Choo Choo! The Napa Valley Wine Train is back riding the rails up and down the Napa Valley! After more than a year closed, we are SO excited to have this icon welcoming visitors again. The only way to truly celebrate the return of the Napa Valley Wine Train is to ride it yourself! On a warm summer Wine Country day, my two friends and I joined the Wine Train for the Legacy Tour. The Legacy Tour is an all-day experience where you travel from Napa to St. Helena and enjoy a four-course lunch and stops at some of Napa Valley’s most famous wineries.

Breakfast Wine Train
Jess Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train depot is located in Downtown Napa, next to the Oxbow District. To start our wine country adventure, we are greeted with a nice crisp glass of bubbles. The Wine Train first travels through the Rail Art District in Downtown Napa. Looking out the windows, you can see a variety of fun murals go by as we head north to St. Helena. It is also time for our first course! Our first course consists of the perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg, candied bacon, and a blueberry pastry. The perfect start to our day of wine tasting!

The first stop is at the Napa Valley Welcome Sign between Yountville and Oakville. I have lived in Napa my whole life and have never taken my photo in front of the Napa Valley sign. After taking a picture in front of the world-famous sign, it is time to taste some wine! Raymond Vineyards produces unique wines JUST for the Napa Valley Wine Train! The chardonnay was nice and crip (especially on a warm day), and the Cabernet Sauvignon was excellent and smooth. Right before the conductor asked everyone to re-board the train and a very special surprise happened! A couple on the train got engaged right in front of the sign! It was the perfect magical Napa Valley moment.

Napa Sign
Salmon Wine Train

Once the train starts moving through vineyards heading north, it is time for our main course! I enjoyed a perfectly cooked piece of salmon served over couscous, and my friends enjoyed a delicious steak. The main course is the perfect base layer for all the wine we are about to drink!

Our next stop, and first winery, is Charles Krug Winery. Charles Krug is the oldest winery in Napa Valley. Founded in the 1870s by Charles Krug, the winery is still family-run today. The first wine we get to try is their Sauvignon Blanc, and it sooooo good! Light with notes of pineapple and lemon, it is the perfect Napa Sauvignon Blanc. Next, we head into the barrel room to learn more of the history and taste more wines! Our next wine is Generations, a blend-style wine that melts in your mouth. The last taste is an excellent old fashion Napa Cabernet. Charles Krug has been making wine for over 100 years, and it shows in the quality of their wine.

Charles Krug Wine Train
Noel and Whitney

Now it’s time to head back down the valley and for my favorite course of the meal, CHEESE! I am a big cheese lover (with or without wine), and the cheese course is a highlight of the meal. We are served a melt in your mouth whipped cheese with a honey drizzle. It is to drool over! 

The last stop of the day is at visitor favorite V. Sattui. V. Sattui is known for its approachable wines and impressive deli. They are one of the few wineries in Napa Valley you can picnic at. We get to taste our wines in the comfort of the cellar surrounded by tanks full of their famous Madera. We enjoy four wines in the cellars, starting with a Rosé and finishing with the Madera. V. Sattui’s Madera is made with a 125-year-old “mother,” making it one of the most unique wines in the Napa Valley. After the tasting, we head to the market and deli area to take in the over 200 cheeses and homemade deli items.

V. Sattui Wine Train
Wine Train Cheese

Once back on the train, it is time to head back to the station, but not before dessert. I enjoyed the chocolate raspberry cake, and it is the perfect end to the perfect day! Whether you have been to the Napa Valley 100 times or this is your first time, the Napa Valley Wine Train is an excellent way to see the whole valley without worrying about planning! Visit their website today to see all of the fun upcoming tours and experiences they are offering. 

Choo Choo!