Reserve Now
Or call: 1-800-427-4124
%20427-4124%20winetrain.com "Pin It")
Past Vintners Lunches
Thanks to our Winery partners and our guests, we have had some phenomenal Vintners Lunches in the past. Here is a list of the most recent. Be sure to also check out our upcoming Vintners Lunches.
Vintner's Lunch
Judd's Hill
October 21st
"Having a good time making great wine with family" is Judd’s Hill’s motto! Beginning as garage winemakers, the Finkelstein family has been producing legendary wines in the Napa Valley since the 1970s, when they created Whitehall Lane Winery. Now, Judd Finkelstein and his wife Holly, continue to hand-craft ultra-premium wines in the same heartfelt and intimate style embraced by his parents over thirty years ago. Join Judd on board the Napa Valley Wine Train as he shares with you his expertise and unique insights to the Judd’s Hill Winemaking process. It will surely be a memorable afternoon filled with delicious wine from Judd's Hill, paired artfully with Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald’s superb cuisine, as you watch the fabulous vistas of the Napa Valley glide slowly by. http://www.juddshill.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $159
Vintner's Lunch
ZD Wines
October 7th
ZD Wines is a family owned and operated winery that has been around since 1969. They are dedicated to producing delicious wines in an environmentally fashion. They have been certified organic for over a decade, and are a solar powered winery. Join Winemaker Chris Pisani, CA Sales and Hospitality Jill deLeuze, and Administrative Director Julie DeLeuze on board the Napa Valley Wine Train as they share with you their expertise and unique insights to ZD’s winemaking process. It will surely be a memorable afternoon filled with delicious wine from ZD, paired artfully with Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald’s superb cuisine, as you watch the fabulous vistas of the Napa Valley glide slowly by. http://www.zdwines.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $159
Vintner's Lunch
Grgich Hills Estate
September 30th
Have lunch with Mike Grgich, one of the men responsible for putting Napa Valley wines on the map. This wine making legend was the winemaker behind the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, which won the famous 1976 Paris Tasting. After this monumental tasting, the world began to recognize that Napa Valley was producing delicious wines rivaling those of France. The Grgich Hills Vintners Lunch will give Wine Train guests the unique opportunity to talk with this historical wine maker, enjoy the fruits of his labor (literally), feast on a gourmet meal, and ride in a piece of true Americana. The afternoon’s menu will be designed to highlight the rich flavors of the Grgich Hills wines, with each course pairing to a different glass. It will surely be a memorable afternoon filled with delicious wine from Grgich Hills, paired artfully with Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald’s superb cuisine, as you watch the fabulous vistas of the Napa Valley glide slowly by. http://www.grgich.com
Book Now!
Per-person: $159
Vintner's Lunch
Raymond Vineyards
September 9th
Located in the very heart of the Napa Valley's wine growing region, but still off the beaten path, Raymond Vineyards has been a family operated winery for 35 years. Join Stephanie Putnam, Director of Winemaking, on board the Napa Valley Wine Train as she shares with you her expertise and unique insights to Raymond’s Winemaking process. It will surely be a memorable afternoon filled with delicious wine from Raymond Vineyards, paired artfully with Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald’s superb cuisine, as you watch the fabulous vistas of the Napa Valley glide slowly by. http://www.raymondvineyards.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $159
Vintner's Lunch
Markham Vineyards
August 12th
Markham Vineyards is the fourth oldest continuously operated winery in Napa County, so they have been well-known for creating delicious wines for generations. Join Markham Vineyards’ winemaker, Kimberlee Nicholls on board the Napa Valley Wine Train as she shares with you her expertise and unique insights to Markham Vineyards’ winemaking process. It will surely be a memorable afternoon filled with delicious wine from Markham Vineyards, paired artfully with Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald’s superb cuisine, as you watch the fabulous vistas of the Napa Valley glide slowly by. http://www.markhamvineyards.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $159
Vintner's Lunch
Benessere Vineyards
August 5th
Benessere Vineyards of St. Helena is a boutique family owned winery which produces small lots of Italian varieties, single-vineyard Zinfandels and proprietary red blends on gravelly terrace soils west of the Napa River. Join winemaker Jack Stuart from Benessere Vineyards on board the Napa Valley Wine Train as he shares with you his expertise and unique insights to Benessere Vineyards’ winemaking process. It will surely be a memorable afternoon filled with delicious wine from Benessere Vineyards, paired artfully with Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald’s superb cuisine, as you watch the fabulous vistas of the Napa Valley glide slowly by. http://www.benesserevineyards.com
Book Now!
