All aboard The Napa Valley Wine Train! One of the most unique and enchanting experiences in Napa Valley, the wine train offers guests a trip to the past while showing you the best of what Napa Valley has to offer today.
On your 36-mile round trip from Napa to St. Helena and back, you’ll experience gourmet cuisine, stunning views, and stops at wineries. With its refurbished, vintage pull cars, luxurious detailing, and romantic ambiance, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers a nostalgic journey through the golden age of locomotive travel. Here is everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind experience.
Yes, the wine train makes stops at famous wineries
This time of year, also known as harvest season, the Wine Train’s Grape Stomp at Grgich Hills is a must. You’ll indulge in a multi-course lunch aboard the train as you make your way to Grgich Hills Estate, founded by wine legend, Mike Grgich, who is recognized as one of the greatest winemakers in the world. Enjoy the time-honored tradition of grape stomping by foot before sitting down for a tasting of acclaimed wines. Back on board, you’ll cap off the afternoon with coffee, tea, and dessert during your scenic ride back to Napa.
First-time on the train? Then you may want to try the full-day Legacy Experience, which includes a multi-course gourmet lunch and stops at two of Napa Valley’s most famous wineries, Charles Krug Winery and V. Sattui. After a special tasting on board, you’ll head to the historic Charles Krug Winery, the oldest winery in Napa Valley, to enjoy a private tour and tasting at what is the birthplace of California wine tasting as we know it (Charles Krug opened the first tasting room in the state). Next up is the whimsical V. Sattui. One of the first wineries to offer a wine tasting experience, you’ll enjoy their award-winning small batch wines amongst the Italianate architecture and lush gardens. This immersive day ends with a joyous ride back to Napa, with dancing in the open-air car.
The Napa Valley Wine Train also offers half day tours, if you’re short on time. Grgich Hills Winery Tour includes a two-hour train ride with a gourmet, multi-course lunch, followed by a tour and tasting at Grgich Hills Estate, founded by wine legend, Mike Grgich, who is recognized as one of the greatest winemakers in the world.
The train is also a gourmet restaurant
Though the thrill of the ride is a huge part of the experience, the train is primarily a rolling gourmet restaurant featuring a changing seasonal menu that highlights fresh, local ingredients (all prepared in the train’s two onboard kitchens). From ricotta gnocchi to roasted beef tenderloin, expect to dine on decadent courses of gourmet, Napa-style fare. In the spirit of Wine Country, an extensive onboard wine list is available for lunch and dinner, offering many different regional wines. You can even bring your own wine aboard, but just know you’ll have to pay a corkage fee.
Children are welcome on the Napa Valley Wine Train
No need to leave the kids behind, as the Napa Valley Wine Train is an adventure fit for the whole family. The Open Air Car is perfect for a kid-friendly lunch since it is the most casual car on the train, so you can relax with your family without worrying about interrupting guests who seek a more upscale experience. The car’s open-air windows provide an eye-catching panoramic view of the passing scenery as the train glides through the valley. Children’s rates are only available for select packages, so be sure to call ahead.
A trip on the Napa Valley Wine Train is like stepping back in time
Insiders who have ridden the Napa Valley Wine Train recommend the Vista Dome Package, a train journey like no other. Though it’s the most expensive package, it features an unforgettable dining experience (for lunch or dinner) on the elevated, two-story Vista Dome dining car to deliver a “first-class” experience. With its plush interiors, exquisitely prepared food, and unobstructed views from every angle, Vista Dome is a nod to the glory days of luxury rail travel. Or, consider an elegant few hours aboard the Train during the Afternoon Tea package, a nod to the glamorous days of rail travel.
Napa Valley Aloft
Soar Over Napa Valley
Discover Napa Valley from new heights. Book a hot air balloon adventure!
You can get married on the train
With its upscale culinary offerings and gorgeous vintage setting, the train is also a distinctive way for romantic couples to tie the knot. Small, intimate elopements can be conducted on the back of the moving train as it glides along the rails under Napa Valley’s lush sweeping scenery. Or, make reservations for larger groups in a single car or throughout the entire train. The train has everything needed to bring the vision of your special event to life.
You can enjoy elegant evenings on the train
Evening travelers can enjoy a luxurious four-course dinner in the Vista Dome. In the observation car, the sunset will act as your backdrop as you travel throughout Napa Valley. The Wine Train also offers a gourmet dining experience on the Pullman dining car. The Gourmet Express Dinner is a three-course meal that encourages guests to explore the train.
You might solve a murder while riding the rails
For a fun and completely unforgettable fine dining and entertainment experience, book a seat on the train’s Murder Mystery dining tour, which operates on select dinner trains year-round. Don your best 1920s attire (or regular clothes to become a private detective) for an evening of mystery, mayhem, and murder as you enjoy a multi-course dinner and work to uncover all the secrets aboard the vintage train.
The train journeys to the North Pole during winter
During the winter holiday season, the Wine Train transforms into the Santa Train, welcoming kids of all ages to enjoy games, singing, and live entertainment as it makes its way north to the “North Pole.” This interactive musical journey is complete with hot cocoa or cider, freshly-baked cookies, and, of course, Santa himself, and is surely a treat for the whole family.
Quick tip: The Wine Train’s holiday experiences, including the Santa Train, Peppermint Tea, and Thanksgiving ride, often sell out quickly, so be sure to plan ahead. Simply put: book early!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, train-lover, or foodie—or all three!—the Napa Valley Wine Train is an unforgettable dining, tasting, and travel experience that stimulates all the senses. From holiday experiences to remember to fine dining journeys on the rails, the Wine Train isn’t just a unique way to explore Napa Wine Country, it’s a memory-making experience that will be etched in your mind for years to come. All aboard!
The post 8 Things to Know About the Napa Valley Wine Train first appeared on NapaValley.com.
