Napa Valley Wine Train

 

The Napa Valley Wine Train is a luxury train that runs along a 36-mile route through the heart of Napa Valley, passing by some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes and famous vineyards. During the three-hour journey to St. Helena and back, guests can enjoy a multi-course gourmet meal paired with some of the best wines from the area, all while gazing out the train’s panoramic windows.

 

But the Napa Valley Wine Train is not just about the food and wine. It is also a journey back to the golden age of train travel when people dressed up for dinner and traveled in style. The train’s vintage Pullman cars date back to the early 20th century and have been lovingly restored to their original glory, with plush armchairs, polished wood panels, and elegant decor that evokes the ambiance of a bygone era.

The History of the Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century. The first train to run through Napa Valley arrived in 1864, and it quickly became an important transportation link for the area’s growing wine industry. However, by the mid-20th century, the train had fallen out of use, and the tracks were abandoned. It wasn’t until the 1980s that a group of local entrepreneurs decided to revive the train as a tourist attraction, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Napa Valley to visitors from around the world.

 

Napa Valley Wine Train route

Embark on a scenic journey aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train in California’s wine country. Originally built in 1864 to transport visitors to the resort town of Calistoga, the Wine Train is now a popular tourist attraction, taking guests on a three-hour, 36-mile round-trip from Downtown Napa to St. Helena and back.

 

The journey begins at the McKinstry Street Station in Downtown Napa, where guests check in 45 to 60 minutes before departure. Once checked in, visitors can explore the historic depot until the boarding call is announced. Boarding typically starts 30 minutes before the train’s departure, giving guests ample time to settle into their seats and prepare for the journey ahead.

 

As the train departs from the station, guests are treated to a stunning view of the old industrial section of Napa before crossing the Rural Urban Limit Line. From there, it’s breathtaking scenery as the train winds through the famous Napa Valley Wine Country, passing by some of the most famous wineries in the country. The journey takes guests through the charming towns of Oak Knoll, Yountville, Oakville, and Rutherford, providing a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture.

 

Throughout the journey, guests can indulge in exquisite gourmet cuisine and award-winning Napa Valley wine. The Wine Train’s onboard kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Donald Young, who creates seasonal menus featuring locally-sourced ingredients and expertly paired wines. The train’s extensive wine list features selections from some of the region’s most renowned wineries, including Chateau Montelena, Beringer Vineyards, and Cakebread Cellars.

 

In addition to the standard three-hour journey, the Wine Train also offers a variety of specialty tours and events. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a unique way to experience the beauty of Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Wine Train is a must-see attraction.

Napa Valley Wine Train Experiences

 

If you are a wine lover, the Napa Valley Wine Train is the perfect opportunity to explore some of the most renowned wineries in the region. The train offers a variety of tours and packages that cater to all tastes and budgets, from the Classic Tour, which includes a gourmet lunch and a tour of a local winery, to the more extravagant Legacy Tour, which features a multi-course dinner in a private dining car and an exclusive tasting of premium wines.

 

Some packages even include private tables, with the added bonus of breathtaking views of Napa Valley from the windows. Once everyone is on board, the journey begins with a 10-minute roll through Napa, followed by the scenic route of vineyards and wineries. All experiences are round-trip, with the journey beginning and ending at the Napa Valley Wine Train station in downtown Napa.

 

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers several daily experiences, including lunch, afternoon tea, evening dinner options, and special events that run a few times yearly. One of the most exciting features of the Napa Valley Wine Train is the opportunity to meet and talk to the winemakers themselves. Some of the most respected names in the industry regularly board the train and are happy to share their knowledge and passion with guests.

 

Another advantage of the Napa Valley Wine Train is the luxury of seeing the beauty of the region without worrying about driving. The train’s route takes passengers through picturesque towns, rolling hills, and lush vineyards, providing an unforgettable experience of the region’s natural beauty. Guests can relax and enjoy the scenery while being pampered by the train’s fully-equipped amenities.

 

In conclusion, the Napa Valley Wine Train is an exceptional opportunity for wine lovers to explore the region’s most renowned wineries in luxury and style. With its variety of tours and packages, opportunities to meet winemakers, and scenic views, the Napa Valley Wine Train is a must-visit attraction for anyone looking to experience the best Napa Valley wine country.

Daytime Experiences

 

During the Daytime Experiences, you stay on the train the entire time, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the gourmet gastronomic adventure surrounded by the beautiful landscape.

The daytime experiences last three hours and the evening ones run for around two hours. Keep in mind that check-in and boarding start an hour before train departure.

