IdentifyLA : The Latest in Entertainment

View Original

Wine and Dine Aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train

Imagine being transported through time, surrounded by sheer luxury, savoring fine wine, and experiencing culinary excellence. That is precisely what you receive on the Napa Valley Wine Train. If you’re looking to elevate your next journey to wine country - I suggest booking the Napa Valley Wine Train – your palette and your taste buds will thank you. After all, this is your ticket to wine and dine in style!

Photo Courtesy of: Napa Valley Wine Train

The journey begins the moment you step into the building, where anticipation fills the air. In the "train station," guests can dive into the rich history of the Napa Valley Wine Train or browse through exclusive merchandise and trinkets to commemorate the experience before boarding. Once you settle in, the adventure continues with a warm welcome and a sparkling toast as we countdown to a delightful escape back in time to a simpler, more enchanting era on the rails.

Photo Courtesy of: Napa Valley Wine Train

“Unless you have ridden the Wine Train before, one really has no expectations on the experience we create for our guests onboard the train. I'd have to say that after 33 years in hospitality and travel, this is my favorite part of the Napa Valley Wine Train,” Nathan Davis, Napa Valley Wine Train General Manager shares  exclusively with IdentifyLA. “When we are not burdened with expectations, life can offer moments that we can remember forever as it is a new and fresh experience that allows us to rekindle childlike wonder. Trains have always had that allure for people, and then we load our incredible food, service, train finishes, and views layered with some great story telling and knowledge about our special place we call home, and we take people for a ride they will not forget.”

Photo Courtesy of: Napa Valley Wine Train

Experience the charm of the Napa Valley Wine Train, which boasts nine beautifully designed cars, each offering a memorable journey. Indulge in the Gourmet Express Lunch, where a delicious three-course meal is served amidst stunning views during a delightful three-hour train ride. For a truly immersive experience, choose the Grgich Hills option, featuring a multi-course meal followed by an hour of seated wine tasting at the renowned Grgich Hills Estate. Or, elevate your adventure with the Vista Dome experience, where you can enjoy elevated seating that provides breathtaking views of the picturesque vineyards. Whichever option you’re splurging for each will provide undeniable views, and cushioned seats as you pass through a few renowned vineyards such as Robert Mondavi, Charles Krug, Grgich Hills, and more as you approach St-Helena before turning around to head back to Napa Valley. 

“Taking a tour of the many different cars is something I always encourage! Timing on when to do this is best guided by your onboard server and at times they jump in and lead tours to explain the different activations in each car,” Davis shares. “On the Main Train that features the majority of our experiences there is the 481 power car with open air windows making for great photos and the wind in your hair experience!”

The Napa Valley Wine Train is essential to an elevated Napa experience. As such, it comes as no surprise that they’re leading the way with going green - and adding “sustainability” to their list of accomplishments. The first clean locomotive aptly named, “1864” an homage to the rail line’s founding year,  features an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier-4-compliant engine that was made in the United States. This is a step to refurbish the entire locomotive fleet in order to reach new environmental targets.

The view from inside the Vista Dome

“The 1864 is operating as of Nov 3rd, 2023 on our Main Train. It is an MTU (Rolls-Royce) engine at 1,560bhp and while powered on diesel, is super clean due to the efficiency built into the technology,” Davis revealed. “We are working on our project to purchase 3-new locomotives now to update our entire fleet and embrace a sustainable future for our railroad activities.” 

Adventure out to the front of the train for a neat view. Hear the train tracks and the conductor horn from up close. It’s gotta be one of the best spots on the train.

The choice for sustainability is a huge step that the brand is committed to, not only for the company itself but for the riders, the community, and the broader industry as a whole.“Napa is a world-wide travel destination and being the luxury mode of transport now for 160 years through the valley since 1864, we would like to ensure we have another 160 years,” Davis shared. “Going green not only helps us ensure our guests are feeling good about riding with us but it sure feels good as a team living and working in this beautiful valley to know we are keeping this place clean for our community.”

The momentum continues! The Napa Valley Wine Train is thrilled to announce the addition of three new locomotives at the beginning of 2026, once they are built and delivered. Don't miss the opportunity to create unforgettable memories aboard this enchanting train while enjoying a great experience (and feel good about doing so)!

Photo Courtesy of: Napa Valley Wine Train