What an amazing day! We had reserved the Champagne Vista Dome package and it certainly lived up to all our expectations.
We also booked the San Francisco to Napa round trip transport package which seemed the best option for getting to Napa without a car. Our morning began with a ferry trip to Vallejo where the Wine Train passengers were collected by a minibus and taken to the Wine train station. The transfers were very easy and well organised. After we had checked in with the efficient, welcoming staff, we had time to buy refreshments and look around the shop. We did resist the temptation to buy a glass of wine at this point!
Our seats in the 1952 Vista Dome car did not disappoint. It is an elevated observation style dining car with the kitchen below and has been beautifully refurbished without losing its 1950s charm. We chose it because you keep your seating for the whole journey and access to the car is limited to guests with reserved seating.
Throughout the journey we enjoyed the gorgeous views of the vineyards we passed.
The service onboard was excellent and our waiter was happy to answer questions about the vineyards we passed and offer information about the variety of wines available to buy. We enjoyed a glass of fizz with the dining package we bought and then opted for a bottle of Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2015 which was delicious.
The food was excellent and we were particularly pleased that you could explore the train after the main course and before the dessert. It was fascinating to see the chefs at work in the incredibly small kitchens and a real treat to wander through the 1915-1917 Pullman dining cars and lounge cars.
It all made me feel quite nostalgic for the romance of train travel in the past or maybe it was the effect of the wine! All too soon, our 3 hour, 36 mile round trip was over and we were disembarking back in Napa.
The organisation of the day and the overall experience was very special. This Christmas I will watch the train scenes in White Christmas with a glass of wine and toast the wine train!
To find out more about the Napa Valley Wine Train, click here.
