The Napa Valley Wine Train, made up of original 1915 red and gold Pullman Cars, stretched down the track as far as I could see.
When I stepped aboard I felt as though I traveled back in time to the Golden Age of luxury rail travel and fine dining.
The Maitre D' seated me at a table covered in crisp white linen and fine china.
The walls were ornate woodwork and wide window at the end of the table was cloaked in thick, luxurious curtains.
My eyes poured over the mouth-watering menu and wine list.
The price for this culinary journey is $94, which and includes the train ride and a Prix Fixe gourmet menu.
The wine pairing is separate but well-worth springing for.
The wines by the glass ranged from $8-18.
On the tour, I received "first service" which means I was served lunch on the first leg of the trip and would have dessert on the return trip.
For my meal, I selected the beef tenderloin, which came with a delicious grilled Gorgonzola toast and pan seared asparagus.
It did not disappoint.
The tender beef melted in my mouth and Gorgonzola toast was rich and yummy.
After lunch the train stopped at Grigich Hills Estate for a winery tour and tasting.
Miljenko "Mike" Grgich, a vintner who first gained international recognition at the celebrated "Paris Tasting" of 1976, started the winery.
I didn't get to meet Mike on our tour and the guide who walked us through the property was rather stiff and serious in his presentation.
The tour ended in the tasting room.
The wines were delicious though, and the tasting well worth listening to him drone on.
On the return trip to Napa we had dessert service in the lounge car.
This was the most disappointing part of the trip.
The coffee was hot and delicious, but the dessert was warm, runny and tasteless, instead of chilled and rich.
I had to push my dessert plate away, which I rarely do.
A stop by the kitchen revealed and amazingly narrow, yet fully operational kitchen, brimming with activity.
Each plate is made to order and served while the train is in motion.
To see the chefs and staff in action was worth the price of the ticket.
According to the website, "the meals are all prepared using environmentally responsible ingredients, humanely raised, hormone-free meats and fresh, line-caught fish.
" The Napa Valley Wine Train will give you hours of vineyard views, superb table service and a chance to experience the century-old tradition of rail-travel and fine dining.
When I stepped aboard I felt as though I traveled back in time to the Golden Age of luxury rail travel and fine dining.
The Maitre D' seated me at a table covered in crisp white linen and fine china.
The walls were ornate woodwork and wide window at the end of the table was cloaked in thick, luxurious curtains.
My eyes poured over the mouth-watering menu and wine list.
The price for this culinary journey is $94, which and includes the train ride and a Prix Fixe gourmet menu.
The wine pairing is separate but well-worth springing for.
The wines by the glass ranged from $8-18.
On the tour, I received "first service" which means I was served lunch on the first leg of the trip and would have dessert on the return trip.
For my meal, I selected the beef tenderloin, which came with a delicious grilled Gorgonzola toast and pan seared asparagus.
It did not disappoint.
The tender beef melted in my mouth and Gorgonzola toast was rich and yummy.
After lunch the train stopped at Grigich Hills Estate for a winery tour and tasting.
Miljenko "Mike" Grgich, a vintner who first gained international recognition at the celebrated "Paris Tasting" of 1976, started the winery.
I didn't get to meet Mike on our tour and the guide who walked us through the property was rather stiff and serious in his presentation.
The tour ended in the tasting room.
The wines were delicious though, and the tasting well worth listening to him drone on.
On the return trip to Napa we had dessert service in the lounge car.
This was the most disappointing part of the trip.
The coffee was hot and delicious, but the dessert was warm, runny and tasteless, instead of chilled and rich.
I had to push my dessert plate away, which I rarely do.
A stop by the kitchen revealed and amazingly narrow, yet fully operational kitchen, brimming with activity.
Each plate is made to order and served while the train is in motion.
To see the chefs and staff in action was worth the price of the ticket.
According to the website, "the meals are all prepared using environmentally responsible ingredients, humanely raised, hormone-free meats and fresh, line-caught fish.
" The Napa Valley Wine Train will give you hours of vineyard views, superb table service and a chance to experience the century-old tradition of rail-travel and fine dining.
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