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On Track

The Official Blog of the Napa Valley Wine Train

Welcome to "On Track", the official blog of the Napa Valley Wine Train.

September 11, 2011 -- Wine Train commemorates those lost who lost their lives on 9/11

September 12, 2011

By Kira Devitt, Napa Valley Wine Train Marketing

On Thursday September 8th 2011, I received an email informing me that at 10 AM on Sunday September 11, the Wine Train would be sounding the horns of all five of locomotives for one minute. This gesture would be to commemorate the lives that were lost on 9/11/2001. The email read:

A Day to Remember: Our first train rolled out...

September 6, 2011

The first train rolled out of the McKinstry Street station in Napa, CA on September 16, 1989; and we have been riding the rails ever since. We have served millions of guests on the train, and yet every day is a new adventure. This is a complex business in a very special place, and we take our role very seriously. We have to. The next 20 years are beckoning.

Our first train didn't exactly go as planned, as our CFO Anthony Giaccio remembers:

Lou Schuyler -- A True Railroad Man

September 6, 2011

by Kira Devitt, Napa Valley Wine Train Marketing

If you stop by the Wine Train station and see an older gentleman in a full engineer outfit waving and handing out candies with a huge smile on his face, that is Lou Schuyler. He has been around, cheering up adults and children alike since the inception of the Wine Train back in the 1980s, and we are lucky to claim him as one of our own.

The 2011 Wine Train Vintner’s Lunch Series

July 27, 2011

If you havent been aboard our Vintner's Lunch put it on your list! Each time a new winery, Chef Kelly pairs his meal perfectly with the featured Vintners Lunch.

Wine Train Chef Brings California Cuisine to Georgia

July 27, 2011

By Savannah Mattfield, Napa Valley Wine Train Marketing

Our very own Chef Kelly McDonald took a trip to Georgia to teach cooking classes and visited the local markets which take pride in their Organic ingredients. Read about his experience.

Eat, See, Learn: A Wine Tasting Class on the Wine Train

July 25, 2011

Mondavi's very own wine educator Richard Miami joins on the train two Mondays a month to teach a wine education class called Eat, See, Learn. Last class is August 29th so be sure to attend and meet fellow wine lovers.

Come to a Community Sing Along at the Wine Train Depot

July 25, 2011

It’s hard to find a place to be goofy and raise your voice which is also affordable, but the Napa Valley Wine Train’s sing alongs are exactly that. Each sing along night has different theme, like showtunes or 60’s night, and often has a special musical guest. We don’t let the featured musician do all the work though; instead guests are encouraged to sign up to lead the group for a song. But, if grabbing the spotlight isn’t your thing, jump in as a back up dancer or sit back in your seat and belt out from the crowd.

Napa's Only Evening Winery Tour

July 20, 2011

Napa’s Only Evening Winery Tour

From Anti-Wine Train to Dedicated Employee

March 4, 2011

by Kira Devitt, Napa Valley Wine Train Marketing

Carol moved to Napa when she was 12 years old. She went to school in the Valley with her sister, Barbara, and when the Wine Train started in the late 1980’s, Carol wanted nothing to do with it. In fact, she hated it. She hated the noise, she hated waiting as it crossed the street, she hated the entire idea of it, but most of all, she hated the Wine Train because everyone else did.

Lock in Your Love on the Love Train

January 31, 2011

A small, non-descript foot bridge in romantic Napa County will become the site of undying love this Valentine’s Day. Hopeless romantics and affectionistas of all types can symbolically – and physically -- lock their love forever and throw away the key on the platform of the Napa Valley Wine Train.

Local People, World Class Company.

January 13, 2011

Local People, World Class Company.

Everyone has a story, and the interesting and amazing employees of the Napa Valley Wine Train are no exception. Different types of people have come together to help keep this irreplaceable vintage train on the rails. We have quilters and community activists, budding art photographers and tender mothers; there are mechanics so good they can nail Jello to a wall, and call center agents with the patience of Job. They make coming to work a pleasure. They make the Wine Train a world-class operation.

