Wine tasting in Napa Valley is a bucket list item everyone should experience once in their lives, but if you’re looking for a way to elevate your California wine-tasting trip, you’ve probably stumbled upon the Napa Wine Train tours.
I live in San Francisco and as a WSET 2 wine expert, I find myself up in wine country all the time. When I had to chance to ride the famous Napa Valley Wine Train, I of course said YES. I needed to find out for myself if it was worth the price tag, or just overrated. If you’re considering booking a tour on the train, keep reading for my honest review!
A Look Inside The Napa Wine Train
I’ve spent years cruising around Napa Valley and catching glimpses of Napa Valley Wine Train. There are usually three of them chugging along the valley on any given day, transporting riders to wineries and, also back in time. Well, not really, but as close as you can get.
We had the pleasure of finally riding the famous Napa Valley Wine Train. While I’ll always be a fan of winery hopping via car, being transported on an old-timey train that makes you feel like you walked into the Orient Express is a refreshing take on the valley.
We drove up from San Francisco to catch the Famiglia Tour though this tour is now not offered – they’re always changing up their tours to keep things fresh! Our tour started at 10:30 am and w got to to spend the whole day exploring the valley in style.
Inside The Wine Train
As I mentioned the train has all that old-world charm you could ask for in a tour like this. It really made us feel like we were transported back in time.
Each tour is on a different train. Some are have vista domes while others are smaller and feel more old-timey . There’s tea time tours, 7-course dinner routes, winery routes, and sometimes even special events, like a Murder Mystery Dinner train.
Our tour was on one of the smaller trains that had a dinner car, a desert car, and a viewing deck (though, between you and me the Vista Dome car would absolutely have the best views of Napa Valley vineyards between all the trains)
During your ride, feel free to walk about the train! I recommend visiting all cars and spend some time on a viewing deck. The best time to spend time on the viewing deck is on the returning leg of the trip which is the longest and provides the most time to explore without missing out on food from the tour.
Napa Valley Wine Train Food Review
Our tour came with a 4-course lunch, which was delightful. We kicked it off with a glass of bubbly and then was served food between each winery stop.
Caviar, soup, salad, pulled pork, caramel pudding dessert… so many great flavors! This is by no means a meal comparable to the French Laundry, but the food was well cooked and something I would happily eat again. Often time when we are doing Napa wine tasting, we’ll swing by one of our favorite sandwich shops but getting to have a proper lunch on a beautiful train is the best way to dine in the valley.
They also offer an Afternoon Tea service which I think would make such a fun Mother’s Day activity or something during the Holidays!
Napa Wine Train Winery Stops Review
Every tour they offered will take you on a different route and to different vineyards. The team is always changing up tours to keep it fresh and interesting for guests. The exact tour I went on is no longer offered but I still want to highlight the wineries we stopped at so you can get a feel for what to expect if you choose to book this.
Silverado Vineyards
The first stop on the Famiglia Tour is at Silverado Vineyards. This tour is the only one that takes you off the main Napa Valley road and onto the Silverado Trail, an equally famous, but less crowded trail of wineries.
We hopped into a van and drove a few minutes to their tasting room. The tasting room is tucked up on a hillside and has strong Italian vibes. Inside you’ll find an art gallery and tons of beautiful vintage Disney posters.
My favorite part, though, is the patio that offers sweeping views of the valley. You could spend hours here sipping down a bottle of Solo. We loved their ‘Solo’, a Cabernet Sauvignon and would absolutely visit again in the future.
To us, the combination of its Disney history (Walt’s granddaughter founded the winery) and the patio views makes this the standout winery of the tour.
Whitehall Lane
Next up is Whitehall Lane. Whitehall Lane is actually one of the few wineries you can visit on your own if you are doing Napa on a budget – just something to keep in mind when factoring in the costs of tours.
The tasting room is along the main road. There is a front tasting room and a small building in the back with open garden space, patio furniture and string lights. The modern architecture and prime location on the main road make this a unique winery to visit.
