Located in Northern California about 50 miles northeast of San Francisco, the Napa Valley is one of the top wine growing regions in the world and one of the most visited places in California. You can enjoy wine tastings (more than 400 wineries to explore), luxury spa, the best resorts/hotels, top-rated restaurants, hot air balloon rides, and exquisite experiences with the Wine Train. The Wine Train is now celebrating 30 years of service and that’s what this post is all about.
Originally a rail line built in 1864 to take visitors north to the resort town of Calistoga, the Wine Train is a three-hour journey from Downtown Napa to St. Helena and back. The Wine Train departs at the McKinstry Street Station and offers lunch, dinner, half-day wineries tours, full-day wineries tours (yes, the Wine Train stops at famous wineries) and children are welcome, too!
You can easily find all the options here on their website.
It is a gorgeous journey with spectacular scenic views of the beautiful wine country. You will pass some of the most luxurious and famous farm real estate in the country, and you’ll ride through the charming towns of Napa, Oak Knoll, Yountville, Oakville, and Rutherford.
I am excited to share some of the Vista Dome Experience that we enjoyed recently. Reservations are highly recommended during the busy season from May through December.
We went for the dinner option, which includes a 3-hour train journey that departs at 6:30 p.m. with a welcome glass of sparkling wine and a multiple course gourmet meal. You have lots of choices to make!
Executive Chef Donald Young offers an exquisite menu created specifically for this culinary journey. You will dine in the luxury upstairs area at the Vista Dome, which in my opinion is the best and the most private gourmet dining experience available.
This incredible view is from inside the train that you can see during the Spring and Summer time (my favorite seasons). You can expect warm California weather, gorgeous Napa Valley vineyards, golden sunlight, and an opportunity to see some legendary Napa sunsets. In the Fall and Winter, the Wine Train departs after sunset, which means you will experience the romance and adventure of an antique train traveling through the dark Napa Valley night. The best time to visit depends on your preferences.
Yellowfin Tuna Tartare
Pan-Seared Pacific Halibut as my Main Course Choice
Cabernet Braised Short Rib of Beef, my husband’s choice
After multiple delicious courses and lots of wine from the region (which are available to purchase, but are not provided with your meal), we saved room for dessert, which did not disappoint. OMG, this was the best experience ever!! 🙂
Blueberry Lavender Semifreddo, Key Lime Pie