The Valley is home to five distinct communities that all have their own unique personalities where great wines, wonderful cuisine and fun shopping experiences await.
It’s been over 35 legendary years since the Napa Valley Wine Train took its inaugural trip on a rail line that runs through the heart of the Valley. Revitalized by Vince DeDomenico, the founder of Rice-A-Roni, the train utilizes beautifully restored antique rail cars from the golden age of luxury travel,
Full steam ahead
Embarking several times daily, the Wine Train’s travels a storied 36-mile passenger line route that was central to the agricultural development and economic well-being of the region. It travels from downtown Napa through Yountville, Oakville and Rutherford to the end of the line in the picturesque town of St. Helena. Along the way there’s plenty of time to learn more about the venerable collection of wineries and vineyards.
On the rails
Today, the train offers 14 curated experiences activated 2 different trains, year-round through California wine country. On board, expertly curated and paired multi-course wine country inspired dishes are made-to-order by Executive Chef Rodrigo and this team. The Main Train features all of the 13 experiences in their own respective train cars where guests share either the 3-hour lunch or 2.5 hour dinner schedule. And, a smaller train features a 6-hour Legacy Experience, where adventuring passengers start the journey as strangers and return to the station best friends.
Ours is a romantic three-hour train journeys that has us climbing aboard the classic Pullman Rail Cars decked out in plush fabrics and mahogany wood panelling. Greeted by our conductor with a glass of Napa Valley sparkling wine that sets the tone for a relaxed celebratory journey, we’re offered a brief train tour and a chance to pop into the train’s kitchen car to see how the culinary magic occurs – even when the train is moving.
In addition to year-round offerings, the Wine Train hosts several seasonal events each year, from murder-mystery dinners to harvest-time grape stomps to holiday-themed family trips with Santa Claus and afternoon teas in a vista dome car.
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Wine down
There’s also the option of venturing into the regions vine-covered hillsides and valleys that are home to hundreds of producers, from world-famous brands to under-the-radar discoveries. Though Cabernet Sauvignon is Napa’s signature wine, the region grows more than 40 different grape varieties. If you’re having trouble deciding where to go book a guided Napa adventure by car, bike, trolley, kayak or hot air balloon.