Melodie’s Secret Gift Ideas

December 2, 2010

By ML Hilton, Director of Marketing and Public Relations

So, I was working on this great December story about looking forward to 2011 and looking back at our adventures in 2010. It was filled with heart-warming accounts of Wine Train employees, the trials of the economy, and interesting tidbits about Downtown Napa. I am three days late past deadline, and the computer crashes and ditches the whole thing. Gone. Delete. Zippo.

Before the First "All Aboard"

November 2, 2010

Many of us know the Napa Valley Wine Train. We know the gentle purr she makes as she passes our houses. We know her soft whistle as she crosses the street. Everyone knows about her, because she has been diligently traversing the valley for more than 20 years, but very few people actually know how she came to exist.

Napa's Secret Wine Shop

October 14, 2010

Hidden inside the Napa Valley Wine Train Station is one of Napa’s best kept secrets. Great prices and an amazing selection, the Napa Valley Wine Train Wine Store holds more than 500 current release wines with approximately 75 percent from local Napa Valley wineries. The Wine Store carries well known wines, but we really pride ourselves in the large selection of small boutique wines, many of which aren’t even distributed outside of Napa. It is not uncommon to go into the Napa Valley Wine Train’s Wine Store and see a Napa local perusing the different labels searching for that special bottle. And quite often, they find it.

The Small Kitchen Magician

August 10, 2010

Kira Devitt, Wine Train Marketing
If you were to meet Chef Kelly Macdonald on the street, with his charming smile and fiery personality, you’d immediately notice that he is not your adverage celebrity chef. As Executive Chef on the Wine Train, Macdonald has one of the most unique jobs in the Napa Valley. Not only does he create delectable gourmet meals, but he does it all in a vintage railcar traveling to and from St. Helena and Napa. Some might think that this job, in a small and moving kitchen, may be less than ideal for a chef exploring his talent. But Kelly Macdonald sees it as something completely different. Instead, he sees it as a challenge to make him a better chef.

A National Historic Treasure

June 28, 2010

By M.L. Hilton Director of Marketing Napa boasts many wonderful treasures, and people from around the world come to experience just a sample of what we get to live with every day. Some of these treasures immediately spring to mind when we are extolling the virtues of our community, others we don’t know as intimately. For almost 21 years now, we have watched the Wine Train peacefully trundle up and down the Valley. Frequently, the only time it came to mind was as the leviathan passed us by on the highway, or stopped us momentarily at a crossing. What you might not know is that the Wine Train has been an important contributor to the community, especially in the area of preservation.

A Gourmet Blend

May 18, 2010

My grandfather, Vincent DeDomenico, was an epicure — from Sunday morning brunches, to the glass of red wine at dinner. This would come as no surprise to you if you know that he was one of the Wine Train’s founders and the CEO for 18 years. But something that you may not have known is that he was also a connoisseur of coffee. My mother remembers that when she was a child, coffee always came from the inside of a can. At breakfast, when my grandparents would make the morning coffee, they would complain that the grounds would lose their flavor a couple of days after opening a new can. “Why does the coffee taste so good when we fi rst open the can, but after that, a new brewed pot is never the same?”

Is Drinking Wine Good for Your Sole?

April 6, 2010

Andrea Guzman, Promotions and Partnership Manager

Who knew that drinking wine could lead to a new pair of shoes! You're enjoying a sunny afternoon on the Wine Train and sharing a bottle of Chardonnay with an old friend. An hour or so later, a server walks by and whisks away your cork and empty bottle. After that, you don't think again about the fate of your Chardonnay bottle or of that of the old cork.