Per-person: $159
Vintner's Lunch
Domaine Carneros
July 29th
Founded by the Taittinger family of Champagne Taittinger, Domaine Carneros is the quintessential California expression of French Champagne. Join Zak Miller on board the Napa Valley Wine Train as he shares with you his expertise and unique insights to Domaine Carneros’ winemaking process. It will surely be a memorable afternoon filled with delicious sparkling wine from Domaine Carneros, paired artfully with Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald’s superb cuisine, as you watch the fabulous vistas of the Napa Valley glide slowly by. http://www.domainecarneros.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $159
Vintner's Lunch
Dick Vermeil & His Wines
July 22nd
Join renowned Super Bowl winning NFL head coach Dick Vermeil on the Wine Train as he shares play-by-plays over a few glasses of his vineyard's wine and a delicious four-course meal. Vermeil Wines is the personal wine project of Dick Vermeil. Vermeil was raised in Napa Valley and his initial dive into the wine world is impressive because it goes against the rule-of-thumb that celebrities rarely achieve anything special in the world of wine. It will surely be a memorable afternoon filled with stories and delicious wine from Vermeil Wines, paired artfully with Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald’s superb cuisine, as you watch the fabulous vistas of the Napa Valley glide slowly by. http://www.vermeilwines.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $159
Vintner's Lunch
Artesa Vineyards & Winery
July 8th
Owned by the Raventos family of Spain, whose winemaking history dates to the mid-sixteenth century, Artesa Winery takes its name from the Catalan word for "handcrafted." Today, Artesa focuses on producing small, ultra-premium lots of the varietals for which the Carneros and the Napa Valley are best known - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Join Winemaker Mark Beringer from Artesa Vineyards and Winery on board the Napa Valley Wine Train as he shares with you his expertise and unique insights to Artesa’s winemaking process. It will surely be a memorable afternoon filled with delicious wine from Artesa, paired artfully with Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald’s superb cuisine, as you watch the fabulous vistas of the Napa Valley glide slowly by. http://www.artesawinery.com
Book Now!
Per-person: $159
Vintners Lunch
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
October 8th
After taking Hollywood by storm as one of America's most famous movie directors, Francis Ford Coppola built a wine dynasty in northern California as well. Spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying the beautiful vistas of the Napa Valley, while enjoying the delicious wines of Francis Ford Coppola Winery, paired with Wine Train Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald's sumptuous cuisine. Winery Ambassador Jack Marx and Wine Train Wine Director Ryan Graham will be on hand to guide you through these special wines and delicious pairings, as you take in the incredible views in our historic Vista Dome car. http://www.franciscoppolawinery.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Jericho Canyon Vineyards
October 1st
Jericho Canyon is a rugged area at the northeast end of the Napa Valley in the Mt. St. Helena foothills. It benefits from very hot summer days moderated by cool nights and chilly mornings. Jericho Canyon Vineyard is a small family-owned winery producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, and Sauvignon Blancs anywhere in Napa Valley. Meet owners Marla and Dale Bleecher, and enjoy several of their delicious wines, along with a sumptuous multi-course tasting menu paired by Wine Train Wine Director Ryan Graham and Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald. You will experience an afternoon of fun in our 1952 glass enclosed Vista Dome car on board The Napa Valley Wine Train as you enjoy the fabulous vistas of the Napa Valley glide slowly by. http://www.jerichocanyonvineyard.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Swanson Vineyards
September 24th
Swanson Vineyards is a family winery founded on a passion for evolving the existing standards of wine and food. In the 1950s, long before founding Swanson Vineyards, the Swanson family introduced the first lifestyle product, Swanson frozen dinners, which helped women get out of the kitchen and enjoy life. In 1985, at his 25th Stanford University reunion, W. Clarke Swanson, Jr. was inspired by a tip from a fraternity brother and successful vintner to purchase a parcel of vineyard land on the Oakville Cross Road in the heart of Napa Valley. Join Swanson's Winemaker Chris Phelps on board The Napa Valley Wine Train for a memorable afternoon of delicious wine, paired artfully with Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald's superb cuisine, as you enjoy the fabulous vistas of the Napa Valley glide slowly by. http://www.swansonvineyards.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Ramian Estate
September 17th
Winemaker Brian Graham crafts the collective story of his vineyards - one chapter at a time. Formally educated about eonology and wine-making at the University of Bordeaux, Brian also worked and was mentored at Chateau Roquefort. He went on to further his studies at the Wine and Spirits Educational Trust in London, after which time he worked for a boutique winery in Burgundy named Domaine Serrigny - Jean-Pierre & Fils in Savigny-Les-Beaune. These two experiences gave him the foundation for creating balanced, terroir-driven wines. Join Brian on board The Napa Valley Wine Train for a memorable afternoon of delicious wine, paired artfully with Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald's superb cuisine, as you enjoy the fabulous vistas of the Napa Valley glide slowly by. (See a video about two of the wines we will be enjoying) http://www.ramianestate.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Artesa Vineyards and Winery
