Hot air ballooning is a top Wine Country activity in Sonoma County
Soar above the vineyards in a hot air balloon

Top-Rated Hot Air Balloon Tours in Sonoma County

It's up, up, and away for a bird's-eye view of the tapestry of rolling hills, mountain peaks, vineyards, and ocean views laid out below.

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Experience the stunning landscape throughout Wine Country from the basket of a hot air balloon. Like a bird, you'll feel as if you're floating above the world as you look down on local wildlife, drift over vineyards and farmland, and breeze over the top of nearby mountains.

Below are three tried-and-true hot air balloon tour providers in Sonoma County.

Sonoma Ballooning, Sonoma

Prepare to be captivated as you soar above the storied wineries and vineyards in Sonoma Valley with Sonoma Ballooning. A whole new level of fun, they offer a variety of different flight packages. Most flights are 45 minutes to an hour and end with a post-flight Champagne toast.

sonoma ballooning hot air balloon aerial view
Sonoma Ballooning

Sonoma Ballooning has also partnered with area business to offer guests an even more immersive experience, like the Balloon, Charlie's Acres & Vegan Wine Tour which includes a tour of the Charlie's Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary before stopping at two vegan wineries; and Balloon & Blending, a unique experience in partnership with Meadowcroft Wines where guests enjoy a sunrise flight then spend the rest of the day exploring Meadowcroft's gardens before blending, labeling, and corking their very own "Perfect Blend" bottle.

Up & Away Ballooning, Santa Rosa

Enjoy breathtaking, unrivaled views of the rolling hills and ancient redwoods surrounding Santa Rosa with Up & Away Ballooning. For more than two decades, Up & Away has been guiding visitors around Sonoma Wine Country from their state-of-the-art hot air balloons. Departing from Charles M. Schultz Sonoma County Airport, they offer daily sunrise flights for up to 16 guests.

Soar over Sonoma County vineyards with Up & Away Ballooning
Up & Away Ballooning

Visitors can also book the Ballooning, Bikes & Brews tour, which includes the standard sunrise balloon fight followed by a 9-mile guided bike excursion with Ace It Bike Tours, ending with a few pints at the acclaimed Russian River Brewing Company.

Wine Country Balloons, Santa Rosa

Catch glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. Fly above the winding Russian River. Look out over the undulating valleys. These views are what you can expect when flying with Wine Country Balloons. 

A balloon from Wine Country Balloons soars over Sonoma County vineyards
Wine Country Balloons

They have group flights available as well as private flights for two. All guests meet at Kaffe Mocha Grill (perfect for a pre-flight coffee) before being transported via bus to the day's launch spot. Wine Country Balloons has launch sites available all over Sonoma County. Afterwards, enjoy a post-flight Champagne brunch back at Kaffe Mocha to reminisce about the experience.

A woman smiles as she soars above Sonoma County in a hot air balloon

Looking for ways to experience more nature? Check out our guide to outdoor activities in Sonoma County.