The Perfect Proposal

February 23, 2010

by Kira Devitt, Napa Valley Wine Train Marketing It is just a normal Napa Valley Wine Train dinner train heading North to St. Helena. Guests are relaxing and enjoying their wine and conversations now that the dinner plates have been cleared. But one guest in the Vista Dome, is extremely nervous. He fidgets, trying to keep his cool. He looks up at his beautiful girlfriend only briefly before gazing back out the window. Although he wants to savor this moment forever, he knows it is almost time.

The Color of Winter is Yellow

January 18, 2010

By ML Hilton, Director of Marketing and Public Relations If I asked you the color of winter, would you tell me grey? In your mind’s eye, would you see chiaroscuro of sky and barren earth? Heavy rains that fall in curtains washing color from the world around us? If I asked you the color of winter, would you tell me white? The white that comes from the void of other colors: Sleets, and ice, and fragile snowflakes that entomb the ground in a cocoon awaiting renewal?

Wine Train does a One-Eighty

January 13, 2010

By ML Hilton, Director of Marketing and Public Relations (January 13, 2010) Something historic happened today for the Napa Valley Wine Train. It was accomplished quietly with no fanfare, and it only took a couple of hours to complete. But, it marked a change from 20-years of business-as-usual. 20 years of doing things, quite literally, one way. We turned the train on its head. We made a U-turn in our direction. We flipped a, well you know, rhymes with witch.

What a Grand Party

January 4, 2010

Something new, something old; some new friends, and many old friends; dressed beautifully and flitting comfortably amongst velvet chairs and good wine flowing: NYE 2009 was truly a grand party.

Count Down to the BEST New Year's Eve Party

December 28, 2009

Top Ten Reasons

To Party on the Wine Train this New Year's Eve
Reason Number 10: Caviar Reception in the Station Reason Number 9: People watching -- Everyone is dressed to the Nines Reason Number 8: You might see a Hollywood starlet (there was one here last year) Reason Number 7: Making new friends, hopefully that you will remember Reason Number 6: Good wine choices (on board, and in the store)

Downtown Christmas Windows

November 23, 2009

By Melodie Hilton Director of Marketing and Public Relations I have NEVER been a fan of Christmas-ing before Thanksgiving. It feels like it gives short shift to an important holiday, one that highlights all the things we need to be thankful of. And, like most people, I need to step back and do that more than I do.

Wine Train Announces The “Golden Ticket”

November 16, 2009

The Golden Ticket is our way of saying Thank You for doing something for which you expected no thanks. You just did it. Because you believe. Because you are responsible. Because you understand there is a need. So, Thank You.

Wine Train Gift Certificates

November 12, 2009

One of the biggest joys in life is creating activities that bring your family and friends together. Food is the thread that binds us together and the Wine Train is an ideal setting for great food, memories and more. When you give a gift certificate for a Wine Train experience, you are giving the promise of so much more than award-winning food and wine – you give the gift of memories.

Tweet-Up on the Twain

November 3, 2009

The Napa Valley Wine Train hosted a fun and fabulous Tweet-Up, complete with costumed attendees, the Thursday before Halloween. Andrea Guzman estimated that the tweets from Train reached an audience that was approximately 150,000 strong.

Diana Caceres Celebrating 20 years with the Wine Train

October 13, 2009

By: Andrea Guzman, Promotions and Partnership Manager In celebration of 20 years, we have six dedicated employees who have been with us since the very beginning. Over the past weeks, we have been sharing their fondest Wine Train memories as they also celebrate their 20 year anniversaries working with the Wine Train.

Gerald Cavazos Celebrating 20 years with the Wine Train

October 6, 2009

Did You Miss One Heck Of a Party?

September 22, 2009

This past Saturday, September 20th, the Napa Valley Wine Train celebrated our 20th anniversary with 150 very special dinner guests. We had a lot of friends and family on that night, and serious number of other birthdays; including Executive Chef Kelly Macdonald’s.

