The Napa Valley Wine Train
By Liz Mitchell
Located in the heart of the Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Wine Train provides a unique and unforgettable experience for wine tourists. From the arrival at the train station, to the wine and gift shop experience, all the way to the thrilling ride in a classic Pullman car, is the perfect way to start or cap a visit to the region.
Napa Valley Wine Train on Its Route (Courtesy Liz Mitchell)
For this trip, I was lucky to be joined by In Flight USA and Vine Times editor, Annamarie Buonocore, a Bay Area native and a wine connoisseur. Our trip began at the station, where one is welcomed rather fittingly by an atmosphere reminiscent of an early 20th- century train station. For the price of admission ($254 per person, although prices vary based on dates and departure times) we received boarding passes to the wine train - a relic that harkens back to the original Napa Rail Line established in 1886 - and a beautiful souvenir pin. The price also includes a 3-hour, 36-mile round trip through the Napa Rail Line and the cost of a gourmet lunch. There are several experiences available for all price ranges and preferences. This one is perfect for a fun day trip.
The station is outfitted with lush settees that make for a comfortable wait for the next departure time. There is a wine bar and cafe on-site, both of which provide a limited selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and refreshments. During our visit, my companion and I noticed that the experience seems to be a great destination for groups. Several larger parties, including a spirited group of bachelorettes and a family celebrating their matron’s 86th birthday were in attendance.
Plaque shows wine train’s history (Courtesy Liz Mitchell)
Gift shops are the life-blood of any curated experience, and the one at the Wine Train station proved to be top-notch. Rather than providing an overabundance of choices, the shop is nicely stocked with exactly the sort of products that any tourist visiting the dreamy valley could hope to enjoy. From affordable wearables to perfectly designed wine picnic packs, it is bound to charm visitors.
Of course, the highlight of the Wine Train station is the wine shop. Visitors to the train are entitled to a discount on the uncorking fee if they shop the wonderful in-house selection. We decided on a 2022 St. Supéry Rosé, a vibrant and fruity sipping wine that proved an excellent choice for an uncommonly warm winter lunch.
Rosé aboard the wine train (Courtesy Liz Mitchell)
The train ride itself proved as magical as advertised. When boarding, one can observe a chain fence populated by thousands of “love locks” in the style of the bygone Ponts des Arts in Paris. The train itself, a completely refurbished original rail stock, harkens back to a different era. With comfortable and elegant Pullman cars, an observation deck and comfortable dining compartments, one would be forgiven for envisioning images of belle époque travel.
The lunch itself was a wonderful offering. For the price, the traveler is treated to a selection of one starter (soup or salad), an entree and a dessert. For this adventure, my friend selected the roasted beet salad, the gnocchi and the sorbet trio. I decided on the wonderful roasted tomato soup, the delectable vegetarian risotto and the chocolate cake. All of our meal components were perfectly timed and lived up to the gourmet moniker.
The trail takes a few minutes to roll from the outskirts of town into beautiful scenery of hills, valleys and wineries. Once it does, the view is enchanting and relaxing.
Image of the Wine Train’s Route (Courtesy Liz Mitchell)
All in all, this was an impressively organized and executed experience. Don’t forget to toast to unfurling valley as you take your first sip of complimentary Champaign.