The Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train is one of the most unique and delicious Napa Valley restaurants housed in an antique train that runs on 25-miles of track in the heart of the Napa Valley, California. (all photos will enlarge when clicked on once and then again when they reopen on a new page)

The train has two engines, three kitchens on board, and a collection of early 20th century rail cars that are pure Americana. It offers guests great regional food and fabulous wines.

The Wine Train depot is located at 1275 McKinstry Street, in Napa, California. There are various dining packages available for lunch or dinner and special events. My husband and I chose the gourmet lunch that included a stop to visit the Grgich Hills Estate Winery.

We were seated in a refurbished 1915-1917 Pullman Car.

Our menu

Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald prepares the meals in a specially fabricated kitchen car located immediately adjacent to the dining area.

We had a salad as an appetizer and I chose the salmon entree special.....

....while my husband the roasted tenderloin.

As you can see by our clean plates, both entrees were delicious!

As we dined we enjoyed the beautiful views of Napa Valley passing by outside the moving train.

We past many beautiful vineyards.

We arrived at Grgich Hills Estate Winery where we depart the train for a one hour tour and wine tasting that was included in our special Wine Train lunch.

Grgich Hills Estate is a family owned winery. Founded in 1977 by Miljenko “Mike” Grgich in partnership with Austin Hills and his sister, Mary Lee Strebl, from the Hills Bros. Coffee family.

Grgich is now 87 years old, and still sports his signature blue beret.  He was inducted into the Vinter Hall of Fame in March 2008 in honor of his many contributions to the wine industry.  Grgich Hills owns all of its own vineyards, all of which are certified organic and Biodynamic.

Time to reboard the train for the return trip.

We were now seated in comfortable swivel lounge chairs .......

...that looked out of large picture windows.

As we enjoyed coffee and desserts...

There is a wine tasting bar on the train, and they allow guests to stroll through the cars to watch the meals being prepared, but we preferred to relax and talk and enjoy the views. You can watch a short video about the Wine Train gourmet lunch experience at this link.

It was a wonderful and memorable experience. If you have the opportunity to spend a few hours riding the Wine Train when you visit Napa Valley I'd highly recommend it!



I'm linking up with Susan's blog  A Southern Daydreamer for "Outdoor Wednesday." and Cathy's blog A Bit of the Blarney for "Adventure Tour." Please visit their blogs and join in all the fun!