Is the Napa Valley Wine Train Really Worth Your Time and Money?

As the year comes to an end, I look back over the numerous trips I’ve taken and I’m really in awe. I didn’t travel as much as I typically do and I only used my passport twice this year. However, I did take some big girl, grown woman trips. In June, I was fortunate to visit Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts and I just completed my Napa Valley journey. Both places are quite expensive to travel to in the states and I’m still so surprised that I’ve now been to both in the same year!

One of the main reasons why I wanted to visit Napa was the wine train! Now, I’m not the biggest wine connoisseur. I’m a cheap, grab a $20 or less bottle from the grocery store type of girl. I like a few reds, mostly white and not too dry. I might even drink wine straight from the bottle after a long day. But, that’s another story..

This past holiday weekend I jumped on a flight headed out west towards the beautiful city of Napa Valley. Typical me, I procrastinated with booking the wine train and was only able to get a ticket for the gourmet express, 3 hour lunch train ($328 with taxes and fees). It is the cheapest package, but after walking through the other cabins I felt like I wasn’t missing anything.

The train was mostly filled with couples celebrating wedding anniversaries. But, there was also surprisingly a bunch of single seats right near the window with perfect views! Upon boarding, a hostess leads you to your assigned seat and you receive a glass of sparking wine. Your one and only free glass.

After guzzling down my glass, I glance at the menu that the waiter drops off. I see prices for wine? Hmm. That’s interesting. I don’t know why I just assumed that a glass would be included with each course. Maybe the wine with prices are for the more moderate drinkers. Hmm.

The waiter comes by to take my order for the three courses. I ordered the roasted tomato soup, grilled tenderloin of beef and chocolate lava cake. I sweetly asked if wine is included with each course, I was met with an unfortunate no. Wine from here on out is only for purchase.

At the moment I felt so cheated. I spent over $300 to eat $40 worth of food and ride in an old train? Like they couldn’t even include three glasses of cheap wine with each course? I would have been happy with some Sutter Home or Beringer! It all starts tasting the same after getting a buzz.

But I sucked it up. I traveled all this way to Napa. Just bring me a flight of wine to ease the pain. Make it two flights.

The train ride overall was a nice experience, the food was really tasty and the train passed through some gorgeous scenery. The staff on the train were very nice and friendly, the customer service was A+.

Final Thoughts

Would I do it again? Yep on someone else’s dime.

Would I recommend it? Unfortunately, No. Napa is home to some amazing restaurants and even more amazing wineries. Unless you just wanna blow through $300 and it’s something you really, really wanna do. When now that I think about it, the wine train cost more than my flight.

Oh wells.

On a good note, I met some amazing women from Florida and I hung out with them for the rest of the day. I was able to drink, take a quick nap in the backseat, eat and repeat.

The perfect vacation sequence.