Website: http://winetrain.com/

The wine train was my very first experience in Napa Valley. For first timers this is a nice way to get a view of the vineyards and wineries along Highway 29 without having to deal with traffic. The train station where the trip begins is in downtown Napa. The entire train ride is 3 ½ hours from the town of Napa to St. Helena and back.

There are different tours to choose from when purchasing tickets. A standard ticket includes a train ride without getting off. For an additional fee, there are tours that allow passengers to make a stop at one of the wineries along the way and the train will pick them up on its way back. The train runs at a couple of times during the day and offers a lunch menu. On Saturdays there is also the option of taking the dinner train, which is a nice way to wrap up the day after the wineries have closed and watch the sun go down (their website lists sunset times depending on the time of year).

There were a couple things to do at the station while waiting to get on the train. There is a gift shop for souvenirs and a wine shop that focuses on boutique wineries and smaller production wines. My friend Denise and I sat in on a quick seminar on how to taste wine which is complimentary to ticket holders.

Seating on the train is on a first-come, first-served basis. There are enclosed cars with windows for passengers to look through. My friend Denise and I selected an open air car so that we could enjoy the fresh air and take pictures as we passed through the valley. There is also a dining car and tasting bar on board for passengers who would like to get some food or wine during the journey. Denise and I decided to do our first Napa wine tasting on the train. I learned quickly that swirling wine on a moving train can be tricky after spilling wine on Denise’s shoes.

I enjoyed the train experience because it was nice to get a chance to sit back and get a view of the valley for the first time.  I now have bragging rights to say I’ve been on the train.  It is definitely a “touristy” attraction.  However, unless you want to participate in one of the special events with a loved one or friends, I would recommend skipping the train and taking a leisurely drive through the valley instead.  The Silverado Trail is generally much less busy and provides nice views if there is too much traffic on Highway 29.