I’m drifting skyward, high above the vineyards of Napa Valley with the picturesque Mayacamas Mountains in the background. I have a bird’s-eye view of this pastoral landscape from my special vantage point within a hot air balloon.
Every time I take a hot air balloon flight, the experience is always different because the scenery changes. I eagerly anticipate each trip, knowing that it will be unique.
Opt to Take Your Balloon Flight With Napa Valley Aloft
On this flight, I was in the capable hands of Napa Valley Aloft. Long before Napa Valley became a world-famous food and wine destination, the Kimball family of Napa Valley Aloft was taking people on balloon flights.
The company’s history goes back to the 1970s and begins with Jay Kimball. The local man was one of the first pioneers of commercial ballooning in this area, and later, his kids, Grechen, Jayson, and Jared, joined him in the venture.
The family loves the Napa Valley and enjoys sharing their stories and knowledge of the region.
It was a no-brainer for me to book with Napa Valley Aloft, due to its sterling reputation in the industry. The company takes pride in having top-rated pilots, the highest safety standards and regulations, and excellent customer service.
Napa Valley Aloft owns 25 hot air balloons and can fly up to nine balloons per day. They refer to their balloons as “sky dancers,” as they’re named after iconic dances, like Calypso, Twist, Salsa, Cumbia, Tango, and Bolero.
The Preparation Is Part of the Experience
I was assigned to Tango, and our group’s balloon’s pilot was Jim, a veteran flyer and longtime area resident. We, as well as several other balloons, launched at dawn from an open lot in the heart of town.
Before launching, we got to watch the crew ready the balloons, which is always fun. This activity never gets old, no matter how many times I’ve witnessed it.
Sublime Scenery Awaits
Then the excitement ramps up as everyone climbs into their respective balloons, and one by one, each balloon lifts off the ground. Above the valley floor, the views open up on this fabled wine region with its rolling green hills and lush vineyards as far as the eye can see.
The winds are favorable, which means we can climb to higher altitudes. Jim points out the San Francisco skyline in the distance and tells us that the tall building with the light beaming from it is the Salesforce Tower.
He also tells us that Napa Valley spans thirty miles and is home to over 400 wineries. This hard-to-digest number is overwhelming! Even after all the balloon flights I’ve taken, it still surprises me how quiet it is in the balloon, as the noises from down below fade away.
My fellow passengers and I gaze rapt at the landscape and bask in the serenity on this ethereal morning.
Yountville Food and Wine Tour in Napa
The Descent and More to Explore
Before we know it, it’s time for the descent. We learn the landing position and Jim guides the balloon down to terra firma with a deft touch. He tells us we went a total of 6.2 miles, topped out at an altitude of 2200 feet, with a speed of sixteen mph.
Though taking a hot air balloon ride is certainly a popular (and bucket-list) experience while in Yountville, know that the town offers a variety of other activities and attractions.
Yountville’s Claim to Fame
For location purposes, this quaint village is near the mid-point of the Napa Valley. It’s renowned for its world-class restaurants, well-appointed accommodations, premium wineries and tasting rooms, boutique shopping, arts scene, and more.
Stroll the Art Walk
As you explore the town, you’ll notice colorful, whimsical sculptures dotting the streets. They’re on the Yountville Art Walk, a collection of numerous large-scale works from local, regional, and internationally known artists.
You can download a map and tune into the audio tour for information about each piece. Some of my favorites are “Love Wine Too,” “Muse With Attitude,” “Combustion,” “Sidewalk Judge,” “Circle Of Trust,” and “Rock Mushrooms.”
Art Abounds at Napa Valley Museum Yountville
To get more of your art fix, stop into the Napa Valley Museum Yountville. Nestled on the historic grounds of the California Veterans Home, this museum is devoted to local history and art of all kinds, from photography and paintings to ceramics and sculptures. Exhibits rotate throughout the year.
