About the Wine Train

Yes—the Napa Valley Wine Train welcomes solo travelers. Booking a solo passenger ticket is possible both over the phone and online.

Online reservations for solo riders can be made for our Gourmet Lunch or Dinner and Afternoon Tea experiences. When you book by phone, our reservation agents can help you select from available experience options and provide personalized support throughout the booking process.

The Wine Train experience is as much about the ambiance and social atmosphere as it is about the exceptional food and wine. Dressing to impress enhances the experience not just for yourself, but for everyone on board. Part of the charm and excitement comes from the people-watching element—seeing fellow passengers who have also embraced the occasion with their stylish attire creates a sophisticated, celebratory atmosphere throughout the journey.

Along with a ride through Napa Valley, your Wine Train ticket includes a complete gourmet dining experience aboard the train. Every ticket holder receives a multi-course meal as part of their journey. During your trip, you’ll select your meal choices from a menu, just as you would at a traditional restaurant. What makes this experience special is that our culinary team prepares your selections fresh on board, to ensure the most vibrant and delicious flavors. This isn’t pre-made food—it’s crafted in our moving kitchen while you enjoy the scenic journey, guaranteeing fresh dishes and a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Yes! The Wine train station’s Wine & Gift Shop brings notable Napa wines, a collection of bottles from California AVAs, and exclusive gifts to our locals and visitors.

Whether riding the Wine Train or stopping in to explore our curated picks, there’s a new treasure to uncover—or uncork—with every visit. Highlighting some of the most prestigious vineyards dotting Napa Valley, from small-production to world-famous names, we’ve worked hard to capture the essence of the region in our inventory.

Visit our Wine Store & Gift Shop page [Link: https://www.winetrain.com/about-the-wine-train/wine-store-gift-shop/] for more information.

Turn your Wine Train journey into a Wine Country getaway. Treat yourself to an extended Napa Valley vacation with overnight stays at our preferred hotel partnerships. Along with charming accommodations, enjoy daytime tickets for the Vista Dome or Gourmet Express included in each package. Visit our Overnight Stays page [Link: https://www.winetrain.com/your-visit-to-napa/overnight-stays/] for more information.

Easily accessible from the wider Bay Area, including San Francisco, Sacramento, and Sonoma, the Wine Train offers a collection of day trip experiences ranging from three to six hours, each providing an ideal setting for a fun Sunday getaway or a mid-week escape. Visit our Napa Valley Day Trips page [Link: https://www.winetrain.com/your-visit-to-napa/daytrippers/] for more information.

Napa Valley is the entire internationally renowned wine-growing region, which spans approximately five miles wide by 30 miles long. This picturesque area is nestled between two mountain ranges: the Mayacamas Mountains to the west (bordering Sonoma County) and the Vaca Mountains to the east (adjacent to Solano County). The region is part of the wider California Bay Area.

Napa, on the other hand, is simply the largest of the five towns located within Napa Valley. While many visitors use the terms interchangeably, Napa is just one municipality within the broader Napa Valley region.

Napa Valley is a stunning region known for its picturesque vineyards, world-class wines, and charming small towns. Here’s what you can expect when visiting:

Scenic beauty: Expect rolling hills, lush vineyards, and beautiful landscapes. The fall foliage and spring blooms offer particularly breathtaking views.

Wine tastings: With over 400 wineries, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample a wide range of wines, from cabernet sauvignon to chardonnay. Many wineries offer tours and tastings, often paired with delicious food.

Gourmet dining: Napa Valley is home to a variety of restaurants, from Michelin-starred establishments to cozy bistros. Indulge in farm-to-table dining and local hyper-fresh ingredients.

Outdoor activities: Beyond wine, enjoy activities including hot air balloon rides, hiking, biking through the vineyards, and much more.

Cultural experiences: Explore local art galleries, museums, and events like festivals or farmers’ markets that showcase the region’s culture.

Charming towns: Visit towns like Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga, each with its own unique vibe, shops, and attractions.

Friendly atmosphere: Expect a welcoming and laid-back vibe. Many wineries and restaurants are eager to share their passion for the region.

While the train runs year-round, each season brings its own charm. From vibrant spring blooms to golden harvest hues in the fall, there’s never a bad time to experience this unforgettable ride.

Spring & Summer – Blooming Beauty and Vibrant Vines
Mild weather, wildflowers, and clear skies make May through August ideal for outdoor sightseeing, wine tastings, and gourmet dining on the move. Capture lush vineyard views while enjoying seasonal menus and special events.

Fall – Harvest Magic in Napa Valley
In September and October, Napa transforms with harvest energy. The vineyards glow in warm tones, and the air is filled with the scent of freshly crushed grapes. It’s the perfect time for wine enthusiasts to witness winemaking in action.

