Napa Valley’s Best Weekend Getaway: A Perfect Itinerary with the Napa Valley Wine Train

When it comes to an unforgettable wine country escape, Napa Valley delivers the kind of weekend that feels both indulgent and effortless. The vineyards are close, the food scene is chef-led, and the best part is you can anchor your day around a three-hour ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train, then still have time to explore.

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a friends’ getaway, or a celebratory trip, here’s how to build a Napa weekend itinerary with Wine Train experiences at the heart of it.

Your 2-Day Itinerary at a Glance 

Day 1: Model Bakery, Wine Train lunch, tasting (downtown or vineyard)
Day 2: Downtown brunch, Oxbow lunch, one final tasting room

Quick Wine Train Facts (For Planning)

Departure Area: The Wine Train station is in Napa’s Oxbow District, about five minutes from Downtown Napa

Best For: Couples, friends’ trips, celebrations, and visitors who want a signature experience without giving up the rest of their day

Choose Your Main Train Experience

If you want a signature Wine Train moment and the freedom to do more afterward, start with one of these Main Train journeys:

• Gourmet Express Lunch: A three-hour journey in restored 1915 Pullman cars.
  • Best For: Daytime plans and afternoon flexibility
  • Pairs Well With: Downtown tasting rooms
• Vista Dome Lunch: Elevated dining in our glass-enclosed observation car, offering 360-degree views of the valley.
  • Best For: Scenic views and special-occasion lunches
  • Pairs Well With: Vineyard tastings
• Vista Dome Dinner: A romantic twilight journey designed for milestones and anniversaries.
  • Best For: Romance and anniversary energy
  • Pairs Well With: A relaxed spa morning  and shops before boarding

Pick your journey, then build the rest of your day around it.

A Perfect 2-Day Napa Weekend Itinerary

Day 1

Morning: Start in the Oxbow District

• Begin with breakfast or a takeaway treat from Model Bakery, a longtime Napa Valley favorite with a location in Oxbow Public Market. Sample their world-famous English muffins—a local staple that provides the perfect start to a day of tasting.

Midday: Ride the Rails

• Board the Napa Valley Wine Train at our McKinstry Street station for your daytime Main Train journey, such as the Gourmet Express Lunch or Vista Dome Lunch. Enjoy traveling in our vintage cars while savoring dishes like grilled tenderloin or fresh Pacific salmon.

Afternoon: Choose Your Tasting Style

With plenty of time left after your Wine Train journey, you can spend the rest of the day your way. Here are some easy options.

• Option 1: Downtown Napa Tasting Room. Stay in town and taste in a walkable setting. Vintner’s Collective on Main Street is a good fit if you want to keep the day centered in Napa. They offer everything from fun and informal tastings at their bar to fully tailored experiences. 

• • Best For: No-car weekends, quick add-on plans
  • Time Needed: 60–90 minutes

• Option 2: Trefethen Family Vineyards. If you want that classic vineyard experience, head to Trefethen Family Vineyards for flights of wine paired with seasonal bites from La Huerta. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Downtown Napa (timing varies with traffic, so it’s worth checking your route).
  • Best For: Classic Napa scenery, foodies
  • Time Needed: 2–3 hours, including drive time

• Option 3: Wine Train and Winery Visits (Half-Day). Want the winery stop and the train, but still want time later in the day? The Grgich Hills Estate Tasting is a half-day experience that pairs a multi-course lunch on board with a visit to Grgich Hills Estate.
  • Best For: Train and winery in one plan

Time Needed: Half-day

Day 2

Morning: Keep it Easy in Downtown Napa (No Driving Required)

Start your second day with brunch at one of these downtown favorites.

• Grace’s Table: A downtown institution known for an eclectic, globally influenced brunch menu.
• Kitchen Door: Laidback weekend brunch in Downtown Napa with a big, classic-meets-creative menu.

Late Morning: Stroll, Shop, and Snack Your Way Through Town

Spend the late morning exploring Downtown Napa on foot. Start with a stroll along the Napa River, then browse the boutiques at First Street Napa before popping into Art Gallery Napa Valley for a rotating look at works from local artists. Finish with coffee and a pastry, then keep wandering until lunch.

• Best For: No-car weekends, last-day flexibility, casual exploring
• Time Needed: 3–5 hours (easy to shorten or stretch)

Midday: Lunch on a Patio

For something filling, head back to the Oxbow District. Here, you can find plenty of lunch spots that won’t take long. A couple of popular restaurants include:

• Hog Island Oyster Co. (Oxbow Public Market): A go-to for fresh shellfish.
• Live Fire Pizza (Oxbow Public Market): A must-try for pizza lovers. Grab a slice (or a whole pie) and get back to exploring without a long sit-down. 

Early Afternoon: One Last Tasting

For a polished final tasting downtown, Alpha Omega Collective is a great last stop.

Insider Tip: Day 2 is intentionally light. It leaves room for a later checkout, a spontaneous stop, or an early departure—without feeling like you missed anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the Napa Valley Wine Train station?

A: The Wine Train station is located in Napa’s Oxbow District, about five minutes from Downtown Napa.

Q: How long are the Main Train daytime experiences?

A: Main Train daytime experiences like the Vista Dome Lunch and the Gourmet Express Lunch are designed as three-hour journeys. We encourage passengers to arrive early to check in with our team and prepare for boarding. 

Q: Can I do the Wine Train and still have time for an afternoon tasting?

A: Yes—that’s the beauty of the Main Train schedule. You can stay in Downtown Napa for a tasting room visit or head to a nearby vineyard like Trefethen for a best-of-both-worlds afternoon.

How to Plan a Weekend in Napa Valley

Start with the essentials: a Main Train journey, one afternoon tasting, and a dinner reservation that fits your mood. Napa is at its best when you leave space for the little luxuries—a second coffee, a slower walk by the river, one more glass.

Ready to write your Napa Valley story? Book your ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train today and build a weekend that’s equal parts effortless and unforgettable.