 

• Vista Dome: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking panoramic vistas of the lush Napa Valley landscape with our signature dining experience aboard the Champagne Vista Dome, which boasts sweeping views through its curved glass windows. As you board, savor a glass of California sparkling wine as a prelude to the gastronomic adventure that awaits you. Indulge in luxury as you relish the delectable cuisine prepared by the expert team while enjoying the stunning views from the upstairs dining area. Our state-of-the-art kitchen below ensures that your selections are artfully prepared to perfection. Reserved seating is required to access the exclusive dining area of the Vista Dome Car, making it our most private gourmet dining experience. The Vista Dome Car’s intimate setting is why it is a popular dining experience among our guests.

 

• Gourmet Express: Journey through the verdant countryside of Napa Valley and be whisked away to a bygone era of opulence and romance – the golden age of train travel in the early 1900s. Step beyond your private quarters and explore the train, just as guests did in that era, where the journey was meant to be savored from start to finish. Indulge in a three-course gourmet meal served in the elegant antique Pullman railcars aboard the Gourmet Express, relishing in the experience of a leisurely lunch amidst the valley’s splendor. As you head north, savor a delectable meal crafted by the expert culinary team, with fresh Sonoma greens or soup du jour for starters, followed by your choice of entrée and a mouthwatering dessert. Complimentary coffee or tea awaits you on the return trip, completing your gastronomic journey. The three-hour train journey departs for lunch and covers the distance from Napa to St. Helena and back. It’s an experience not to be missed, offering the perfect blend of luxury, history, and gastronomy.

 

• Grgich Hills Estate Tasting: Experience the wine that brought Napa Valley to the forefront of the wine world while uncovering the fascinating story of a true Napa Valley icon. The winery itself exudes simplicity, charm, and quaintness, yet its legacy is one of the most renowned in the region. If you’re unfamiliar with the 1976 Paris Tasting, it won’t be long before you become captivated by its tale. After indulging in a delectable gourmet lunch onboard our elegant Wine Train during a 3-hour journey, venture to Grgich Hills Estate, the abode of one of the most exceptional winemakers in the world, for an hour-long seated tasting.

 

• Afternoon Tea: Experience an enchanting afternoon with Afternoon Tea, a collaboration between Chandon and Napa Valley Wine Train. Immerse yourself in a blooming ambiance as you indulge in classic accompaniments, including delicate finger sandwiches, delectable treats, and various artfully crafted teas. Savor a delicious soup and salad, and kick off your experience with a welcome glass of Chandon’s Garden Spritz cocktail.

 

• Tasting on the Rails: This exclusive, tailor-made experience takes you on a luxurious gastronomic journey through the stunning California Wine Country with breathtaking vineyard views. The Wine Train has joined forces with a carefully curated selection of premier wineries in the region, including Trefethen Family Vineyards, Tate, Domaine Chandon, Beaulieu Vineyards, Belle Glos, and Ghost Block, to bring you an unparalleled fusion of gourmet cuisine and wine pairing. As you journey through five of the AVAs, you’ll savor locally sourced wine pairings that complement the delectable flavors of your seven-course meal.

Evening Experiences

 

• Vista Dome Dinner: Experience the ultimate panoramic view of the lush Napa Valley landscape with Vista Dome Dinner, where you can practically bring the beauty of the vineyards inside through the sweeping, curved glass windows of our most popular dining car, the Champagne Vista Dome. As you step aboard, you’ll be greeted with a glass of California sparkling wine, setting the stage for the culinary adventure ahead. The Vista Dome is an exclusive dining experience, available only to guests with reserved seating, making it the most private and intimate setting for gourmet dining.

 

• Gourmet Express Dinner: Experience a decadent culinary journey that will transport you back to the glamorous era of rail travel. Slow down and savor the sophistication of a stylishly refurbished antique Pullman rail car as you indulge in a three-course meal served in exquisite surroundings. To enhance your culinary adventure, opt for Sommelier Flight tasting and discover the unique flavors of Napa Valley’s legendary wines. Two-hour train journey departs from Napa and travels to Rutherford before returning.

 

• Murder Mystery Dinner: Experience the ultimate murder mystery adventure. Their Murder Mystery Dinner is perfect for those passionate about mystery, intrigue, and fine cuisine. For those who crave even more excitement, add our Sommelier Flight tasting to your experience. You’ll get to discover the flavors of Napa Valley legends like Far Niente, Opus One, and Joseph Phelps, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your already thrilling evening. Our Murder Mystery Dinner is offered on selected dinner trains and includes a two-hour journey aboard our vintage train, a welcome toast of sparkling wine, and a multiple-course gourmet meal that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning foodie. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

Full-Day Tours

The tours that span the entire day typically run for around 6 hours and encompass visits to wineries in Napa Valley. Additionally, every tour features a delectable, multi-course lunch served aboard the train.

