Hot air balloons can be a lot of fun whether you watch from the safety of the ground, ride in the balloon or crew for a balloon. The colors, the sights and the sounds are a photo opportunity just waiting for that perfect moment.

For those unfamiliar with hot air ballooning, the crew consists of the people who “chase” the balloon. Their role is to anticipate where the balloon will be landing and ask for permission of the landowner to land the balloon. Usually the landowner is enthusiastic even if the landing is in the early morning hours and everyone wants to see this magnificent balloon.

So what does wine have to do with hot air ballooning? According to custom, the captain of the hot air balloon carries a bottle of champagne with him to present to the landowner upon landing. This custom dates back to the beginning of hot air ballooning in France. The first hot air balloon was faced by fearful farmers who thought it was evil. After the first encounter, French balloonists would give a bottle of champagne to the farmers so they would know they were French.

In Temecula, California, hot air balloon rides are available in the wine country area. When you visit Temecula wineries, consider asking about the hot air balloon rides available in the area.

Cheers! Kathy