FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CONTACT: Kimberly Adams, President and CEO

Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau

951/491-6085; Kimberly@TemeculaCVB.com

 

3 Terrific Ways to Experience Aerial Adventures

in the Big, Blue Skies in and near

Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country

 

TEMECULA VALLEY Southern California Wine Country, September 18, 2012 – “From floating serenely in a hot air balloon with spectacular views of rolling hills and vineyards, to the incredible thrill of tandem skydiving and the sensation of freefall in an indoor sky-diving wind tunnel. There are 3 terrific ways to experience aerial adventures in the big, blue skies and beautiful, year-round weather, in and near Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country,” explains Kimberly Adams, Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau president and CEO. “Celebrating a visit to Temecula Valley So Cal Wine Country with an aerial point of view makes a stay-over a once-in-a-lifetime, exceptionally memorable experience. These aerial activities are especially great for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, wedding proposals, first dates, holidays (like Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Day), and for group-travel and business incentives. Enjoy special mid-week (better-than-weekend) hotel-motel-resort rates Sunday-through-Thursday and more fully experience the casual, picturesque valley’s Downtown, Old Town Temecula; Temecula Valley So Cal Wine Country; and Pechanga Resort & Casino.” The popular destination is 1 hour from Orange County and Palm Desert; and 1½ hours from Los Angeles.

 

1- A Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country Hot Air Balloon Flight

As much an adventure as it is a delightful discovery, a hot air balloon flight over Temecula Valley So Cal Wine Country is the opportunity to experience some of Southern California’s remaining open, rural countryside. Floating serenely over open-country with a big, blue sky overhead provides a spectacular view of rolling hills, vineyards, farms, ranchlands, and citrus groves.

 

Throughout the year, hot air balloon flights highlight an ever-changing scene that puts one in touch with the seasons. Wisps of summer’s morning mist lingering above vineyards vast and lush. Chance-opportunities to witness grape harvest at dawn from overhead. The brisk cool of autumn as vines’ leaves turn golden and red. The crisp of morning in winter, dormant vines row-upon-row, and snow-capped mountains circle the valley. Then wildflowers in bloom after early spring rains.

 

The valley’s delightful, year-round climate makes it possible for hot air balloon companies like A Grape Escape, California Dreamin’, D&D Ballooning, and Magical Adventures to launch year-round, 7 days a week including holidays (weather permitting) – floating quietly, just above the vineyards and to 2,000 feet. With no definitive line of perspective, the nature of hot air balloon flights is generally enjoyable, passive, and surreal. Because hot air balloons fly in Southern California’s inversion zone, temperatures aloft are typically as mild and comfortable as on the ground.

 

In Temecula Valley So Cal Wine Country, hot air balloons launch at sunrise; flights are approximately 1-hour. Local hot air balloon companies accommodate as few as 2 passengers for a romantic flight, or up to 12 or 14 with families, friends, and coworkers. Fleets of multiple hot air balloons accommodate larger groups up to 40 passengers. Many hot air balloon companies offer special celebration packages, sparkling wine toasts, and certificates of flight.

 

2-A Tandem Skydive at Lake Elsinore

North of Temecula, Skydive Elsinore is located next to Southern California’s largest natural lake and the rustic Ortega foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. Outfitted in a jumpsuit, goggles, altimeter, and harness that secures one to the jumpmaster, tandem skydiving here via a dual harness system is a way to experience the thrill of freefall – the wind rushing and the sense of speed – and flying, then pulling the student ripcord of a parachute made for two.

 

Before taking off and jumping from an altitude of about 12,500 feet, tandem skydivers receive specific training. From exiting the aircraft and arching one’s body in freefall, to familiarization with the workings of the tandem parachute, and how to pull the ripcord at the right altitude (if the jumper chooses not to, the instructor pulls it).

 

With tandem skydiving, freefall averages 120 miles-per-hour or 200 feet-per-second. Few jumpers feel anything but exhilaration after leaving the door of the aircraft. While breathing is possible, the excitement of the tandem skydive typically leaves jumpers breathless. Freefalls generally last about 60 seconds.

 

3-Indoor Skydiving at Perris Skyventure

A state-of-the-art, 96-foot-tall, vertical wind tunnel makes indoor skydiving and the sensation of freefall – without an airplane – possible. Geared up in a jumpsuit, helmet, and earplugs, participants generally become familiar with floating on the powerful column of air and with the art of indoor skydiving in a few minutes.

 

The skydiving wind tunnel is a pressurized room consisting of two compartments. The first is the antechamber, the waiting room; the other is the chamber where the wind flows. Typical flying sessions are between 1 and 2 minutes; a 4-minute session is recommended for a more thorough flight experience. The number of sessions typically depends on fitness and experience. Small groups generally share 30 to 60 minutes.

 

An instructor supervises each group as wind tunnel flying varies slightly from skydiving. The airflow is custom-adjusted to the flyer’s body size and experience. Through hand signals, the instructor is available at all times to help with proper flying techniques and proper form. Also available is a “Sensory Overload” package that includes 2 minutes of wind tunnel time and a tandem skydive in a single day.

 

*Information is believed accurate but may be subject to change.

 

The Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, the region’s official tourism marketing organization and resource for visitors is online at VisitTemecula.org; on Facebook, “Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country”; and on Twitter, @Visit_Temecula. The Temecula Valley Visitors Center is open 7 days in Old Town Temecula, Third Street and Mercedes, adjacent Temecula Civic Center. For visitor information and assistance, call 888/363-2852 or 951/491-6085.

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