The main exhibit of note when I visited was “Sophie Alstrom Mitchell: Wildflowers of the Napa Valley.” This exhibition showcased the botanical watercolor paintings of a 19th-century Napa Valley artist.
Mitchell, who grew up in the valley, developed a deep interest in native wildflowers. Her paintings are highly detailed and exquisitely beautiful masterpieces showcasing the art of watercolor as well as the diversity of the region’s botanical offerings. Over 150 species are depicted in 64 of her works.
Julia Child Takes Center Stage at The Napa Valley Museum of Art & Culture
The Napa Valley Museum of Art & Culture is another treasure trove. Though not in Yountville, it’s a quick thirteen-minute drive down the highway to nearby St. Helena.
I was excited to learn that the current featured exhibition was “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life.” This immersive experience offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the beloved broadcasting and culinary pioneer.
It pays tribute to Julia’s culinary prowess and honors her spirit, passion, and tenacity. And it highlights significant moments in her life, along with the key people who supported her throughout her career.
There are marvelous photos of Julia with her husband Paul, as well as with good friends and colleagues, samples of her personal correspondence, her favorite kitchen tools, and even her traveling demonstration kitchen. Interactive spaces allow visitors to get a more hands-on experience.
I particularly enjoyed “The French Chef” television studio, where you can operate a vintage video camera and mix “ingredients.”
Yountville History
If you’re a history buff, Yountville’s past will interest you. Founder George Calvert Yount is described as a “skilled hunter, frontiersman, craftsman, and farmer,” who fought in the War of 1812. In the 1830s, he made his way west to CA, where he was later ceded a Spanish land grant in Napa Valley.
Flash forward to the 1850s, after California became part of the U.S., Yount laid out a six-block area with a public square and created a village that eventually was named Yountville.
He also planted the first grapevine in the Valley and began producing wine on his ranch. The rest, as they say, is history. If you want to pay a visit to this Napa Valley legend, he is buried in the George C. Yount Pioneer Cemetery, also known as Ancient Indian Burial Grounds.
Discover Historical Buildings
For more historical sites, there are a number of buildings in town listed on the National Register of Historic Resources and as California Historical Landmarks.
Among them include the Charles Revegno House, now The Wine Vault at RH Yountville, Groezinger Wine Cellars; the John Lee Webber House, now the Lavender Inn; Yountville Grammar School, currently the Town Hall; Veterans Home of CA, which still operates today and has the distinction of being the largest facility of its kind in the country; and The French Laundry, once a saloon that became the famed Michelin star restaurant.
Word has it that this exclusive place is often on the list of the top ten most difficult restaurant reservations to book in the world.
Sip and Taste the Fruits of the Vine
Wine is always on visitors’ minds when they are in Napa Valley, for obvious reasons. In Yountville alone, there are fourteen strollable tasting rooms and seven nearby wineries. Several of the tasting rooms offer unique experiences.
At Hill Family, for example, you can put your palate to the test in a blind tasting of four wines. While over at Priest Ranch, you can enjoy four wines accompanied by four flavors of bacon. Start drooling now!
Silver Trident pairs its wines with home décor in its “tasting home” environment. And everything you see, from the furniture, tableware, and fixtures to the floor coverings and artwork, is available for purchase.
They also offer Pizza Pairings – five wines paired with five pizzettas – and the Potato Chip Extravaganza – five wines paired with five types of artisanal potato chips. Yum!
Tasting sessions at Hestan Vineyards take place in its stunning modern salon, which has become a wine and architecture destination. The building was created of poured concrete, hand-forged steel, and glass.
Inside, you’ll not only find Hestan wine labels, but Hestan cookware and Ruffoni copper cookware from Italy. Sip and shop!
If wine’s not your thing, head to the Mad Fritz Tap House for crafted ales and lagers. A tasting session here is a “Beer in a wine glass” experience with an array of styles from eight to a dozen beers. You’ll learn how the brewery sources its ingredients and all about its production and history.
