I’ve always wanted to ride the Wine Train. After all, who can resist the allure of traveling through vineyards (and time) on lovingly restored vintage Pullman rail cars. Add to that a gourmet food and wine experience, and your day is set for memory making.
The large train station on McKinstry Street in downtown Napa is appointed with comfortable seating, selfie stations, a wine and coffee bar and a well-appointed gift shop. Yes, this is a tourist-heavy experience, but every Wine Country resident owes it to themself to ride the rails at least once.
As we board, a commemorative photo is taken (available for purchase at day’s end). On board, our private dining space is a luxurious nook with dark wood paneling, brass accents and etched glass partitions that evoke the spirit of luxury rail travel. Waiting for us is a glass of JP Chenet sparkling wine.
The lunch menu (included in the ticket price) features choices of two appetizers, seven entrees and three desserts to mix and match. A full bar offers cocktails and an extensive wine menu offers tasting flights, by-the-glass and full-bottle choices (beverages are charged separate from the meal and a gratuity is expected).
Art and vines
Leaving the station, we roll slowly through the city of Napa, passing through the two-mile Rail Arts District (RAD), which features murals, environmental arts and landscaping created by local and international artists. RAD offers creators large-scale blank canvases to revitalize and beautify Downtown Napa’s Crosstown Commuter Path.
Leaving the city limits, come the vineyards. Trefethen, Domaine Chandon, Cosentino, Opus One, Robert Mondavi and more roll by, speaking to the richness of the valley’s wine heritage. We chug along at a leisurely pace, enjoying our meal and reflecting on the agricultural bounty on display.
A concierge announces sites with historic significance as we pass by, including the Yountville Veterans Home and Oakville Grocery. We stop briefly to drop off a tasting party at Grgich Hills Estate for a tour; we pick them up on the way back.
Green travel
We reach the apex of our journey in St. Helena, at which point the locomotive engine detaches from the train’s north end, travels to the south end on an adjacent rail, reattaches and begins the trip back to Napa. This is our first chance to view the Wine Train’s first clean energy locomotive.
Dubbed the “1864” in honor of the rail line’s founding year, it’s EPA Tier 4-compliant engine made in Kentucky. Says Nathan Davis, general manager of the Napa Valley Wine Train: “While we eagerly embrace clean, cutting-edge technology, we celebrate and remain committed to the historic nature of our Pullman passenger cars as a window into the past.”
As we wait for the turnaround, we have about 20 minutes to explore the train. Observation cars have cushy, swiveling chairs lining the window. Passing between cars brings the real sense of time travel. A private, domed dining car offers the ultimate luxury.
Fancy tastings in Napa are always fun. The train’s inherent charm—and the beauty of the landscape—elevate the ride to bucket list status.
Did You Know?
In addition to the Grgich Hills Estate Package, other Wine Train experiences include tasting menus, extended day and evening trips, an occasional murder mystery game and seasonal jolly journeys with a certain gent in a red suit.
Napa Valley Wine Train
800-427-4124
1275 McKinstry St.,
Napa, CA 94559
Winetrain.com