Wine Train guests get to see the back rooms and have a tour of the winery production sites, which I always find interesting as a wine student and not something included in normal tours. For us, the Sauv Blanc was a standout wine, with fruity flavors and a refreshing kick for the hot day.
Grgich Hills Estate
Have you seen Bottle Shock? That movie is based on Mike Grgich who crafted the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay which won against French wins in a blind tasting. This event basically put Napa Valley on the wine map, turning it from a small, unknown farming region to a household name.
Our last stop of the day was to Grich Hills Estate, and it seems like the Wine Train loves to still partner with Grich Hills Estate as most of their current tours involves a stop here.
So many great wines can be found at this tasting room. We liked every single one we tasted, which is actually rare for us. My personal favorite was their Old Vine Zin. The tasting room has a beautiful front patio with string lights, furniture and garden space. While it’s on the main road, it’s also tucked away enough that you don’t notice the passing cars.
What really makes this stop special is the history! The winemaker here is the man can helped change the course of California’s history. I had no idea this was THE man until this tour took us here, but I know firmly believe every wine lover has to come to Grgich to soak in the history, along with good wine and good vibes.
My Napa Valley Wine Train Review – Is It Worth It?
We aren’t strangers to Napa Valley , so I was a little worried that we wouldn’t get as much out of the tour as visitors. But I was wrong!
The train staff members do a great job at pointing out places along the ride and providing cool history facts. Our tour also brought us to wineries we’ve never been to before, so we experienced brand new wines.
After so many trips that involve so much driving ourselves, it was refreshing to “do” Napa Valley in a whole new way. I would personally adore coming back to the train one autumn to do their Murder Mystery Dinner experience, which looks very unique and fun.
While I think the train could be fun for locals, I do think it’s best when you are a visitor.
There are over 400 wineries in Napa Valley alone. It can be incredibly overwhelming to plan out tastings if it is your first time to the valley. The train provides a unique, safe and fun way to get a crash course to the valley, proper wine tasting etiquette and wine growing/making knowledge.
You also get to visit different parts of the valley, so you can come back to your favorite towns the next day.
The Wine Train Is Expensive
The downside of the Napa Wine Train? It’s expensive! Tours are usually start around $400 per person and go up to $800, which is why it’s important to make sure you pick the wine experience that’s going to give you the most bang for your buck.
Wine tastings in Napa average at around $50 per person, per tasting, often going to $75 or over $100 pp. If you are visiting 3 wineries and are also getting a multi-course meal out of the tour, than $400 is just a little more what you would pay if you did this on your own, but you get the joy of a train on top of it.
I probably was a train conductor in a past life, since I love riding trains but if you are someone who isn’t that giddy about trains to begin with, a few of these tours may be disappointing for you.
Tours on weekdays are also much cheaper than tours on weekends so you should highly consider booking a weekday visit vs something on Saturday or Sunday.
Personally I wouldn’t book this if I was only going to one winery, as the ROI is low. I recommend you research the tasting fees at the winery stops of whatever tour you are interested in and then decide if it’s worth it or not for you.
Napa Valley Wine Train Experiences
Again, the company is always switching up the tours but here’s a high-level glance at all the train rides offered! If you are visiting Napa with friends, a partner or family, you can absolutely find a wine tour that fits your needs.
Afternoon Tea x Chandon
Price: $699
This experience, a collaboration between the Napa Valley Wine Train and CHANDON, features a traditional tea service menu with a modern and sophisticated twist. Passengers enjoy a journey reminiscent of a bygone era of train travel, surrounded by elegant floral arrangements and expansive views of the Napa Valley countryside.
The menu includes a soup, salad, sandwiches, scones, mini desserts, and a welcome CHANDON Garden Spritz cocktail. For an additional cost, passengers can add a caviar course paired with CHANDON Napa By the Bay blanc de noirs.
Gourmet Express Dinner
Price: $595
This evening excursion offers a three-course, wine country-inspired meal over a two-hour trip from Napa to Rutherford. Passengers dine in a stylishly refurbished Pullman dining car, evoking the romance of antique train travel. The meal includes a soup du jour, roasted beet salad, a choice of entree, and dessert.
