Home   |   FAQ-Hot Air Balloon Rides   |   History of Hot Air Ballooning   |   Temecula Wine Country

The Vail Lake Resort Experience
Vail Lake is a large reservoir in western Riverside County, California, located in Temecula on the Temecula Creek and Santa Margarita River watershed approximately 10 miles from Old Town Temecula. It was created in 1948 when the owners of Vail Ranch constructed the 132 foot high Vail Lake Dam, which has been owned and operated by the Rancho California Water District since 1978. The 11,000+ acre property surrounding Vail Lake is privately owned, and recreational access to the lake is privately controlled.

The Butterfield Country Recreational Park (now Vail Lake Resort) was established in 1968 to provide public access to Vail Lake and its marina, but closed by its owners in 1989. In 1995, a members-only resort facility was opened at the location of the former park; and in 2000, the water activities area was re-opened to the public on an annual fee basis. Today, boating rights on the lake are reserved for annual members only but RV access is open to the public with paid nightly reservation or a day use pass.

In addition to numerous affordable and comfortable campsites, Vail Lake Resort offers fun activities and attractions for the whole family, including hot air ballooning with Temecula Air Affair, fishing, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, miniature golf, swimming, and water slides — although just plain relaxing under the oaks is fine too! Check out the spectacular Temecula Air Affair early morning hot air balloon flights—what a way to start your day! Call (951) 240-3590 for additional information and/or to book your hot air balloon flight. See this spectacular area from the air—it's breathtaking!

Offering both privacy and security, Vail Lake Resort is the perfect spot for a family weekend getaway. Vail Lake Resort offers the perfect setting for those longing to get away from it all and enjoy the beauty of nature with over 9,000 acres of ancient, shady oaks in a natural California chaparral setting. Melt your stress away while enjoying the scenic views, abundant wildlife, numerous recreational opportunities, and fantastic weather.

Plans are in the works for a professional golf course, new restaurant and winery sites on the property.

Call the Vail Lake Resort Reservation office at (951) 303-0173 for more information about the Vail Lake Resort and/or to make advance reservations to play in the sun after your Temecula Air Affair balloon flight.

Temecula Wine Country

Breathtaking vistas, unpretentious wine resorts and relaxing wine tasting tours, the Temecula Wine Country has so much to offer! A quick drive from San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles or Riverside County, the Temecula Wine Country is home to over 30 wineries and hundreds of award-winning wines.

Whether you are looking for a wine tour, a wine country wedding, a weekend getaway or a “staycation”, Temecula Wine Country and the Vail Lake Resort are centrally located and within an hour’s drive of San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles or Palm Springs. With over 35,000 acres of rolling hills and vineyards, Temecula wineries offer wine tasting, wine tours, private winery parties and hosting of corporate events.

The panoramic views from the local wineries can’t be beat and the region’s wine tasting rooms and gift shops are open year round to visitors. Local Inns and Bed and Breakfast establishments offer a relaxing night after your morning hot air ballooning and afternoon wine tasting.

Temecula Wines

The quality of Temecula wines is made possible because of Temecula's unique climate. Morning mists, warm midday suns, cool ocean breezes and clear nights make the perfect environment for growing grapes in the granite-based soils. The hundreds of award winning wines from Temecula Wine Country are recognized by wine connoisseurs internationally.

Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival

Every year visitors from San Diego, Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange County and all over the world come to Temecula for the annual Festival weekend. The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival offers topname concerts, wine tastings, exhibits, fun for kids, arts and crafts and the unique experience of hot air ballooning.

Temecula wineries feature their award winning wines, as well as other wines from Southern California. It’s a weekend to remember for a lifetime. Book a hot air balloon ride during the Festival and experience a memory making ride above Lake Skinner or Vail Lake as you take in the breathtaking vistas of the Vail Lake Resort and Temecula’s wine country.

In mid October the Vail Lake Resort and the Temecula Air Affair will host an Autumn/Halloween balloon and concert event that will be open to public participation. Contact our office at (951) 240-3590 for full details and to book a hot air balloon flight during the event.

Temecula Wineries

When you plan a hot air balloon ride, why not schedule a visit to one of the many wineries in Temecula Valley Wine Country? Click on the winery link to see their current specials, coupons and discount codes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Temecula Air Affair hot air balloon flights are easily accessible to residents of Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and Riverside Counties. Expect:

all times approximate
Los Angeles: 90-130 minutes
San Diego: 60 minutes
Orange County: 50 minutes
Riverside County: Vail Lake and Temecula Air Affair are located in Riverside County!

Tel.(951)240-3590/ info@TemeculaAirAffair.com