A Day on the Napa Valley Wine Train: What to Expect From Boarding to Dessert

All Aboard for a Napa Valley Experience

Imagine traveling along a legendary rail route, a glass of wine in your hand, as breathtaking landscapes and world-famous wineries roll past your window. This is what awaits you aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. More than just a train ride, your time on the Wine Train is a complete experience filled with history, vintage charm, scenic beauty, and, of course, some exceptional wine. Our Legacy Experience offers you a full day in Wine Country, bringing all the best elements of wining and dining into one unforgettable journey. Here’s a glimpse of your day from arrival to that last bite of sweet dessert and farewell.

Welcome Aboard

You’ll arrive at the McKinstry Street Station ahead of boarding, which itself is full of charm and character. If you can, try to arrive 30 minutes ahead of your reservation, so you have time to check in without feeling rushed. After checking in, browse around the Wine Store & Gift Shop, sip on a mimosa or coffee, and enjoy our 360 selfie station and Caboose photo op. Then, just before boarding, have your picture taken in front of the train by our photographers—a fun memento from your journey.

As you step onto the train, you’ll notice how warm and inviting it feels with beautiful wood interiors and oversized windows made for the stunning Napa Valley views. Feel free to walk through and explore the train cars before settling into your seat. As you pull away from the station, we’ll serve you a welcome glass of bubbly to celebrate the beginning of your Legacy Experience.

A Culinary Journey Through Wine Country

Dining on board is a large part of what makes this experience special. You’ll enjoy a four-course meal that’s seasonal and locally inspired, beginning with a delicious smoked salmon egg Benedict for breakfast. After breakfast, the train will make its way to the famous Napa Valley welcome sign, where you’ll stop for about an hour and do a tasting featuring three premium wines, and have a chance to snap some photos from the open-air car.

After your tasting and photo opportunity, choose from a selection of gourmet entrees for your main course. Expect dishes such as seasonal risotto, grilled tenderloin, and cracked mustard-cider glazed salmon, among others. If you have dietary restrictions, our chefs are happy to accommodate. When booking your reservation, just let us know ahead of time so we can have something delicious tailored just for you.

Glasses of wine and pairings aren’t included with your meal, but our staff are happy to recommend pairings for your dishes along the way. So please ask if you’d like to find the perfect pairing for your chosen meal. Or, choose to elevate your meal with our sommelier flight with selections from four legendary wineries.

Sips & Stops Along the Way

After your main course, you’ll make your way to Charles Krug, California’s oldest operating winery. Here, you’ll get to step inside the stunning Redwood Cellar for a guided tasting and learn all about the winery’s rich history.

When you’re back on board, we’ll serve your third course—a savory cheese plate for your palate. Much like coffee beans are used to refresh the senses with fragrances, this course helps enhance your wine experience and tastings throughout the day.

As you finish up your cheese plate, the train will stop at V. Sattui Winery for the third and final tasting of the day. This time, you’ll sample four wines, finishing with a rich Madeira. This is a chance to slow down from the excitement of the day and experience a local Napa winery. While you’re sipping on California wine, take in the beautiful surroundings of lush gardens, a gorgeous terrace, and see their iconic stone tower. And if you want to bring some of their wine home with you, you can purchase your favorites from their newly renovated Mercado.

A Sweet Ending to the Day

As the train makes its way back to the station, you’ll indulge in your final course of the day—a special dessert created by our chef. A little something sweet is the perfect way to end your magical journey, followed by music, dancing, and a glass of wine in hand as the open-air car turns into a dance floor on the way back to the station.

Your Journey Doesn’t End Here

And just like that, your time on the Legacy Experience comes to an end. But rather than saying goodbye, we prefer to say farewell for now. The Napa Valley Wine Train offers several unique experiences, each with its own special charm. From elegant dinners to leisurely lunches, afternoon teas, and themed evening experiences, there’s always something new for you to discover.

We also partner with some incredible wineries and accommodations nearby, making it simple to book a package that turns your whole experience into a true Napa Valley getaway.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Start packing, planning your outfits, and reserve your experience. We’ll see you soon!