Winter – Cozy, Romantic, and Peaceful
Don’t overlook the winter months. The crowds thin, the atmosphere turns cozy, and the train’s vintage interiors create the perfect setting for a romantic escape or holiday-themed ride. Fewer tourists mean more intimate tastings and a slower pace.

Plan Your Journey Anytime
Whether you’re visiting in peak season or looking for a quiet getaway, the Napa Valley Wine Train delivers a rich, luxurious experience all year long. Book your ride today and explore wine country in comfort, elegance, and style.

We offer gift cards and experience vouchers that make perfect gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or corporate rewards. Visit our website at https://www.winetrain.com/your-visit-to-napa/give-the-gift/ to purchase and personalize your gift.

You can purchase tickets directly through our official website, by phone, or at our downtown Napa station. Booking online is the best way to secure your preferred date and experience.

Yes, reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons and holidays. You can book online through our website or call our reservation team at 800-427-4124

The Wine Train travels through the heart of Napa Valley, from downtown Napa to St. Helena and back, passing through iconic wine regions such as Yountville, Oakville, and Rutherford. The route offers panoramic views of vineyards, historic wineries, and the beautiful Napa countryside.

The Napa Valley Wine Train is a luxurious, vintage train experience offering scenic tours through California’s world-famous wine country. Guests enjoy gourmet dining, premium wine tastings, and curated winery tours aboard exquisitely restored railcars.

Yes, The Napa Valley Wine Train accommodates service animals.

While we do not discourage guests with service animals from coming on the train, guests should be aware of the following factors:

1. The motion of the train, and the unnatural, high-pitched metallic sounds that the Train makes as it goes over joints in the tracks may make some animals very uncomfortable.
2. The entire Train is only about 8 feet across, and a walkway runs through it. This means that service animals will always be within about 3 feet of a frequently used walkway. Animals not accustomed to heavy and frequent foot traffic may be very uncomfortable. Service animals must not sit or lay down in a walkway as this presents a hazard to other guests and the animal.
3. Napa Valley Wine Train staff have been trained not to touch the service animal, but other customers may not understand the role of a service animal and may want to touch the service animal.
4. The owner of the service animal must provide all of the care that the service animal requires. Any food or water which the animal requires, and appropriate containers for serving food and water to the animal, should be provided by the owner. Sanitary toilet arrangements must also be made by the owner of the animal, and, in the interest of the health and safety of our guests, the staff of the train will not handle or dispose of animal droppings or urine for the owner.

Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your service animal.

The Wine Train is near several airports, including San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport, and Sacramento International Airport. Regional airports Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport and Napa County Airport are also a short distance away. Visit our getting here page for more travel information.

The Napa Valley Wine Train  is primarily composed of 2 trains:

Main Train

• 7 passenger cars
• 1 kitchen car
• 2 power cars
• 1 or 2 locomotives

Legacy Train

• 2 passenger cars
• 1 open-air car
• 1 locomotive

The Napa Valley Wine Train is owned by Noble House Hotels & Resorts — a collection of luxury hotels and resorts.

Our Wine Train rail line was built in 1864 by California’s first millionaire, Samuel Brannan, to transport visitors to his spa resort of Calistoga. Shortly afterwards, the railroad became the property of California Pacific Railroad. Visit our Saving Napa’s Rail Line page to learn more about this history.

The Napa Valley Wine Train began gourmet dining service September 16, 1989. 

Children are welcome on board most of the Wine Train experiences, and select packages have special rates. The Wine Train is renowned for our November to December Santa Train excursion, having operated now for more than 30 seasons for kids of all ages wishing to be inspired by the family tradition. Our reservation agents are happy to provide parents with more information about the full slate of experiences with recommendations.

After checking in at the Wine Train Depot reception desk, feel free to explore the Station. Before boarding the train, visit the Artist’s Cafe for a mimosa or cup of hot coffee, stroll through the Wine and Retail Gift Store and snag some Instagram-worthy photos at one of our compelling spots while anticipating the arrival of the train to the station. Please wait for your seating section to be called before proceeding to the platform to board and then smile for our photo team in front of the train at boarding to receive a complimentary digital photo with every journey.

The Wine Train station is part of the attraction

With instagram worthy photo backdrops, the newly designed space features our cafe (serving lite bites and ½ bottle of local Napa Valley wine perfect for 2 to share to enjoy before the ride). Stroll the Wine and Gift Store featuring logo’d Wine Train merchandise, a great selection of local Napa wines that ship to home including diverse wineries featuring some of Napa best but with highlights on black owned and LGBTQ+ wineries.