 

• The Legacy Experience: Tour includes stops at renowned wineries such as Charles Krug Winery and V. Sattui Winery, where you’ll discover the rich winemaking history of these two esteemed establishments, which collectively span over 200 years and boast some of the finest vintages in the region. As you travel through the valley, you’ll savor a gourmet multi-course lunch served onboard the train, prepared by our expert chefs using locally sourced ingredients.

Tour The Train

Step aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train and be transported back to the golden era of luxury train travel at the turn of the 20th century. The vintage Pullman rail cars have been meticulously restored with exquisite Honduran mahogany paneling, brass accents, etched glass partitions, and plush armchairs, immersing you in a world of opulence and elegance.

 

As one of the few remaining active historic passenger railroads in the United States, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers a truly captivating and unforgettable experience that harkens back to the glory days of train travel. You’ll be treated to world-class dining service and gourmet meals, expertly paired with some of the region’s finest wines, all while taking in the stunning vistas of Napa Valley. With a vast array of unique railway cars and experiences to choose from, there’s something to suit every taste and occasion.

 

• Legacy Experience Open Air Car: Take a tour of the Open Air Car and catch a glimpse of the breathtaking scenery at the initial destination of our Legacy Experience;

 

• Legacy Experience Train Exterior: As you disembark from the train, pause and appreciate the Napa Valley Welcome sign, an icon of the region. Make the most of your upcoming trip by photographing this famous landmark as a backdrop.

 

• Legacy Experience 1013 Pullman Passenger Car: Experience the elegance of our Legacy Journey by witnessing our esteemed guests enjoy their exquisite dining experience in style.

 

• 1085 Pullman Standard Dome Car: Experience a tour of the elevated dining experience. Built-in 1952 as one of the first ten full dome cars constructed by Pullman Standard, this two-story rail car offers remarkable vineyard views to complement your meal upstairs and a state-of-the-art kitchen downstairs. With its unique features and exceptional service, this experience is truly one-of-a-kind.

 

• Gourmet Express 1015 Pullman Dining Car: Step back in time with a stylishly refurbished antique Pullman Dining Car, originally built in 1915 for the Northern Pacific Railway and later acquired by the Denver Rio Grande. This historic car is now one of the featured Dining Cars on our Gourmet Express journeys. With its charming decor and exquisite dining options, guests are transported back to the golden age of train travel.

 

• Gourmet Express 1090 Pullman Kitchen Car: Experience the culinary team’s expertise in action as you visit the mahogany passageway of the Gourmet Express 1090 Pullman Kitchen Car. One of the original four cars that ran on the first Wine Train in 1989, this car offers guests a behind-the-scenes look at how their meals are prepared fresh to order.

 

• Gourmet Express 1100 Pullman Dining Car: Step into our stunning 1100 Dining Car, and immerse yourself in its exquisite beauty. Originally built in 1917 as a reclined seating coach, it was one of the first four cars to join the Wine Train in 1989. Now, as one of the featured Dining Cars on our Gourmet Express Journeys, this exquisite rail car serves guests worldwide with its exceptional dining options and exceptional service.

 

• Gourmet Express 1017 Pullman Lounge Car: Embrace a slower pace and indulge in the breathtaking valley views as you stroll around the exquisite 1017 Lounge Car. Sip coffee or tea and enjoy a delectable dessert course, a sweet ending to an unforgettable journey.

 

• Gourmet Express 1018 Pullman Lounge Car: Relax in the plush lounge seating of the beautifully restored 1018 Lounge Car, and soak in the stunning views of Napa Valley through its original red glass windows. Take a breath of fresh Napa Valley air from the observation deck and experience the timeless charm of train travel.
• Gourmet Express Train on Platform: Step onto an elegant Vintage train and return to the glamorous rail travel days. Indulge in the sophisticated comfort of the Gourmet Express Train on Platform as you embark on a leisurely journey through Wine Country.

 

• Gourmet Express Train on Grgich Platform: Step off the train and discover the wine that put Napa Valley on the map with a tasting at Grgich Hills Estate during our Gourmet Express Train on Grgich Platform. Enjoy the fresh air on their charming outdoor patio and raise a glass to an unforgettable afternoon on our Grgich Hills Estate experience.

Napa Valley Wine Train Onboard Cuisine

 

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience that combines excellent food and breathtaking scenery, look no further than the Napa Valley Wine Train. Although its name suggests focusing solely on wine, the train is not just for wine lovers. In fact, it has become a popular attraction for foodies who come to indulge in the train’s exceptional cuisine.

