The Napa Wine Train
Napa is located about 50 miles or so North of San Francisco, and about an equal distance East of Sacramento. It's a good 3 hour drive from Merced, (where I live) depending on traffic conditions. My husband and I had been holding tickets for the wine train and finally got around to making reservations. Yes, reservations are mandatory. We checked into Napa the night before. As a rule it's a good idea to secure motel reservations, just in case something is going on in Napa, and most of the time something is going on. However, we went during the week so reservations were not quite as crucial. Right now the wine train runs twice a day year round, for lunch and for dinner. It starts out in Napa and makes a 36 mile (3 hour) round trip to St. Helena to the north. We read in the ad that we would enter restored 1917 Pullman dining cars, and so we did. For train buffs among you, you will enjoy the etched glass, polished brass, velvet curtains, fine linen, and English china, silver flat ware and lead crystal, just the way those travellers did in 1917. You may go for wine tasting on the train, or for lunch (as we did, ordering a fine bottle of Johannisberg Riesling from Sattui). The food and the service is an utter delight. You have 4 choices of entrees, which are served with soup or salad and crusty warm French bread. My husband had filet Mignon and I had Angel Hair pasta with shrimp and scallops (the other choices were Salmon and Chicken breast). My husband and I shared... both entrés, were out of this world good... but I recommend the filet Mignon, it's the best I've ever tasted anywhere. As you ride along you will pass a multitude of wineries and vineyards. The scenery is certainly pleasant If you go strictly for scenery, you can take the road which runs perfectly parallel to the train. If you are after culinary delights, to be spoiled, relax, and taste some fine wines in the process, this trip is for you! Round trip train fare Call 1-800-427-4124 or 707-253-2111 Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Yes. You'll be in good company of fine diners from all over the world..... including those picky French folks.
while in the Northern California Wine Country Besides taking the wine train, do the obvious: Go wine tasting! North of Napa and around Napa you will find some familiar names: Mondavi, Monicello, Inglenook, Charles Krug, Franciscan, Beaulieu, Sutter Home, Christian Brothers, Beringer, Domaine Chandon. If you stop at the Sattui vinery in Rutherford you will find that besides stocking a fine assortment of wines which they don't sell to stores, they have some 300 sorts of cheeses ready for you to pick from for your picnic on the grounds. Yes, of course they have French bread and other bread as well. ************************************** In the mood for a mud bath? Go to Calistoga, just a bit further north on highways 29/128. (The one that runs parallel to the train). ************************************** Want to ride a hot air balloon? Call Napa Balloons, INC at 1-800-253-2224 or 707-253-2224. ************************************** Amusement park up your ally? Marine World is located 10 minutes south of Napa. 1-800-229-2785. ************************************** Is golfing your thing? Try the prestigious Silverado Country Club. Sorry, I don't have the phone #, they don't need to advertise!! ************************************** Nothing for you yet? Stop in Sacramento on the way back, slight detour. Visit Old Town, the train museum, the State Capitol, Sutter Ford. ************************************** California Trains
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by California Hiker