Tue, 26 May 2009
Explore the Cool Climate Wines of Carneros by Land, by Water and by Air
Two adventurous couples will spend three days – two nights in luxurious accommodations at a private residence in the Carneros Inn. They will be hosted by Michael Richmond, winemaker of Bouchaine Vineyards; Amelia and Pedro Ceja, owners of Ceja Estate Vineyards; Steve Rogstad, winemaker of Cuvaison Estate Wines; Jon Priest, winemaker of Etude Wines; Brette and Taylor Bartolucci, partners of Madonna Estate; Rene Schlatter, president of Merryvale Vineyards; and Brandon deLeuze, assistant winemaker of ZD Wines. In addition, they will receive one etched Jéroboam bottle of wine and one case of wine from each of the wineries.
• Day 1 – A welcome Napa River excursion on a lavish boat at sunset. Board at Napa Valley College and glide towards Carneros while enjoying delectable tapas paired with Bouchaine, Ceja, Cuvaison, Etude, Madonna Estate, Merryvale and ZD wines. In the evening, Amelia Morán Ceja will host a dinner at Ceja Vineyards where she will prepare her tantalizing signature dishes perfectly paired with Bouchaine, Ceja, Cuvaison, Etude, Madonna Estate, Merryvale and ZD wines.
• Day 2 – In the morning, an extraordinary Napa Valley Balloons flight to discover the nooks and crannies of the topography of Carneros with a view of the bay (may see the San Francisco skyline). Lunch at Boon Fly Café at the Carneros Inn. Then, Michael Richmond, winemaker of Bouchaine, will guide guests and vintners on a bike tour of Bouchaine, Ceja, Cuvaison, Etude and Madonna Estate to taste current vintages and to explore the different terroirs present in Carneros (another option is to do this on a jeep). Dinner hosted by Jeffrey Jakes, Executive Chef of the Carneros Inn, at Farm Restaurant. Chef Jeffrey’s delectable menu will be paired with Bouchaine, Ceja, Cuvaison, Etude, Madonna Estate, Merryvale and ZD wines.
• Day 3 – Farewell breakfast at Boon Fly Café with all vintners present.
Mon, 23 Mar 2009
Despite a lousy forecast, Saturday proved to be a nice day for ballooning. It also marked the return of photographer Dan Jeffers. After taking his winter vacation and fighting the flu Dan is back in full force. Although not technically employed by Napa Valley Balloons Inc., Dan has been taking photos of our passengers for over 20 years. His fantastic photos and his animated character make him one of many memories from your Napa Valley Balloons adventure.
For $35 Dan takes professional photos of you and your loved ones pre-flight and as the balloon launches sending you home with the memories/photos burned on a CD (convenient for those of us with weak memories). With a professional photography background and 20 years of taking photos for enthusiastic balloon passengers Dan’s photos are unrivaled in Napa (or otherwise).
Sat, 21 Feb 2009
Today proved to be a crowd pleaser for all the passengers on our sold out flights. With the springtime mustard in full bloom, the filtered morning sunlight and several other balloons in the skies our guests enjoyed the best of the Napa Valley. Topped off with champagne and a good hardy American style breakfast of bacon, eggs, pancakes potatoes and fruit….. Now that’s what I call a great Saturday in the Napa Valley.
Tue, 10 Feb 2009
Today, memorable for crystal clear skies, spectacular flights and the engagement of Tony M. and the soon to be Mrs. M. his lovely fiance, Sherry. Pilot Bob was quick to catch the moments with his in-flight camera.
Interested in getting engaged on a balloon with Napa Valley Balloons? Visit Prices&Packages to see how.
Fri, 6 Feb 2009
It’s Mustard season! Pilot Bob Swanson snaps an in-flight photos of four eager adventurers as they drift silently above the mustard flowers and vineyards just north of our Yountville launch site. Now is the time to enjoy Napa’s spring and all of it’s glory. The Napa Valley Mustard Festival runs from Jan. 31st until March 28th, a great time to break away for a week end and visit our valley, take a balloon ride above the spring time mustard and enjoy all festivities at the 16th annual Mustard Festival.
Check out our Packages to combine your balloon ride with a bike tour through the mustard or make a mini-bus of new friends on Napa’s favorite group tour, Playtpus Wine Tours.
