One of the most popular things to do when visiting California
Is to take a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train.
So as they say “When in Rome” I decided to book train ride with my girls.
We went their 3-Hour train journey, mainly because we had planned to visit a few more wineries while in Napa.
A decadent journey aboard our elegant vintage train through the Napa Valley and back to another time: the glamorous days of rail travel.
Embrace a slower pace and dine in sophisticated comfort.
Includes
3-hour train journey, departing at 11:30 a.m. for lunch
Lunch experience includes travel from Napa to St. Helena and return
Multiple course gourmet meal
When I first arrived there was a friendly conductor to give me further instructions.
Lunch Schedule
10:30 AM – Check in
11:00 AM – Board the Train
11:30 AM – Train departs
2:30 PM – Train returns
Lunch experience includes travel from Napa to St. Helena and return
Following his instructions I made my way into the waiting area.
The waiting area is pretty big with photo ops , wine store and souvenir shop inside.
Not long after that it was time to board the wine train.
After we sat down we took a look at our menu options for our three course lunch.
Heading North, guests begin their journey enjoying their fresh Sonoma greens or soup du jour and choice of entrée followed by dessert with complimentary coffee or tea on the return trip.
It should be noted that the experience starts as soon as you are seated.
The train starts to move all the while the waiter/waitress takes your order.
Travel through the lush Napa Valley countryside and be transported back in time. Back to the romance and luxury of the golden age of train travel of the early 1900s, when guests explored the trains beyond their private quarters.
Back to a time when a journey was meant to be savored from start to finish. Guests aboard the Gourmet Express experience three delicious courses all served in our exquisite antique Pullman railcars.
On the back of each menu there is a map of all of the wineries the train rides through.
You are to scan the QR code for point of interest & rail art districts.
Now lets talk food.
Not long after we placed our orders and requested a bottle of wine our first course arrived.
First for my starter I chose their soup of the day which was a Carrot Ginger Soup.
First Course-Carrot Ginger Soup
With Crème Fraiche
The soup was really good creamy and light.
Conversely the soup ended up being the best tasting dish on the menu.
One of my friends opted for their Roasted Beet Salad as her starter.
Following that was the second course in which I choose their fresh catch of the day.
Second Course-Fresh Catch-Salmon
Served with a Mash Potatoes’ puree
My salmon dinner was average and really lacked flavor.
Other’s in my dining party ordered the Grilled Tenderloin of Beef and Pan Seared Chicken.
Of all of the dishes the Grilled Tenderloin of Beef was the best tasting.
Later we were served the third and final course of desserts.
The chefs “Daily Creation” choices that day were either the Molten Chocolate Cake or Creme Brulé.
Third Course-Molten Chocolate Cake
Creme Brule
Their desserts were equally mediocre and extremely disappointing.