Up, Up and A Toast Away: The Tradition of Champagne After a Hot Air Balloon Ride

There’s something exhilarating about floating in a hot air balloon: the feeling of being cradled by the sky, drifting in calm silence over the landscape, and watching the world from a perspective few get to enjoy.

As enchanting as this experience is, there’s a tradition that takes it to the next level once back on solid ground—popping open a bottle of Champagne to toast the journey!

The Origins of the Champagne Toast Tradition

This bubbly tradition began with the very first hot air balloonists in 18th-century France. The Montgolfier brothers, who pioneered balloon flights, sparked fascination (and maybe a bit of fear) among rural onlookers who weren’t yet familiar with this new mode of travel.

To ease concerns and celebrate a successful landing, balloonists brought along Champagne to offer as a gesture of goodwill, inviting locals to join in and marvel at the airborne feat.

As hot air ballooning evolved, so did the post-flight celebration. Champagne, with its elegance and French heritage, became the perfect drink for this adventurous endeavor. Balloonists embraced the tradition of toasting each flight, not only as a celebration of a safe return to earth but as a nod to the history and camaraderie shared by fellow aeronauts.

Rituals and Etiquette of the Balloonist’s Toast

To this day, hot air balloon rides around the world often end with a Champagne toast, some even including a short ceremonial speech.

The pilot may pour the first glass, raising it to honor the adventurers who came before, and to commemorate the shared spirit of exploration. And, of course, it’s the perfect opportunity to relive the moments in the sky—from the breathtaking views to that slight flutter in the stomach as the balloon began its ascent.

In some ballooning circles, the post-ride toast may include a few words or even a traditional blessing, celebrating both the journey and the majestic craft that made it possible. There’s no official rulebook here, but the idea is simple: raise a glass to the skies and savor the adventure’s lasting joy.

Why Champagne?

As we know at Bubbles Don’t Count, bubbles add a unique touch to life’s milestones and thrilling experiences. There’s something magical about the lightness of Champagne that mirrors the gentle lift of a hot air balloon.

Each sip is a reminder of the fleeting beauty of floating above the world, a moment where bubbles rise like clouds, buoying the spirit and marking memories in a way only sparkling wine can.

So, next time you step out of that balloon basket, take a moment to pour a glass, lift it high, and let those bubbles carry you a little further, even as your feet find the earth once more. After all, in the words of Bubbles Don’t Count, these bubbles are the kind that don’t count—but they do make the journey unforgettable.