Napa Valley Wine Train · Downtown Napa
A three-course lunch or dinner served in restored vintage rail cars on the 36-mile run from downtown Napa to St. Helena and back. Book it as a long, pretty meal with the valley sliding past the window: the Gourmet Express makes no winery stop.
The Wine Train leaves McKinstry Street Station at 1275 McKinstry Street, near Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa, and runs past Yountville, Oakville and Rutherford to St. Helena and back, per the Wine Train's own FAQ. The rail line dates from 1864, and gourmet dining service began in 1989. The Gourmet Express Lunch is a three-hour journey with a three-course meal.
Here's the part people miss: this experience has no winery stop. The train's FAQ says only select packages, Legacy and the Grgich Hills Estate tasting, stop at wineries. On the Gourmet Express you get a glass of welcome sparkling wine, the meal, coffee or tea, and the view. Other wine is bought on board. If tasting rooms are the point of your day, a valley tour such as the wine trolley fits better.
As a meal it works. Guests talk about the service and the old cars, and one family took children aged 6 and 8. The train's FAQ says children are usually welcome but some journeys carry age limits, so check your date. The listing says it isn't suitable for people with mobility impairments; ask about wheelchairs before booking. Free cancellation runs out 2 days before, not 24 hours.
Your seating is announced about 30 minutes before departure, by section.
A glass of sparkling wine as the train pulls out of downtown Napa.
Courses arrive as the train passes Yountville, Oakville and Rutherford.
Dessert and coffee or tea on the run south, then you step off where you boarded.
Excellent service, wonderful experience, a very memorable afternoon. Loved our experience.
What a fun experience! It's not often you are able to experience a trip on an antique train
Even a good time for non-drinkers. Took our 2 kids (6 and 8) and they had a great time.
Friendly staff was knowledgeable and well organized.
Read next:
No. The train's FAQ lists winery stops only on select experiences such as Legacy and the Grgich Hills tasting. The Gourmet Express is a meal on board.
A welcome glass of sparkling wine is. Other alcoholic drinks are bought on board.
McKinstry Street Station, 1275 McKinstry Street, Napa, near Oxbow Public Market. It returns to the same station.
Free cancellation up to 2 days before the departure, per the listing.
Ready to book
A three-course lunch or dinner on restored vintage rail cars, 36 miles up the valley and back.
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