California Dreamin' takes you high above Temecula Valley Wine Country in Southern California. You'll see country estates and vineyards, covering three to seven miles, depending on weather and tour. On every flight they offer mimosas, a mix of orange juice and champagne from one of the local vineyards. Pilots have years of safety training and act as guides, pointing out particular vineyards below, including South Coast Winery and Resort, Long Shadow Winery, and Mount Palomar Winery. Trips take off from the private vineyard La Vindemia, located between San Diego and Los Angeles. Balloon riders should bring along cameras. After the trip, California Dreamin' offers a breakfast in a rose garden at La Vindemia. For riders' special occasions, they'll put up a banner on the balloon to celebrate the event. As of 2010, rates start at $138 per person.
Balloon riders can witness Napa Valley from 1,000 to 3,000 feet in the sky. Balloons Above the Valley takes you over numerous vineyards on a one-hour tour. You will start the trip with a pre-flight breakfast and end the tour with a post-flight champagne brunch. Balloons Above the Valley also offers a balloon ride and wine tour package, which starts at $537.70 for two people. The combo tour starts with a balloon ride and ends with a tour in Napa Valley, where you will spend six hours tasting wines from several wineries, as well as enjoying a lunch from one of the local eateries. Regular tours start at $195 per person, as of 2010.
Hot Air Flyer offers tours above Del Mar and Temecula. The Del Mar flights are unique in that they take off just before sunset, allowing you to watch the sun sink over the Pacific Ocean. The Temecula tour meets in Temecula Wine Country. The Del Mar tour takes off near the Del Mar racetrack. Plan on three hours for the entire tour, which includes a pre-launch meeting, balloon preparation and photo opportunities, air time and a post-flight picnic. Morning flights come with a continental breakfast. Sunset trips serve hors d'oeuvres. Champagne is served on both tours. Each rider also receives a commemorative flight diploma. The Temecula Sunrise Group Tour starts at $155 per person. The Del Mar Sunset Group Tour starts at $200 per person, as of October 2010.
Up and Away Ballooning meets at the Sonoma County Airport, just outside of Santa Rosa. The flights last about one hour and cover three to 10 miles, depending on weather. In addition to the flight over Sonoma Wine Country, the company serves a gourmet brunch at the Kendall-Jackson Winery. This personalized meal includes, quiche, strawberries dipped in chocolate, fresh fruit and local cheeses. Each rider receives a flight certificate with his name on it, as well as a cloisonne pin replica of the balloon you flew in. As of 2010, flights start at $235 per person.