 

The train consists of 16 railcars and 4 engines, and while it rolls through the valley, it is primarily a restaurant on train tracks. Onboard, the kitchen is staffed by some of the most talented chefs in the region, led by Executive Chef Donald Young. With four kitchen railcars, they prepare all meals on board, featuring locally sourced produce and premium cuts of meat. The food on the train is a feast for the senses, showcasing the flavors and ingredients of Napa Valley.

 

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers a high-end dining experience, with a choice of three to four dishes per course for each meal selection. And if you have specific dietary needs, they will work with you to create a modified meal. One of the unique aspects of this dining experience is that you can watch the chef and his team in action. The main kitchen railcar has a large window and viewing area, so you can see them create the perfect meal.

 

In conclusion, while the Napa Valley Wine Train is undoubtedly a luxurious journey, it is first and foremost, a restaurant. It offers a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines excellent food and stunning scenery. So, whether you’re a wine lover or a foodie, the Napa Valley Wine Train is a dining experience not to be missed.

 

Discover more Napa Valley: Tours and Tickets and uncork a world of flavor.

 

How to plan your Napa Valley Wine Train experience?

If you are planning to visit the Napa Valley Wine Train, you should keep a few things in mind. First, book your tickets well in advance, especially if traveling during the peak season (from May to October). Tickets can sell out fast, so don’t wait until the last minute.

 

You should also consider the type of tour or package you want to book. The Classic Tour is the most popular option, offering a great balance of food, wine, and scenery. However, if you want to splurge, the Legacy Tour or the Gourmet Express Tours are great options that offer more exclusive experiences. Finally, make sure to check the dress code for the train. The Napa Valley Wine Train is formal, so guests are expected to dress appropriately.

Best time to do the Napa Valley Wine Train

 

If you plan to take a trip on the Napa Valley Wine Train, you may be wondering when the best time to go is. The good news is that you can experience the train’s scenic journey at any season of the year. However, certain times offer a more picturesque view and an unforgettable experience.

 

The train runs throughout the year, but the best times to visit Napa Valley are fall and spring. The fall season, from September to November, is when the grape harvest is at its peak. This time of year is especially scenic, with colorful vineyards and crisp autumn air. You can witness the harvesting process as you ride the train, making it an unforgettable experience. From March to May, Napa Valley is in full bloom in the springtime. The valley is covered in vibrant greens and wildflowers that create a picturesque landscape. You will be mesmerized by the area’s natural beauty as you travel along the train’s route.

 

While the winter season is also an option, it is important to remember that the days are shorter, and it gets dark earlier. This means you may not be able to see as many of the scenic views on an afternoon train. If you plan to visit Napa Valley, the best time is during the off-peak season. You can avoid crowds during the peak tourist season from August to October and March to May. You can enjoy the valley’s attractions during this time without the high prices and long lines.

 

In conclusion, Napa Valley Wine Train is an experience you don’t want to miss. While you can ride the train at any time of the year, the fall and spring seasons offer the best views of the valley’s natural beauty. Consider visiting during the off-peak season for a more enjoyable and affordable trip.

Conclusion

The Napa Valley Wine Train is one of California’s most popular tourist attractions, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It has been featured in numerous movies, television shows, and travel magazines, and it remains a symbol of the region\’s wine and hospitality.

 

The Napa Valley Wine Train is a one-of-a-kind wine experience that offers guests the opportunity to indulge in a gourmet multi-course meal, an extensive wine menu, and breathtaking views of the Napa Valley landscape. This rolling restaurant runs lunch and dinner services throughout the week, with special holiday options, making it a perfect destination for wine and food lovers.

 

While all rides include a meal, some tours also include stops at local wineries, allowing guests to sample some of the finest wines from the region. The half-day tours stop at one winery, while the full-day tours stop at one to three wineries, depending on the chosen option. These tours last three to six hours, and some, but not all, include one complimentary glass of wine. Guests can also purchase a glass or two of wine from the train’s menu, which features over 40 local options.

 

The Napa Valley Wine Train’s popularity will continue to grow, with operators always seeking new ways to improve the guest experience. They continuously add new tours, packages, and amenities that cater to different tastes and preferences. As Napa Valley evolves and grows, the Napa Valley Wine Train will remain a beloved landmark and a testament to the region’s unique culture, history, and hospitality. It’s an experience not to be missed and a must-do for anyone visiting Napa Valley. Climb aboard and let the Napa Valley Wine Train take you on a journey you’ll never forget!