Anthony Giaccio Celebrating 20 Years with the Napa Valley Wine Train

September 16, 2009

In celebration of 20 years, we have six dedicated employees who have been with us since the very beginning

Ajmer Singh Celebrating 20 years with the Wine Train

September 8, 2009

In celebration of 20 years, we have six dedicated employees who have been with us since the very beginning. Over the next few weeks, we are going to be sharing their fondest Wine Train memories as they also celebrate their 20 year anniversaries working with the Wine Train.

More New Events and Activities at the Wine Train

September 1, 2009

It is our 20th year and yet it feels like there are so many new things going on at the Wine Train. Here are a couple of the new events happening soon (so mark your calendars!)

Did You Take the First Train?

August 24, 2009

If you like suspense and adventure stories, some don’t get better than our first ride. Beyond the back story of a well publicized political drama, the first train rolled out of the station in the midst of a gully-washer that killed the electricity.

That’s Some Pig!

August 19, 2009

It is hard to believe the Napa Town and Country Fair has come and gone. It is something all the young at heart look forward to each year, and many people prepare for all year long -- especially, the Junior Livestock Auction.

Napa is Foodie Heaven

August 10, 2009

Napa has been busy courting the press. Rachel Ray was on the Wine Train last Thursday evening filming a segment of her upcoming show

It’s Back to School?

August 3, 2009

In less than two weeks, at least one Napa Valley school will open its doors to welcome back its new and returning students. Five days later, most of the other schools will follow. Did I blink? Is summer over? Are the long, hot, dog days, dog gone? Sadly, the answer is yes; and happily, NO! It is time to zestfully, and hardily, cram every last bit of lazy summer afternoon happiness into every day left of this season.

Time for fresh Tomatoes

July 28, 2009

"Drowning in good tomatoes is the exclusive privilege of the gardener and farm-market shopper" Barbara Kingsolver.

Glamour, Girlfriends, Great Wedding shows

July 22, 2009

In celebration of girlfriends, join us aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train.

Sharing Our Love of the Napa Valley

July 14, 2009

We answer calls from all over the world and most people are very interested in all that Napa has to offer, not just their journey on the inimitable Wine Train.

Japanese Remake Remakes Dream

July 6, 2009

Since high school, my dream has been to be an extra in Japanese movies. While a rather bizarre goal for an American with no Japanese ancestry or ties, achieving it has been an adventure. I learned to speak Japanese, moved to Japan, and worked as a school teacher while applying to be an extra. Last September, I moved to Napa to work for the Wine Train, and I had still never been in a movie. My dream would have to wait.

Fireworks, Weddings, and Cheers!

July 6, 2009

I thought June was fun, but July started off with a real bang for the Napa Valley Wine Train. We had two elopements, the historic Friday evening train to St. Helena’s Cheers! Event, and enjoyed fantastic fireworks at Yountville. The Friday train to St. Helena was an amazing experience, not just for the locals who were thrilled to be met at the St. Helena station by a cheering crowd; but also for a number of visitors who booked the train because it sounded like fun. And, it was!

3 Events and 3 Great Causes

June 24, 2009

The Napa Valley Wine Train participated in three events in St. Helena/Calistoga on Saturday, June 20, 2009.

How about a June Snow Day?

June 16, 2009

Hell didn’t freeze over when the St. Helena City Council recently announced they were welcoming (on a trial basis) passengers off the Napa Valley Wine Train.

Putting the Wow in Pow-Wow

May 25, 2009

A small group of people from Napa traveled to Miami last week to present the finest points of visiting the world-famous Napa Valley at the international travel trade show: Pow-Wow.

A Day at the Wine Train Station

May 19, 2009

One of the things I hear the most about my job is how surprised everyone is over all the things that go on at the train station and rail yard. One of my biggest problems is being able to spend enough time at my desk.

Mother’s Day aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train

May 11, 2009

My mom and I enjoyed a special weekend together in the Napa Valley for mother’s day.

3 R’s- Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

May 4, 2009

Thanks again City of Napa and Napa Recycling and Waste Services for recognizing the Napa Valley Wine Train for its 2008 recycling achievements!

