Best Kept Secrets of the Napa Valley Wine Train

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.

We are entering "kid season," and we have scheduled the Santa Trains, which will start December 15. We can talk details later; there is still harvest to get through. And, with only a couple of exceptions, I am not quite ready to think about the holidays and putting 2008 to rest. (Although I am getting excited about our New Year’s plans.)

Anyway, have you tried our Family Date nights? Adults who want to eat a wonderful, leisurely, excellent, quiet dinner on the Wine Train but don’t a) want to hire a babysitter or b) ditch the kids, now have option c) Family Fun night.

Family Fun Night is held approximately twice a month. The price of a regular dinner package buys parents a leisurely and intimate Wine Train meal in either the Vista Dome or Gourmet Cars. Meanwhile, children enjoy fun games, movies and a special children’s menu in a separate car complete with the camaraderie of other children, and the safety of professional supervision. Does it get better than that? No, not if you have children. Keeping them nearby and not having to pay a bunch extra to do so is valuable. In fact, I think it counts for that elusive "quality time."

Here are particulars of the package: One child rides "free" per each adult ticket, extra children are $15 each. You have to call for nights scheduled and availability. Children 3 to 12 (potty trained only, please). Please call +1(707) 253-2111 for more information.

We aren’t sure who enjoys the evening more, the kids who get to hang out and have fun (but, can access mom and dad when they want); or the parents who get to take pleasure in Chef Kelly’s amazing talents and don’t have to wipe up spilled spaghetti.