There is a particular stillness that settles over Napa Valley before 8:00am, when the morning fog still clings to the valley floor and the vineyards hold the quiet before the day begins. It is the same hour the balloons rise.
Hill Family Estate has partnered with Napa Valley Aloft, one of the valley’s most established hot air balloon operators, to create a natural two-part day for guests who want to see Napa from above and experience it up close. The pairing makes sense: both start with the land.
This itinerary works as a standalone day for first-time visitors and returning guests alike. Wine club members receive an exclusive 20% off discount on their Napa Valley Aloft flight. Then, once the balloon has landed and the morning has settled into afternoon, the winery is waiting.
The Balloon Ride
Napa Valley Aloft has been operating hot air balloon flights over the valley since 1976, making it one of the longest-running balloon companies in the region.
The Premier Balloon Experience begins at check-in in Yountville. Guests meet the crew, enjoy morning refreshments, and board for a flight that covers the vineyard landscapes of Napa Valley from a perspective most visitors never see. The full experience runs approximately 4 hours, with a 45-to-60-minute balloon ride at the center of it.
Flights launch from The Estate Yountville at 6525 Washington Street. Because fog is the primary weather variable in the valley, launch site decisions are made the morning of, based on conditions. Napa Valley Aloft holds exclusive launch rights at multiple sites across the valley, which means the flight goes up more often than not.
The views from altitude put the whole valley in context: the patchwork of vineyards running north toward Calistoga, the Mayacamas Mountains to the west, the Vaca Range to the east. Wine country looks different from 1,000 feet.
What to Know Before You Book
- Premier Balloon Experience: $300 per person
- Private flights and large group rates available; call for pricing
- Flights are weather-dependent; launch site confirmed morning-of at check-in
- Estimated 4-hour total experience; 45-to-60-minute flight
- FAA-certified pilots; PRO-certified operator
How to Build Your Day
The balloon and winery pairing works naturally because of timing. Flights are an early-morning experience. By the time the balloon lands, the morning has advanced toward midday and an afternoon winery appointment fits cleanly into the rhythm of the day.
A Suggested Schedule
- Early morning: Check in with Napa Valley Aloft at The Estate Yountville, 6525 Washington Street. Morning refreshments provided.
Morning: 45-to-60-minute balloon flight over Napa Valley vineyards. - Post-flight: Return to Yountville. Time to walk the town, visit Bouchon Bakery, or have breakfast before heading to the winery.
- Midday (12:30pm appointment): Drive to Hill Family Estate at 6155 Solano Avenue for your winery tasting. The 12:30pm appointment is a natural fit after a morning balloon ride.
- Afternoon: Linger at the winery. Bring a picnic, open a bottle under the oaks, and let the afternoon move at its own pace.
Yountville sits at the center of the Napa Valley appellation and is a short drive from both the balloon check-in location and the winery. The entire day stays within a small geographic radius, which means less time in the car and more time experiencing the valley.
Wine Club Members: Your Aloft Benefit
Hill Family Estate wine club members receive a 20% off discount on Napa Valley Aloft flights as part of the winery’s partnership with the balloon company.
To take advantage of the benefit, contact Napa Valley Aloft directly and reference your Hill Family Estate wine club membership at the time of booking. Not a wine club member yet? Learn more about membership and member perks at hillfamilyestate.com/wine-club.
Planning Notes
A few practical details to have before you book:
- Book both in advance. Winery appointments fill quickly on weekends and during peak season. The 12:30pm slot pairs cleanly with a morning balloon flight. Reserve your winery appointment at hillfamilyestate.com/visit-us/winery and your balloon flight at nvaloft.com.
- Dress in layers. Early morning balloon flights are cool. By afternoon at the winery, the valley typically warms considerably. Layers work for the full day.
- Bring a picnic for the afternoon. The winery’s picnic area is available to guests. Pack food and plan to open a bottle after your tasting.
- Dogs are welcome at the winery. Bring a leash and water for your dog.
- Balloon flights are weather-dependent. Launch site is confirmed the morning of your flight. Napa Valley Aloft will communicate any changes at check-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book the balloon ride and winery tasting on the same day?
Yes. The timing works well because balloon flights are a morning experience, typically wrapping up before midday. A 12:30pm or 3:00pm winery appointment at Hill Family Estate fits naturally after the flight. Book both in advance, as winery appointments are limited to 8 guests.
Do Hill Family Estate wine club members get a discount on Napa Valley Aloft flights?
Yes. Wine club members receive an exclusive benefit on Napa Valley Aloft flights through the winery’s partnership with the balloon company. The discount is 20% off retail price.
What should I expect from the balloon flight?
Napa Valley Aloft’s Premier Balloon Experience is approximately 4 hours from check-in to finish, with a 45-to-60-minute flight. Guests meet in Yountville, enjoy morning refreshments, and board for a flight over Napa Valley’s vineyard landscape. Flights are operated by FAA-certified pilots. The standard pricing for the Premier Experience is $300 per person; see nvaloft.com/balloon-flight-options for full details.
Is the Hill Family Estate winery dog-friendly?
Yes. Dogs are welcome at the Estate Winery on leash at all times. Guests are asked to bring water for their dogs. The picnic area under the century-old oak trees is a good spot to settle in with pets.
What is the tasting fee at Hill Family Estate?
The tasting fee is $75 per guest. The fee is waived with a 3-bottle purchase. Wine club members receive a complimentary annual tasting for up to 4 guests, with additional benefits for higher-tier memberships. Visit hillfamilyestate.com/visit-us/winery for current details.