Food, Glorious Food
Where there’s lots of good wine, you know there’s going to be plenty of good food. For melt-in-your-mouth macarons and flaky croissants, Bouchon Bakery is the place to go. Join the line, which always seems to be out the door. It’s worth the wait.
Bistro Jeanty, a Yountville favorite, serves gourmet French fare. Start with the tomato soup in puff pastry – beloved by locals and visitors alike. Then take your pick from such entrees as Coq au Vin, Steak Frites, Sole Meunière, and Boeuf Bourguignon.
Another winner is RO Restaurant & Lounge, which specializes in Asian-inspired fare. Begin with a salmon or spicy tuna roll. Pescatarians will love the Grilled Black Cod, while carnivores will salivate over Wagyu Flat Iron.
And if it’s chicken that you’re craving, order the Fried Jidori Chicken with hot honey. Still hungry? End your meal with Shio Koji Ice Cream with Royal Caviar and Miso Caramel. It’s a meet-cute between sweet and savory.
Just up Highway 29, you’ll find Mustards Grill, Cindy Pawlcyn’s “deluxe truck stop.” This Napa Valley landmark is a lively spot with an eclectic menu.
You’ll find everything from The Ever Popular Seafood Tostada and Famous Mongolian Pork Chop to Grilled Laotian Quail and the Mighty Meatloaf. I loved the restaurant’s slogan, which is printed on the menu: “Sorry, everything is delicious.” No apologies necessary here!
Stay at Hotel Yountville
Home base during my trip was at Hotel Yountville. Regarded as one of the top hotels in town, this luxury boutique property is the quintessential wine country escape. It’s conveniently located and walkable to many attractions.
The hotel consists of several buildings constructed of Napa river rocks, heavy timber beams, and copper accents. The décor is contemporary and stylish, with clean lines, and is designed for comfort. As are the rooms.
The all-suite accommodations boast four-poster beds with heavenly bedding, oversized sunken tubs, luxe bath products, and field stone fireplaces. It’s all very inviting and definitely makes a case for never wanting to leave your room.
Enjoy the Hotel’s Many Amenities
Among the hotel’s resort amenities, there’s a spacious outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, and plenty of terrace space to lounge on the plush chaises. For the ultimate poolside comfort, you can rent a daybed cabana.
And when you get thirsty, the patio bar offers an array of beverages and specialty drinks. This is definitely the spot to cool off on a hot summer day.
Nearby is The Spa, where you can “slip into a transformed state” and relax and rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit. Indulge in one of the many treatments. The menu lists several different types of massages, facials, and body therapies.
It also offers wellness lifestyle activities like yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, and even cardio-boxing.
I opted for the Aromastone massage, a full-body massage featuring warm essential oils and heated, mineral-rich volcanic stones. Araceli, my massage therapist, had magical hands that helped release muscle tension, especially in my back, shoulders, and neck.
Between this sublime treatment and soaking in the hot tub, I was able to truly unwind. It was a total body renewal!
Fuel Up for the Day at Heritage Oak
When it comes to food, Hotel Yountville has its own on-site restaurant. Heritage Oak boasts a farm-to-table menu, offering seasonal flavors and one-of-a-kind dishes. The focus is on sustainable seafood, local produce, and organic meat.
In the morning, dive into a foraged mushroom omelet or avocado toast, or enjoy the homemade granola with Greek yogurt and berries. Later in the day, share a cheese and charcuterie board or a plate of crispy chicken wings with some truffle parmesan fries.
There’s something for everyone, whether it’s a nibble or a full meal. Dine indoors, next to the oversized fireplace, or al fresco on the patio.
Service at Hotel Yountville is impeccable. The staff is friendly and helpful, setting the tone for a warm, hospitable ambiance.
Visit Hotel Yountville
Visit Napa Valley Aloft
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explorer who welcomes new opportunities to increase awareness and enthusiasm for places,
culture, food, history, nature, outdoor adventure, wellness and more. Her travels have taken her
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