Baggage -- The Play

April 26, 2009

Every time I visit the Napa Valley Wine Train station, I feel excitement in the air. There's a buzz as passengers prepare to get on the train - they know they’re about to have a great time and create a lifetime memory.

Everyday is Earth Day

April 20, 2009

There are a lot of things businesses can do to give back to Mother Earth and advocate for environmental responsibility. We can all participate in leading our community towards a sustainable future by being economically, environmentally, and socially accountable.

The Wine Train Social Club

April 14, 2009

The first meeting of the Wine Train Social Club occurred on Easter Sunday, April 11 2009. It was a classic spring day with gentle weather and greenery everywhere you would look.

Spring into action on board the Napa Valley Wine Train

April 6, 2009

Spring has sprung. I am noticing bud-break in the vineyards. This time of year always reminds me to dust off the cob webs from my bicycle as I pull it out of winter dormancy. When the sun is beaming, I enjoy cycling through the vineyards. The Napa Valley is so picturesque for a wonderful bicycle ride.

East of Easter and West of Wonder

March 30, 2009

My earliest memories of Easter were a mixture of boredom and excitement. A good Southern girl, I was usually dressed to the nines in hat and gloves and shiny, new shoes. All of which conspired to keep me from running pell-mell around the glorious spring day. I was for a time, strictly required to play the “little lady” until all formalities were dispensed, feasts were spread, eggs collected, and collars loosened.

Look Ma, No Car

March 9, 2009

Car free travel is a passion of mine. In my wanderings, I am constantly looking for ways to utilize public transportation. I know that other travelers like myself, refuse to rent a car, especially in large metropolitan cities like San Francisco.

Just Another Friday on the Train

January 19, 2009

The weather has been so glorious. It is a guilty pleasure that causes consternation when thinking about the lack of “wet” in the wet season, and the missing snow pack. But, it is hard to complain when January treats you to visions of Spring.

Buying Locally

January 12, 2009

What does it mean to “buy locally?” when speaking of produce or food stuffs, utilizing local farms and purveyors helps keep money in our community. Food purchased from local farms is fresher, less fossil fuel and has been used to get the product to your local market and often times; smaller farms use more natural means to produce the food.

Bright Spots in 2009

January 1, 2009

It is not all doom and gloom, it is just not. Yes, times are tricky and that relaxing feeling of “everything going my way” isn’t hanging around like it used to. Most of us, okay probably ALL of us will have to work harder. But, I know the sun will still shine, I WILL strap on a snowboard sometime soon (just maybe not as often as past years), I will eat great meals, I will drink good wine, and I will have fun with my friends and family. I am actually looking forward to 2009, and I know I am not the only one.

Wine Train Comfort Food

December 30, 2008

November finds me pining for comfort food, the hearty fare that comes with the cooler temperatures of fall. With these seasonal changes comes a shift in the variety of produce available to us. Gone are the days of delicate summer squash and vine ripe heirloom tomatoes. Now is the time to think of stews, soups, or cassoulet. And what better to accompany these filling dishes than a crusty loaf of bread?

Best Holiday Parties

December 19, 2008

Our Reservations Supervisor, Pat, grabbed me by the hand this morning and asked me how my ride on the Wine Train was this past Saturday. I loved it and had been totally looking forward to the lunch with my online strategy team. She beamed and said that even though she had been on the train at least 24 times, she still looked forward to going again and again.

Time, You Never Get it Back

December 16, 2008

Put away the bunny slippers, get out of your comfort clothes, and resist the urge to look at New Year’s Eve as just another night. What happened to Carpe Diem?

You will never have another New Year's Eve 2008 to celebrate. You need to make this one count. By now, you know that I want you to come to the great party at the Napa Valley Wine Train, but it really doesn’t matter what you do -- as long as you do something.