August 20th
The "Jewel of Carneros" sparkles on board The Napa Valley Wine Train! Winemaker Mark Beringer showcases the fabulous wines from one of Napa's most exciting wineries. A fifth generation and award-winning winemaker from Napa Valley, Mark is proud to continue a family tradition of making high quality wines in California's premier AVAs. As the great, great grandson of Beringer Winery co-founder, Jacob Beringer, Mark has always aspired to make his contribution to California winemaking. He grew up immersed in the wine industry and knew from a very young age that winemaking was his calling. At Artesa, the belief is wine without food is, well, incomplete. Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald couldn't agree more and he hits the mark with his food pairing expertise. The result is a culinary experience that completes the flavorful Artesa Wines. http://www.artesawinery.com/index1.html
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Larkmead Vineyards
July 16th
Celebrate an integral part of Napa Valley's rich history since the late 19th Century with Larkmead'd own Daniel Petroski, Associate Winemaker, and General Manager Colin MacPhail. Larkmead was one of the four great Napa Valley wineries before prohibition and is proud to be embarking on its third century of creating 100% Estate grown, 100% Napa Valley wines. Superstar winemaker, Andy Smith, has taken Daniel under his wing and together they produce critically acclaimed Larkmead wines that consistently garner 90-plus points from Robert Parker. Join us for an afternoon filled with fascinating stories, and fantastic wines paired by Wine Train Wine Director Ryan Graham with a fabulous feast created by Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald. http://www.larkmead.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Etude Wines
July 9th
Etude specializes in two classic reds - Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon - while crafting limited amounts of other varietals as well. Founded on the philosophy that winemaking begins with superior grapes diminishes the need for intervention by the winemaker and "results in wine that is grown, not made". Etude is home growing exceptional heirloom wines that are paired beautifully by Wine Director Ryan Graham with a spectacular summer menu created by Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald. http://www.etudewines.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Vino D'Angelo
June 25th
Dan D'Angelo keeps his firefighting day job while moonlighting as a vintner. Talented winemaker and Zinfandel specialist Derek Irwin crafts wine for Vino D'Angelo from amazing vineyards and oversees the total operation. Together they have created critically acclaimed wines with just a couple of vintages under their belts. Become a Zin lover and savor the explosive culinary flavors offered by Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald. Dan will be onboard putting out any fires in your mouth with his delicious wines! http://www.vinodangelo.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Yorba Wines
June 18th
It's shakin' onboard with vine tender Ann Kraemer, developer of the awesome Shake Ridge Ranch vineyards in Amador County. A respected viticulturist, Ann and her family farm the grapes for their Yorba wines with passion, love and minimal interference possible. The Sierra Foothills provide the ideal growing conditions for the fabulous Zinfandel, Barbera, Tempranillo and Syrah produced by Yorba. Don't miss this exciting line-up of exceptional wines paired with an equally exciting menu created by Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald. http://www.yorbawines.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Judd's Hill
June 11th
Beginning as garage winemakers, pioneering vintners Art and Bunnie Finkelstein have been producing legendary wines in the Napa Valley since the 1970s, when they created Whitehall Lane Winery. Now, along with their son, Judd and his wife Holly, they continue to hand-craft ultra-premium wines with the same heartfelt and intimate style that has been their signature for more than 30 years. Join Judd, of Judd's Hill Winery on board the Napa Valley Wine Train for an afternoon of delicious food, wine and fun. We'll be sampling his Savignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Chef Kelly Macdonald's amazing cuisine. http://www.juddshill.com/juddshill/index.jsp
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Covenant Wines
May 21st
Ride with the prolific Jeff Morgan and learn from the best. In addition to teaching wine education at the Culinary Institute of America, Jeff is a winemaker, author, journalist and professional musician! Along with writing cookbooks, his 400-plus articles have appeared in The New York Times, Elle, Food and Wine, the Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. Is crafting the lush, full-bodied and silky Covenant Wines his greatest accomplishment yet? Find out onboard - join us for the ultimate food and wine experience. http://www.covenantwines.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $154
