Temecula wine country is a bucolic patchwork of farms, horse ranches, hills, and vineyards, and the most unforgettable way to take it all in is from high up above in a hot air balloon. The valley has a long history in ballooning, some of the area’s pilots have been flying for over 30 years and share unique tales of the valley with their passengers. These local ambassadors specialize in helping guests celebrate personal milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, and proposals—all from 3,000 feet in the air.
Photo above by Nu Aerial of an A Grape Escape hot air balloon.
The entire hot air balloon adventure usually takes 3 hours. The time includes inflating the balloon, a pre-flight safety meeting, a 45 to 75-minute balloon ride, and a drive back to the original meeting point. Since balloons fly with the wind, they don’t take off and land at the same place, but all of the companies will pick you up wherever you land and bring you back to your car. With upwards of ten balloon companies in Temecula, one of the most memorable parts of the ride is gazing out at the other giant balloons in the sky who are flying along with you.
Things to Know
- Advance reservations are required.
- Balloon rides take off at 5 or 6 am because hot air balloons require the cool air of the morning to rise.
- Dressing in layers is recommended. Though it will be cold at that hour of the morning, once you’re in the air, the flame powering the balloon can make it warm, depending on the time of year. There is no wind chill factor because balloons move with the wind.
- Flights can be delayed or rescheduled if there are strong winds or heavy rain.
- Compare prices. Some companies offer better prices than on the “deal” sites (Viator, Trip Advisor), and the reverse is true for others.
- Some tours require climbing in and out of a basket, so skirts, dresses, and heels may not be the best idea.
- None of the companies permit pregnant women to ride.
Temecula Hot Air Balloon Operators
Below is a rundown of Temecula’s hot air balloon operators and their various offerings. The prices are accurate as of the time of writing. For the current pricing, please refer to the company’s website.
A Grape Escape
Locally owned and operated, A Grape Escape has been flying in the valley for over 30 years. They are top rated and have a fleet of 16 hot air balloons that can fly 2 to 16 passengers. Rides include a champagne toast and a souvenir certificate of flight.
Shared rides start at $159/pp, Private rides start at $799 for two passengers. Adventures begin and end at Bolero Winery.
California Dreamin’
Another top rated company, the owner has been flying balloons since 1977 and founded the company in 1985. A champagne toast is served upon landing, and guests are offered a 2-for-1 wine tasting experience at their sister winery Vindemia. Upgrades are available for special occasions.
Shared rides start at $188/pp. Private rides start at $1,050 for two passengers. Adventures begin and end at Vindemia Winery.
Magical Adventure Balloon Rides
A family-owned business that also offers helicopter tours and vacation rentals. Balloon rides are 45 minutes and include a champagne, a wrapped breakfast item for each guest, a commemorative flight certificate, and free digital souvenir pictures.
Shared rides start at $149/pp. Private rides start at $950 for two passengers. Adventures begin and end at Meadows Village Shopping Center.
Cielo Balloons
Cielo Balloons has been flying in Southern California for over 20 years. They offer flights that leave from Temecula and Del Mar that include Mimosas and snacks upon landing. (Some reviewers mention “the best cupcakes they’ve ever had.”) Shared rides include no more than 10 passengers.
Shared rides start at $185/pp. Private rides start at $1,054 for a group of up to four passengers. Adventures begin and end at Akash Winery.
Serenity Hot Air Balloons
A two year old, family-owned company, Serenity offers proposal flights, private, and semi-private hot air balloon flights with no more than 4 passengers.
Proposal flights start at $1,195. Semi-private flights (3 or 4 people) start at $368/pp. Private rides start at $995 for two passengers. Adventures begin and end at Akash Winery.
Compass Hot Air Balloons
Compass Balloons has been flying for over 10 years in Temecula and San Diego. They limit the number of passengers to 8 per ride for a “more intimate” affair. Each flight comes with a Compass Balloons T-shirt, pastries, fruit, and champagne toast.
Shared rides start at $175/pp. Private rides start at $795. Adventures begin and end at Ultimate Vineyards / Maurice Car’rie Vineyard.
Sunrise Balloons
Founded in 1975, this company has a hostess/photographer who will snap 100 plus photos throughout your ride. Champagne is offered during flight, and rides purchased through their website are refundable if a flight is canceled due to weather, and you are unable to reschedule.
Shared rides start at $225/pp (there are coupon codes on the website) Call 800-548-9912 for private ride prices. Adventures begin and end at Julie’s Dream Winery.
Uncorked Tours
Operating in the area for over 20 years, this is the only company that, in addition to the usual shared or private ride, offers a six hour experience that includes balloon ride and 4 hour wine tasting tour for two people.
Shared rides start at $179/pp or $150/pp if booked as a couple. Private rides start at $800 for two people. Adventures begin and end at Julie’s Dream Winery.
Sky Rider Tours
Sky Rider Tours has 10 years of experience in Temecula and offers the core amenities that the others do, like a Champagne toast and limo or party bus to and from the take-off point.
Shared rides start at $164/pp. Private rides start at $795 for two people. Adventures begin and end at Maurice Car’rie / Ultimate Vineyards.
Temecula Air Tours
Temecula Air Tours has been operating since 1999. Rides include souvenir photos, and Champagne is available as an add-on for $30 per bottle. A unique add-on they offer is a custom drone video of your experience for an additional fee.
They publicize rides starting at $149/pp. Private rides start at $1,000 for two people.