Thanksgiving Wine and Food Pairings

November 12, 2008

As the chill creeps into the air, and the leaves turn their beautiful fall colors here in the Napa Valley, my thoughts turn to one of my favorite food, wine, and family occasions of the year; Thanksgiving. At our home we gather friends and family from far and near; to cook, eat, laugh, and reflect on all that we are fortunate for.

Wine Train’s New Two-Winery Tour

October 29, 2008

Over the past almost 20 years, the Napa Valley Wine Train’s path has been a bit predictable. After all, we have a set of tracks that were laid down more than a century ago, and our multi-ton leviathan pretty much needs to stick to them.

But with the participation of a couple of local businesses, the Wine Train recently, well, jumped the tracks. We now offer a wonderful tour of two mid valley wineries thanks to the use of an executive shuttle provided by Beau Wine Tours.

Food Safety in the Kitchen

October 26, 2008

Food safety in the kitchen: what does that mean? Food borne illness occurs when foods are not handled properly or the environment that food was cooked in was not properly sanitized. Some types of foods are more likely than others to grow germs that can make us sick. Foods that contain proteins and that are moist have the most potential for being hazardous. Germs grow easily at room temperature in these foods.

Rotary Gourmets at the Wine Train

October 17, 2008

When you think of attending a service club meeting, you usually don’t expect to get a great meal to enjoy with your membership duties. Sometimes, finding a place that will serve the size and the frequency of the group is a big enough challenge. Not so, for one lucky group in Napa.

On Railroads, Resturants and Recycling

October 10, 2008

The Napa Valley Wine Train's Recycling Award

For businesses who are interested in going “green,” or even going “blue” (air quality), there are plenty of places to focus improvement. One of the most impressive things to me about the Napa Valley Wine Train is how subtlety pervasive its environmental programs are.

News from the Rail Yard

September 30, 2008

It is sometimes hard to think of an operation that prides itself on being historic or vintage, as innovative, but that is exactly what the Napa Valley Wine Train achieved in 2001 when it became the first locomotive in the nation to convert to compressed natural gas (CNG).
CNG is natural gas that is compressed – literally compacted – to pressures above 3,100 pounds per square inch. It remains clear, essentially odorless and smokeless, is non-corrosive and is an efficient fuel source. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

A Fish Tale from the Kitchen

September 23, 2008

Napa Valley Wine Train Chef Kelly Mcdonald smiles at a Salmon

Best Kept Secrets of the Napa Valley Wine Train

September 14, 2008

One of the things I love about working at the Napa Valley Wine Train is that, almost anywhere I go, I have something cool to tell someone about the train. There is the great story about what is happening at the rail yard and in Chef Kelly’s commissary. There are our Vintner Lunches and who the next groovy vintner is on board and pouring. I love that about Napa Valley – when you can get up close and personal with our local celebs.

News from the Wine Shop

September 9, 2008

Greetings and Salutations fellow Napans. Many of you I already know but, allow me to introduce myself to those of you that I don’t. My name is Ryan Graham, and I am the Wine Director at the Napa Valley Wine Train. I joined the Napa Valley Wine Train a little over six months ago, although some of you may know me from my years spent at Back Room Wines, or Bistro Don Giovanni.

News from the Kitchen

August 26, 2008

The heat of August brings on the glut of fresh produce from California, from the smaller farms along the coast to the larger farms in the Central valley. Tomatoes, peaches, just about whatever you could wish for is available at this time of year.

Staying on Track

August 19, 2008

We are proud to announce the launch of a regular forum aimed at creating an open line of communication with our community.

Why now?

During the past six months, I have come to realize that the Napa Valley Wine Train is a special and unique institution. Upon assuming the helm, my immediate concern was maintaining a stable work environment for the Train’s 140+ employees -- many of whom have worked for the Train for 14 years or more.

Reserve Now

Share the Winetrain

On Track

The Official Blog of the Napa Valley Wine Train

Top Ten Reasons

Why now?