Vintners Lunch
Miss Olivia Brion Winery
May 14th
Come aboard for wine and whimsy! Meet the engaging David Mahaffey (winemaker and renaissance man) for fables, fun and fantastic wines. The premium grapes that produce Miss Olivia Brion Pinot Noir are farmed in the mountainous Wild Horse Valley, the coolest growing area in Napa Valley. David's artisan wines are featured in the finest restaurants in North America and each one is an intensive labor of love and passion. A wine and food adventure not to be missed! http://www.heronlakewinery.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Hill Family Estate
April 30th
Sample limited production sumptuous wines with Ryan Hill and Matt Walrath and encounter the passion of veteran vintner Doug Hill, the family patriarch. The shared vision of Doug and his family deliver wines produced from 11 estate vineyards totaling over 250 acres. The contrasting variety of delectable wines coming out of the Hill Family vineyards that stretch from the mountains and across the Napa Valley floor inspire the dream menu by Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald. http://www.hillfamilyestate.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Gargiulo Vineyards
April 23rd
Don't miss an opportunity to discover Napa Valley cult wine at its best! Handcrafting exceptional wines from two Oakville estate vineyards, lifetime farmer Jeff Gargiulo produces just 3,500 cases at his family winery. These limited boutique offerings are everything luxury Napa Valley wines should be. Expressive Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot along with distinctive Pinot Grigio and Rosato Di Sangiovese set the table for a gratifying afternoon of culinary extravagance. http://www.gargiulovineyards.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Waterstone Winery
April 16th
Taste it, believe it, love it - quality and affordability in the same bottle! A collaboration between winemaker Philip Zorn and Brent Shortridge, Waterstone Winery was founded in 2000 when the two men discovered a shared interest in creating delicious wines at great prices. The lush Waterstone wines are quickly becoming known for hitting all the right spots. Discover for yourself what wine critics and Executive Chef Kelly MacDonald are all raving about - well crafted food friendly wines priced to be enjoyed often. http://www.waterstonewines.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Monticello Vineyards
April 9th
Spend an engaging afternoon with local winemaker Chris Corley of Monticello Vineyards! 35-plus years after Jay Corley founded Monticello Vineyards, sons Kevin, Chris and Stephen now manage the winery. Chris delights us with rich family history and award winning, small production, exclusively Napa Valley wines. Enjoy some of the best food and wine Napa Valley has to offer with perfect pairings by Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald and Wine Train Wine Director Ryan Graham. http://www.corleyfamilynapavalley.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Elizabeth Spencer Wines
March 26th
A touch of romance onboard! Partners in wine and life, Elizabeth Pressler and Spencer Graham celebrate a thirty year passion with the birth of Elizabeth Spencer. Each of their voluptuous wines is representative of its appellation of origin. Fruit is sourced from a handful of dedicated growers and a dozen vineyard blocks from Napa Valley, Sonoma and Mendocino. Indulge your senses with luxurious Elizabeth Spencer wines paired with wonderful flavor combinations by Executive Chef Kelly MacDonald. http://www.elizabethspencerwines.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
ZD Wines
March 19th
Toast the dream of two former aerospace engineers, Norman deLeuze and Gino Zepponi, who left corporate life and launched ZD Wines in 1969. Honoring over forty years of producing world-class Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, ZD Wines attributes its success to family dedication and a hands-on approach. ZD Wines is proud to have been at the forefront of the sustainable wine movement dating back to the early 1980s. Share their passion of food and wine pairing with Brett deLeuze, Norman's son, and winemaker Chris Pisani. Executive Chef Kelly MacDonald creates a bountiful spring menu highlighting exquisite ZD wines. http://www.zdwines.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Markham Vineyards
March 12th
Ride and explore a glimpse of rich history in Napa Valley. The bygone Laurent Winery, founded in 1874, was brought back to life by Bruce Markham in 1978 and is now one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley. Over the years, Markham Vineyards has become one of the most advanced and stunning winemaking facilities in the country. Meet winemaker Kimberlee Nicholls and feast on Executive Chef Kelly MacDonald's best of early spring offerings paired with critically acclaimed Markham wines. http://www.markhamvineyards.com/
Book Now!
Per-person: $169
Vintners Lunch
Paradigm Winery
March 5th
Come aboard for a lively afternoon with Ren Harris, owner and manager of Paradigm Winery, producer of artisan estate bottled red wine. Ren and his wife, Marilyn, have been longtime advocates for the Oakville appellation, eco-friendly farming and environmental awareness. Enjoy the early springtime views of vineyards and flowering mustard from the Vista Dome Car. The sumptuous menu created by Executive Chef Kelly MacDonald perfectly pairs with the featured wines handcrafted by longtime renowned winemaker Heidi Peterson Barrett. http://www.paradigmwinery.com/