Guests can enhance their experience by adding a sommelier flight tasting, featuring selections from Far Niente, Opus One, and Beaulieu Vineyard’s Georges de Latour Private Reserve.
Gourmet Express Lunch
Price: $595
Similar to the dinner experience, this three-hour journey features a three-course meal aboard an antique 1915 Pullman car. The lunch includes a soup du jour, roasted beet salad, a choice of entree, and a chef’s-creation dessert course.
Guests can also choose to add a sommelier flight tasting to their itinerary.
Grgich Hills Estate Tasting
Price: $595
This half-day tour combines a train ride with a visit to the renowned Grgich Hills Estate. After enjoying a multi-course lunch on board, passengers disembark for a seated wine tasting and tour of the estate, known for producing the winning Chardonnay at the 1976 Paris Tasting. The experience also includes a welcome glass of sparkling wine.
Passengers can enhance their dining experience with an optional sommelier flight tasting.
Legacy Experience
Price: $699
Described as the essential excursion, this six-hour experience includes stops at both Charles Krug and V. Sattui wineries, two historical Napa Valley wineries.
The tour includes a four-course meal, a wine tasting on an open-air Pullman rail car, a stop at the Napa Valley welcome sign in Oakville, and seated tastings at both wineries. Passengers can also opt for a sommelier flight tasting during their journey.
Murder Mystery Dinner
Price: $699
This unique experience invites passengers to solve a murder mystery while enjoying a multi-course meal on board. The event takes place on select Saturday evenings from April to November.
Tasting on the Rails Dinner
Price: $550
Available on Saturday evenings from April to November, this two-and-a-half-hour journey features a seven-course tasting menu with wine pairings from five local AVAs. Passengers experience the beauty of Napa Valley during daylight savings while enjoying a carefully curated culinary adventure.
Tasting on the Rails Lunch
Price: $699
Similar to the dinner option, this experience offers a seven-course tasting menu paired with Napa AVA wines. Guests savor the region’s culinary delights over a three-hour journey.
Vista Dome Dinner
Price: $825
Passengers can enjoy a four-course, wine country-inspired dinner in the intimate setting of the Vista Dome car. This experience offers panoramic views of the Napa Valley sky during the evening hours. Think about the killer sunsets from here!
Vista Dome Lunch
Price: $825
This daytime journey features a four-course meal served in the observation-style Vista Dome car. Passengers enjoy unparalleled Valley views from the comfort of plush booths and tables. An optional sommelier flight tasting is available.
We loved our Wine Train tour for a fresh take on Napa Valley. I hope this review helps you know what to expect from riding the Wine Train. Leave a comment below if you have any questions at all!
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Great review! I’ve always been curious about the Napa Valley Wine Train. Thanks for sharing your experience—sounds like a unique adventure! 🍷🚆
Loved this review! I’ve been debating whether the Napa Valley Wine Train is worth it—your insights really helped. Thanks for sharing!
Loved the mix of relaxation and luxury—sipping wine on a historic train beats driving between wineries. Pricey, but perfect for milestone celebrations. The Grgich Hills stop was our highlight
Wow, the Napa Valley Wine Train sounds so cool! I love the idea of tasting wine on a train and visiting different wineries. Definitely adding this to my bucket list! Maybe for a special occasion.
Sounds like a fun trip! I love wine tastings but haven’t tried the Napa train yet. Your review helps a lot.
I’d love to know more about the different carriage options to make the best booking decision for my visit.
Loved the nostalgic vibe you described — now I really want to try the Wine Train just for that old-world charm!
Thanks for the honest review! I’ve always wondered if the Napa Wine Train is worth the hype or just a tourist trap.
It’s such a cool idea to explore Napa without having to drive. Sounds like the perfect mix of wine and relaxation.
Sad to hear the Famiglia Tour isn’t offered anymore, but glad to know they switch things up to keep it fresh!
The Vista Dome car sounds like the ultimate way to enjoy the vineyards. Definitely requesting that if I book!
