that I am very happy to have had. My boyfriend was not too thrilled with the idea as he is rather terrified of heights, but even he was surprised at what a gentle and calm flight experience this was!
I was impressed from the start by our beautiful meeting spot at Domaine Chandon winery, and the kindness and level of accommodation by all of the staff present. The only downside for our trip on that particular day was that the preferred take-off point was not in Napa but in a town roughly 45 min away called Yolo (loved the irony). The only reason this was a downside was because for the entire 45 min ride there, then the 45-1hr flight, then the 45 min return trip, there is no bathroom available. So definitely mind your coffee intake before heading out if you happen to be flying in a location far away from your meeting point!
The breakfast and mimosas after the flight were great and we were actually really sad we couldn’t stick around longer because we had another tour to get to.
This was a really great experience, and for anyone who feels anxious about flying in a hot air balloon, I SWEAR it is really not scary, and aside from the sound of the burner filling the balloon with hot air it is an amazingly quiet and serene ride, and definitely something to experience.