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The Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train began as the Napa Valley Railroad Company in 1864, founded by San Franciscan Sam Brannan. Southern Pacific Railroad purchased the company in 1885, and it continued operating for 102 years, until it became the Napa Valley Wine Train in 1987.

The Wine Train typically offers a three hour, 36 mile excursion through the United States' premiere wine growing region, leaving from historic Napa and traveling to St. Helena and back.

But wine is not the only attraction on these trips, as the food is definitely four star quality. The chef uses local ingredients to create his continental menus, and travelers can view the preparation through observation windows in the kitchen car. In addition to the kitchen car, the train includes the Vista Dome, a glass topped car, with beautiful, high-backed velvet chairs and elevated seating so as to maximize the viewing. The other cars, restored 1915 vintage Pullman cars, include very comfortable lounge chairs and love seats, wood paneling and etched glass.

In general, the Napa Wine Train offers brunch, luncheon and dinner trips, as well as theme events, such as Murder Mystery dinners, Appellation Dinners, which feature wines from a specific regions, Vintner Luncheons, featuring a wide array of winemakers, and dinner combined with concert performances. In January and February 2002, for example, the Wine Train offers four Murder Mystery Dinners, seven Vintners Luncheons, two Appellation Dinners, two Concert Dinners, two Family Fun Nights and a St. Valentine's Day dinner. Every month of the year has a similarly full schedule of events.

In my opinion, the most spectacular event on the Wine Train's calendar is New Year's Eve. The excursion is four hours long, but, in addition, features a pre-boarding reception in the Napa Wine Train Depot, and dancing in the depot following the excursion.

The menu is incredible! Last year's menu included a first course of foie gras, a second course green salad, with pecans, cambozola cheese, and fennel, a harlequin sorbet, entrees of filet mignon and lobster tail, with roasted potatoes, a mixed grill of pork tenderloin, lamb and breast of chicken, with sweet corn parmesan risotto and a vegetarian option of napoleon of roasted red pepper with portabella mushroom and polenta. If possible, save room for dessert, which last year featured chocolate chartreuse mousse and creme brulee. Travelers are also offered a choice of wine, sparkling wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.

The New Years schedule begins with check-in between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m., and the depot reception, with wine and hors d'oeuvres from 5:15 to 6:30. Travelers board the train between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m., with the excursion and dining lasting from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. There are two seatings in the dining car, and one seating in the Vista Dome car. Following the return to the depot, there is dancing until 1:00 a.m.

Travelers can also take advantage of a "Don't Drink and Drive" courtesy shuttle, free for guests staying at the Embassy Suites Napa Valley, Napa Valley Marriott or Napa River Inn.

The New Year's Eve Dinner excursion is $200.00 per person, $210.00 per person for Vista Dome Car seating. For reservations, email reservations@winetrain.com or call toll free (800) 427-4124.