I appreciate your tip about the viewing deck on the return trip — sounds like the perfect time for some scenic photos.
The Murder Mystery Dinner train sounds amazing! Napa + wine + mystery? Count me in.
As someone who’s been on wine tours by car, the idea of letting a train do the work sounds incredibly relaxing and unique.
OMG, the Napa Valley Wine Train sounds like such a fun experience! I’ve always wanted to go wine tasting, and doing it on a train seems so unique. Kinda reminds me of playing Melon Playground, but with real wine!
It sounds like an enjoyable journey! While i’m a fan of wine tastings, i haven’t ventured onto the napa train yet. your feedback has been incredibly helpful.
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It appears to be an enjoyable journey! I’m a fan of wine tastings, and I’m yet to experience the Napa train. Your feedback has been incredibly helpful.
It appears to be an enjoyable journey! I’m a fan of wine tastings, and I haven’t ventured onto the Napa train yet. Your feedback has been incredibly helpful.
It appears to be an enjoyable journey! While I’m a fan of wine tastings, I haven’t ventured onto the Napa train as of yet. Your feedback has been incredibly beneficial.
Sounds like a fun and unique way to explore Napa! I’ve always wanted to try the Wine Train. The food and winery stops sound great. Thanks for the review!
Sounds like such a fun and unique way to experience Napa! I’ve always wanted to ride that train. The food sounds pretty good too, and those winery stops are a bonus. Definitely adding this to my bucket list!
What a delightful journey it appears to be! I’m a great enthusiast for wine tastings, and I’m yet to embark on the Napa train adventure. Your feedback has been incredibly beneficial.
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I’ve spent years cruising around Napa Valley and catching glimpses of Napa Valley Wine Train.
Sounds like a fun way to see Napa! I’ve always wanted to ride the Wine Train. Maybe instead of another game I’ll try the kiwi clicker! Looks like a great alternative to driving around to all the wineries.
Kara’s review pulls no punches—Napa Wine Train is a pricey but unforgettable experience. It’s not a five-star meal, but it’s a fun, scenic way to tour Napa that’s more memorable than hopping from winery to winery in a car. Worth the splurge? Definitely!
It appears to be an enjoyable journey! I’m a fan of wine tastings and have yet to experience the Napa train, so your feedback is incredibly helpful.
Sounds like a fun and unique way to explore Napa! I’ve always wanted to try the Wine Train.
This journey appears to be quite enjoyable! While I’m a fan of wine tastings, I haven’t had the chance to experience the Napa train. Your feedback has been immensely helpful.
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The Napa wine train sounds fun but pricey! I’d love to try it someday.
I love wine tours but might stick to regular winery visits.
That sounds like such a fun experience! I’ve always wondered if the Napa wine train is worth the price. Your honest review really helps. Maybe I’ll try it next time I’m in California. The tastings must have been amazing!
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This review provides a good overview of the Napa Valley Wine Train experience, highlighting the pros and cons. It’s helpful for anyone considering booking a tour and wondering if it’s worth the price.
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This review provides a good overview of the Napa Valley Wine Train experience, highlighting both the charm and potential drawbacks. It’s helpful for anyone considering this unique way to explore Napa!
Wow, the Napa Valley Wine Train sounds like a fun and unique way to experience wine country! I’d love to try the afternoon tea service sometime. Those vineyard views must be amazing!
It appears to be an enjoyable journey! I’m a fan of wine tastings, and I haven’t ventured onto the Napa train yet. Your feedback has been incredibly helpful.
What an enjoyable journey it seems! I’m a fan of wine tasting events, and I’m yet to embark on the Napa train adventure. Your feedback has been incredibly helpful.
What an enjoyable journey it seems to be! While I’m a big fan of wine tasting events, I haven’t had the chance to experience the Napa train. Your feedback has been incredibly helpful.
This journey appears to be quite enjoyable! I’m a big fan of wine tastings, and I haven’t had the chance to experience the Napa train. Your feedback has been immensely helpful.
