The Napa Valley is world renowned for its scenic vineyards, rolling hills dotted with oak trees, and of course – the wine. When planning my California vacation, a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train was at the top of my list. This antique train carries passengers through Napa Valley while they enjoy gourmet meals expertly paired with local wines.
Our day started by boarding the train at the Napa station. As we stepped into the vintage carriages, the old-fashioned interior with crisp white table cloths immediately transported us back to the early 1900s. Crystal glasses twinkled under the lights and colorful floral arrangements centered each table. We settled into the polished wooden booths, eager for our journey through wine country to begin.
As we passed endless rows of grapevines, our server began pouring buttery Chardonnay into our glasses. I delighted in the fruity aroma before sipping the smooth golden wine. Our party tapped our glasses in a celebratory toast as we watched the sunset cast an amber glow over the valley. When our main course arrived, a lush Cabernet Sauvignon paired perfectly with the fork-tender pot roast and creamy mashed potatoes.
After a few hours, the train pulled into the station at St. Helena. We disembarked and headed to Restaurant Jeanty, a charming French bistro. I started with their legendary French onion soup, diving my spoon through the crispy cheese topping and into the rich onion and broth underneath. When eggnog martinis came out frothy with nutmeg, I couldn’t resist. The blend of vanilla vodka and eggnog was perfectly complemented by another round of crisp Chardonnay.
I lost myself in conversation over fabulous wine and food as laughter and new friendships filled our vintage train car on the ride home. By the last sip of chocolatey Petite Syrah, my soul was warmed. The Napa Valley Wine Train delivered one of my most memorable afternoons – an elegant escape into Northern California’s picturesque wine country.
Itinerary
8:00 am – Start off with breakfast in downtown Napa at a cafe like Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ. Fuel up on coffee, pastries, and Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon.
9:30 am – Head north on Highway 29 to Yountville. Stop at V Marketplace and do some wine tasting at places like North Block Wine Co. and Backroom Wines. Enjoy tasters along with artisan meats and cheeses.
11:30 am – Drive further north on 29 through Oakville and Rutherford. Admire vineyards along the way before arriving into St. Helena. Wander around downtown, popping into Dean & DeLuca to sample olive oils and vinegars.
12:30 pm – Have lunch outdoors at Farmstead restaurant located at Long Meadow Ranch. Graze on shared plates like fried chicken with hot honey and seared brussels sprouts with fish sauce vinaigrette. Sip local Sauvignon Blanc.
2:00 pm – Check into the cozy Wine Country Inn right in downtown St. Helena. Relax in your room or lounge in the garden with a glass of Zinfandel from their complimentary wine happy hour.
4:00 pm – Visit the historic Beringer Vineyards for a guided tour of the beautiful 1878 estate and caves. Taste through their renowned Cabernet Sauvignons.
6:30 pm – Have dinner at one of St. Helena’s top restaurants like Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen. Try the pan roasted petrale sole and don’t miss their famous warm pineapple upside down cake for dessert, made with Sauternes-caramel sauce and vanilla Chantilly cream.
9:00 pm – Wrap up your day with after dinner drinks at 1313 Main cocktail lounge, known for artisanal drinks and small bites. Sip bordeaux cocktails as you listen to live music.
