Napa Valley Wine Train with Gourmet Meal in Napa, CA

Do you have to drink wine on the Napa Valley Wine Train?

No, you do not have to drink wine onboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Guests who do not want to drink wine, have multiple options available including juice, soda, non-alcoholic wines, beers, cocktails, and brandies.

What should I wear?

Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion, though there is no enforced dress code. Dinner can be dressier; some guests prefer cocktail party attire. Jackets are suggested on cool nights, but not required. It is always a good idea to bring an extra layer to make sure you are warm enough on board.

Are there bathrooms on the Napa Valley Wine Tour?

Most of the Napa Valley Wine Train’s rail cars are equipped with a restroom.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Napa Valley Wine Train is wheelchair accessible, but it is an antique train, and as such there are some unique challenges that persons with mobility limitations should be aware of: Boarding the train requires passengers to climb some rather steep stairs. The tallest of these steps is 9.5 inches tall. The steps are slightly recessed, which some guests may find challenging. There are both right and left handrails. Passengers unable to climb stairs may board the train via a manual lift. There are no guarantees that personal wheelchairs will fit on the Train. If you require the assistance of a wheelchair, it is strongly recommend that you use their transfer chair.

Can I bring my own wine?

Yes. The Napa Valley Wine Train charges a corkage fee of $20.00 per 750ml bottle and $30 for a magnum-sized bottle. If you bring one bottle of wine onboard and buy a bottle on board, they will waive the corkage for the bottle brought on. At the Napa Valley Wine Train, there is a Wine Shop with almost 500 wines available for purchase and there is an extensive onboard wine list with approximately 40 wines.

Is wine included?

One glass of welcome house wine or bubbles is included with the Napa Valley Wine Train Vista Dome package, available for guests who are over the age of 21. Cocktails, specialty drinks, bottled waters, beers, and wine can be purchased on board throughout your journey. More than 40 wines are on the wine list, including wine flights.

Are tips included in the price?

Gratuities are not included. Optional tipping is solely based upon guests’ experience on board. Tipping should be based on the meal price and beverages purchased while on board.

What can I expect once I arrive at the Station?

Your journey will begin in the Napa Valley Wine Train Station in Downtown Napa. After checking in at the Reception Desk, feel free to explore the Station. Visit the Wine Shop and discuss some of the rare, boutique wines with knowledgeable wine educators. See the Napa Valley Train founding story on the TV monitors or just sit and relax with wine, coffee, or friends. Thirty minutes before boarding the lunch train, wine specialists will give an introductory lecture on the Napa Valley and the Napa Valley Wine Train. The arrival of the Napa Valley Wine Train will be announced one-half hour before the scheduled departure. Please wait for your seating section to be called. It takes quite a while to board an antique train, so don’t feel the need to rush. The train won’t leave without you.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes, lots of great photo opportunities.

How long does each trip last?

The Napa Valley Wine Train Gourmet Express Lunch and Napa Valley Wine Train Vista Dome Lunch excursions departing at 11:30 AM are approximately three hours. The Gourmet Express and Vista Dome Dinner journeys departing at 6:20 PM are approximately two hours.

Are the meals made by the Napa Valley Wine Train?

The Gourmet Express and Vista Dome cars have their own kitchen and specific menu. Award-winning Executive Chef Donald Young and his culinary staff do not cook each meal until it is ordered. Some of the side dishes and desserts are prepared in the Napa Valley Wine Train’s Culinary Arts Center and ‘finish’ cooked or baked-on board during the three to six-hour excursions. Even the sorbets are made by the Napa Valley Wine Train staff!

Can I bring my pet?

Per state law, animals are not allowed onboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, with the exception of service animals.

Is smoking allowed?

Due to state regulations, smoking is not permitted in the Station, on board the Napa Valley Wine Train, or on the train's outside observation deck.