Over Wine Country

By John Vitale

Go wine touring in a hot air balloon over vineyards in eastern Washington 

Photo by Dawne Rushkarski

IMAGINE WATCHING the sun rise while aloft over wine country in a hot air balloon, gliding over vineyards and a lush patchwork of farms, dipping for a moment in the Yakima River before climbing high again for breathtaking views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier to the west, the Horse Heaven Hills appellation to the south, and the Yakima Valley below.  Wine Country Balloon Tour, based in Prosser, Washington, offers daily chartered balloon flights in the Yakima Valley from springtime through the autumn season.  The company hopes to eventually add regular Walla Walla flights but for now accepts bookings upon request.

Balloon tours can be a fun and unique way to kickoff a wine tasting trip or celebrate a special occasion—even get married aloft!  Every balloon ride concludes with a 200-year-old traditional toast.  Wine Country Balloon Tour has a flawless safety record and all of their pilots are FAA licensed professionals.  To book a flight, visit www.winecountryballoontour.com.