Have Wine, Will Travel - The Napa Valley Wine Train
Written: Apr 17 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: The food was out of this world.
Cons: None
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| bonzobean's Full Review: The Wine Country |
Recently my husband surprised me with a romantic weekend getaway to the Napa Valley. We stayed in a lovely bed and breakfast overlooking the valley and spent an evening on the Napa Valley Wine Train. I had always wanted to ride on the Wine Train, but mistakenly thought it would be touristy. I was proven wrong.
The Wine Train's History
The Napa Valley Wine Train, Inc bought the railroad line from Southern Pacific Railroad in 1987. The Chairman is also the President of Golden Grain Macaroni Company and has acquired the Ghiradelli Chocolate Company. He also has served as the Vice President of the United States for the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs (a worldwide food and wine society). The train itself has been elegantly restored. The 1915 Pullman Cars have been restored and give one the feel of days long past. The walls are done in a rich wood with etched glass on the windows. Brass fixtures adorn the walls.
A Three Hour Tour, A Three Hour Tour
The Station
Our epicurean adventure began prior to boarding. Those arriving early are treated to a wine tasting in the station. As was pointed out, one to two glasses daily of wine has been shown to be healthy. If you don't believe them, you're invited to ask your physician and if your physician disagrees, you're invited to find a new physician. The station has several small shops to browse through and an art gallery with many historic valley prints for sale.
All Aboard - The Lounge Car
At approximately 5:45pm, we were invited to board the train. We began our adventure in the restored Pullman car. Cramped quarters these were not. We had plenty of room to relax. Our large over-stuffed chairs faced the east windows, but could swivel if we wanted to peek out the west side. We found that even the minutest of details is planned: On the way back, you'll find yourself sitting on the opposite side of the train. Our Drink Orders were taken. My husband ordered a 1998 Niebaum Coppola Merlot. The wine had a mild boquet, but proved to be spicier than expected with earthy wood overtones. Overall, we found this wine to be slightly better than average, but wouldn't rush out to find a bottle. Promptly after receiving our drink order, we were served a wonderful melt-in-the-mouth Chicken Liver and Truffle Pate with a side of toasted romano bread, kalamata olives, and stoneground mustard. During our appetizer, our train was still gliding through Napa. I was impressed with how many locals took time to wave to the people on the train. One might have expected a bit of snootiness towards the tourists, but we found out that this just was not so. The trip takes you past many vineyards and the during Spring everything is just so green, including the foothills on either side of the train.
The Wine-Tasting Car
After a half hour or so, we decided to venture into the Wine-Tasting car to sample some of Napa Valley's best. For only five dollars, we were allowed to choose four out of the 25-plus wines on board. Chrissy, our wine server, was quick to keep our glasses filled and fill us in on the plusses of each wine. My favorite was a 1997 Chimney Rock Cabernet Sauvignon which I found to have a good aroma, was slightly peppery, and left a pleasing aftertaste. I also sampled a 1997 Grgich Hills Chardonnay (buttery, slightly fruity in taste, would recommend), a 1997 Vigil Cabernet Franc (I love a good Cabernet Franc but found this one to be a bit sweet and left me with a dry mouth. I would still recommend this one, but prefer Gold Hill's Cabernet Franc), and a 1995 Ballantine Red Zinfandel (slightly pungent, yet smooth aftertaste. I'd say this one was about average). My husband's favorite was a 1996 Atlas Peak Sangiovese which he found to be smooth and buttery. He also enjoyed the 1997 Bella Novella Cabernet Sauvignon which had a wildberry overtone and was well-rounded. After our tastings, we headed back to the lounge car to await mealtime.
The Dining Car
An hour and twenty minutes into the trip, we pulled into St. Helena. We moved up into the Dining Car and were pleasantly surprised with our step-back-in-time. This car was pure elegance. Our table was adorned with a damask linen tablecloth, linen napkins, real silver flatware, bone china, and crystalware. Each table held an old-fashioned silver candlestick and the lighting overhead was dimmed giving out soft, warm illumination. The windows were framed in crushed velvet curtains and the walls were made of a dark, warm wood (perhaps mahogany?). Promptly upon being seated, our drink order was again taken, at which time, I decided on a diet coke. Our meal started out with a lovely Seasonal Greens Salad with beets, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, a healthy slice of cambozola cheese and the honey-dijon and tarragon vinaigrette. After our salad, we were given a multi-flavored Harlequin Sorbet to cleanse our palate for the main course. We were given a choice of four entrees. I chose the Wine Train Tenderloin made of roasted whole angus beef tenderloin marinated in cabernet wine, olive oil, and fresh herbs along with a large portion of sauteed mushrooms. My husband chose the Pancetta Pork Noisettes which was seasoned with Carribean spices, and smothered with caramelized portabello mushrooms, pancetta, and goat cheese. Our meals were accompanied by tender asparagus, baby carrots, and new potatoes, all perfectly prepared. After dinner, we were served fresh-ground coffee and a choice of desserts. I had the Chocolate Decadence smothered in raspberry sauce (a chocoholic's dream) and my husband had the Strawberry Rhubarb tart with a side of vanilla ice cream.
Our Server
Yes, I believe our server, Melissa, deserves a paragraph of her own. We were very impressed with the level of service we received. She kept our water glasses full and swept the plates off the table once we were done. We never seemed to be kept wanting for anything. In fact, I mistakenly used my dinner fork with my salad and rather than call attention to my social faux-pas (which I continue to blame on the wine-tasting), she quietly picked up my remaining, unused salad fork and quickly replaced it with a dinner fork.
Miscellaneous Tidbits
We took the Gourmet Dinner Train Excursion which was priced at $75 a person. This really is a wonderful deal when you figure train fare, dinner, dessert, coffee and tea, wine tasting in the station, and gratuities are included. Although, Melissa did such a wonderful job, we couldn't help but leave her a little extra. The Wine Train does run year long, but if you're planning a dinner getaway, I'd recommend going after Daylight Savings Time. The trip begins at 6pm and you want to enjoy the scenery and catch the sunset. One last note, bring a lite sweater or jacket, the cars tend to stay a little cool with the opening of doors.
Planning Your Wine Train Excursion
I'd recommend visiting the official Wine Train website at http://www.winetrain.com/. You'll find information on rates, events, lodging in the Napa area, and other general information. I believe some people mistakenly pass up this adventure because they do not drink. I noticed many on board who were drinking soft drinks, tea, and other non-alcoholic drinks. They also offer family-friendly trips with activities for the children (kids under 13 dine free). You'll also find trips offering champagne brunches, Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, Jazz concert trips and oh-so-much more.
Our Trip
My husband and I had a delightful time on board the train. We enjoyed our four-course dinner and drinks. We also enjoyed critiquing everything in preparation of this review. I cannot think of anything I would change about this trip and think this is a trip everybody should make at least once in their lifetime. Enjoy!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
bonzobean
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Location: West Coast
Reviews written: 134
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About Me:
I think the mistake many of us make is thinking the-state-appointed shrink is our friend.
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