Endless rows of meticulously linear vineyards stretch across the flat, vivid green grass as the train rolls through Napa. I’m sitting on a plush, crimson velvet banquette, sipping a crisp glass of Champagne paired with indulgent ricotta gnocchi. It’s clear that this isn’t a typical commuter train.
The Napa Valley Wine Train transforms how you experience wine country from the moment the jolly, uniformed conductor greets you on the sun-drenched platform. Whether you’re a seasoned Napa visitor or a novice, its variety of on-board luxury experiences regale you with endless vineyard views, decadent dishes, standout service, and, of course, world-class wines.
On my first day, we set out on the brand’s signature tour, the Legacy Experience. If you have only one day to visit Napa Valley or just want to bask in a well-oiled (pun intended) ride through the vineyards, where everything is taken care of and you can sit back and have fun, I recommend this choice. As we pull out of the station, the six-hour excursion starts with an eggs Benedict breakfast in our cozy etched-glass nook with its picture window. Then we’re off to the open-air car for an interactive wine tasting overlooking the iconic Napa Valley welcome sign.
Lunch is served once the train starts down the tracks again. As the rolling verdant hills sail past us, we decide to share entrées at our table; my favorites are the juicy beef tenderloin and dreamy mushroom risotto. With filled bellies, we step onto the legendary Charles Krug winery, hailed as California’s oldest continuously running winery. We enjoy a relaxing (and digestive) stroll through the vineyards as our sage guide shares Krug’s history with us before we head upstairs to the tasting room for a tasting of its 2023 limited release rosé, 2022 limited release cabernet sauvignon, and 2019 Family Reserve Bordeaux blend.
Back on the train, we’re greeted with a creamy local brie that I slather on the crispy toast as we head to V. Sattui. At the Italian villa, we taste four wines in its impressive barrel room, which includes the 2022 Los Carneros chardonnay, 2022 Ramazzoti zinfandel, 2021 Vittorio’s Vineyard cabernet sauvignon and the honeyed 50th anniversary madeira. There’s a final surprise back on the train, and it’s not just dessert. I won’t give too much away, but after a day of tony tastings, you’ll be ready to let loose and have fun. It was certainly a memorable way to end the day.
While the Napa Valley railroad dates back to 1864, the hospitality brand we know today began in the early 1980s. It has undergone a few iterations, but today the 36-mile route takes passengers from downtown Napa to St. Helena. The elegant, fully restored vintage 1915 Pullman lounge cars transport you to the quintessential golden age of train travel with their dark mahogany paneling, brass detailing and multi-course meals. Additionally, the train offers a smoother, quieter ride since debuting its near-zero emission locomotive engine.
We reveled in another popular trip on our second day: the Vista Dome lunch. This shorter three-hour journey is perfect for those who can’t commit to a full day. Other options for brief excursions include Tasting on the Trails, Afternoon Tea, Gourmet Express Lunch or Dinner, and the mystifying Murder Mystery Dinner. Upstairs in the glass-dome observation car, the vineyards stretch out as I sip Champagne. The four-course menu, featuring dishes to satisfy any palate, is created by chef Rodrigo Cuadra. He and his team methodically work in a cramped kitchen car that guests can visit in between courses. It’s a glimpse behind the scenes that allows me to appreciate and enjoy each dish even more.
The brand offers passengers 14 experiences at various price points and several seasonal trips, including the Secret Garden Afternoon Tea with wine partner CHANDON (March to October), its grape stomp at Grgich Hills (September and October), the holiday-inspired Peppermint Tea (November and December), and the family-friendly Santa Train Jolly Journeys (December).
We stayed at the River Terrace Inn, just steps away from the station, making our transfer from the bedroom to the train cart effortless. Try the avocado toast breakfast and thank me later. For those planning to extend their Napa Valley trip, other wineries to check out include the stunning mountaintop 370-acre Oakville Ranch, the renowned Chateau Montelena and the family-owned Rombauer Vineyards. Each of these will round out your wine country trip in its own unique style.
For more information about the Napa Valley Wine Train, visit winetrain.com
