Napa Valley Wine Train

Are you looking for a leisurely way to spend a few hours while in Napa Valley? I can think of no better idea than to hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train.

Pleasant surroundings

A few years ago, my friend and I boarded the train in Napa for a three-hour round trip tour.  It was like stepping back in time.  The cars are restored Pullmans which date back to the early 20th century.  I felt underdressed in tourist clothes, even if my jeans were black.  The paneling is mahogany, the upholstery like velvet.  I’m sure it isn’t velvet; it wouldn’t wear well.  Still, one feels pampered.

Excellent dining on the wine train

One of the big attractions of the train is its food.  We stopped in the dining car first for lunch.  As with the rest of the train, lunch was an elegant experience.

Yes, that’s linen on the tables.  Of course, the wine is from Napa!

Vineyards!

Once the train pulls out of Napa, the scenery becomes vineyards, miles and miles of vineyards.  The train travels only eighteen miles north, but even in that short distance, there are a lot of vineyards!   According to Google, there are 400 wineries in Napa Valley.  I’m sure we only saw a fraction of that number.

Wine train tips and afterthoughts

I took the short tour; next time, I would opt for something longer.  The basic round-trip tour was just that–up and back.  We never left the train.  After lunch, we moved to the Pullman to wait for coffee and dessert.  While waiting, we could chat with fellow passengers.

Of course, we saw several vineyards.  At one point the train stopped completely; I can’t remember why.  I did find something else to photograph.

I suspect this truck is always parked here.

In Napa, wine is the big attraction.  Next time, I’ll take a tour that includes a visit to a vineyard.  Wine tasting is always fun!  The Napa Valley Wine Train has several different tours. There are lunch or dinner options.  One can spend time riding the train and visiting a winery.  There a hotel and train combinations.  The choice is yours.  Next time, I’ll review my options!

To see more images from my Napa Valley Wine Train journey, please click here.