Balloon Lift Off Details

Rick Kohut, our BalloonMeister, will display his balloon gondola’s at about 3:30 PM so you can see what the balloonists and their guests fly in. This is a great photo opportunity especially for the children – they can get inside the basket and Mom and Dad can snap away!

Around 4:30 pm, additional pilots with their colorful hot air balloons will arrive and prepare for a possible flight from the winery between 5:15 – 6:15pm depending upon weather. Please note: Balloon inflation and launch is totally regulated by FAA guidelines and the weather. The winery has absolutely NO say as to when or if the balloons launch. In years past with good conditions, the balloons have taken off between 5:30 and 6:15 PM.  If high winds or weather conditions prevent an actual flight, sometimes these very experienced pilots will inflate their balloons and remain static on the ground for additional photo opportunities for all our guests.

Interested in a balloon ride? Please contact Rick directly at 330-413-5587 or email him at [email protected] for details. A balloon ride is $185.00 per person (this is discounted from the normal $225 fee). Basket space is commonly shared and a maximum number of rider slots are available on a first-contact basis.

Children under 12 years of age cannot ride; age 13-17 years must be accompanied by a parent. Payment is by cash or check only and is payable directly to your assigned pilot. Be aware that each pilot reserves the right to deny access to their aircraft to anyone who is not acceptably fit or capable of a flight… so please, if you are planning on flying, enjoy soft drinks, tea or water for a couple of hours before take-off. You will be expected to sign a pilot insurance Waiver Release of Responsibility. Each pilot attending is highly experienced and is personally selected for this event. Flights and rides are never guaranteed as each pilot is in full command of his/her aircraft and has the discretion to choose to fly or not based on the conditions.

If you do schedule a flight, you are to wear cotton clothing, tennis shoes (no sandals or flip flops), and bring a light jacket just in case it gets chilly. Don’t forget your camera as well – it is amazing what you will see from your vantage point!

Hope to see you there as it is quite a show!