What a delightful journey it appears to be! I’m a big fan of wine tastings, and I’m yet to embark on the Napa train adventure. Your feedback has been incredibly helpful.
What a delightful journey it seems to be! I’m a great enthusiast for wine tastings, and I’m yet to embark on the Napa train adventure. Your feedback has been incredibly helpful.
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Wow, that sounds like an amazing experience! I’ve always wanted to ride that train. The wineries you visited look beautiful too! Loved the tip, I’ll definitely consider this option on my next visit to Napa.
Sounds like a fun way to experience Napa! The idea of riding an old-timey train while wine tasting is definitely appealing. I’d love to try the afternoon tea service sometime.
Sounds like a fun and unique way to experience Napa! I’ve always wanted to go to Napa, and the wine train seems like a cool alternative to driving around. Might have to add this to my list!
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Ah, ça a l’air tellement cool! J’adore l’idée d’un train comme ça pour découvrir Napa. Les vues doivent être incroyables. J’aimerais bien essayer ça un jour! Merci pour le review!
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What a delightful journey it seems to be! I’m a great enthusiast for wine tastings, and I’m yet to embark on the Napa train adventure. Your feedback has been incredibly helpful.
This review provides a good overview of the Napa Valley Wine Train experience, highlighting both the charm and potential drawbacks. It’s helpful for anyone considering this unique way to explore Napa!
Sounds like a fun way to see Napa! I’ve always wanted to ride the Wine Train. Maybe instead of another game I’ll try the kiwi clicker! Looks like a great alternative to driving around to all the wineries.
The wineries you visited look beautiful too! Loved the tip, I’ll definitely consider this option on my next visit to Napa.
I haven’t ventured onto the Napa train yet. Your feedback has been incredibly helpful.
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Your review of the Napa Valley Wine Train was both insightful and delightful! I appreciated your honest take on the experience, especially noting the charm of the vintage train and the quality of the multi-course meal. Your mention of the Vista Dome car’s panoramic views and the unique winery stops like Grgich Hills Estate truly highlight the allure of this journey. It’s helpful to know that while the experience is on the pricier side, it offers a comprehensive and memorable way to explore Napa Valley. Thanks for sharing your adventure—it’s now on my must-do list!
Sounds like a fun way to experience Napa! I’ve always wanted to go wine tasting there. This review makes the Wine Train sound like a good option. I need to start saving up for this, but first let’s get the AITransdub ready so everyone can enjoy this beautiful experience without language barriers!
Napa Valley Wine Train sounds like a fun experience! I’ve always wanted to explore Napa. Seeing a real-time manga translator browsing extension for manga website would be nice while waiting in between the wineries though. Maybe next time I’ll translate manga on the train!
Okay, this Napa Wine Train thing sounds pretty cool! Love the idea of chilling on a vintage train while wine tasting. That four-course lunch sounds amazing too! Might have to check it out next time I’m in Napa.
What a cool idea, this wine train! I loved learning more about the experience; it seems like a super charming way to see Napa. I’m curious to try the lunch and visit Silverado Vineyards!
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It appears to be an enjoyable journey! I’m a fan of wine tastings, and I haven’t ventured on the Napa train yet. Your feedback has been incredibly helpful.
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The Napa Valley Wine Train sounds like such a fun experience! Especially the food and wine pairings on the train itself. Definitely adding this to my bucket list for a future trip. Sounds like a relaxing way to see Napa!
Sounds like a fun way to experience Napa! I’ve always wondered about the Wine Train. The food sounds decent and visiting wineries in style? Yes, please! Might have to add this to the bucket list.
This blog post about the Napa Valley Wine Train is fantastic! The photos are beautiful and really capture the experience. I’d love to take this trip someday.
How cool is this experience! I’ve always been curious about riding that train. It seems like a really different and charming way to see Napa. I loved the winery tips too, Silverado seems like an incredible place!
Sounds like a fun way to experience Napa! I’ve always wanted to try the Wine Train. The food and winery stops sound amazing, especially Silverado Vineyards with its Disney connection. I might actually consider booking a tour now!
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