Touring Quattro Vino with the Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa Valley Wine Train
1275 McKinstry St
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 253-2111

There’s a youth quake happening in the Napa Valley region that is morphing it into a hip, must-visit destination for folks of all ages. And the Wine Train is on board, growing their already decadent journeys lunch and dinner trips into full-fledged experiences. The history of the rail line runs deep and the combination of their luxuriously refurbished, vintage Pullman cars takes riders to another era when rail travel was the only way to go.

The most exciting rebirth is with their Quattro Vino series. The inaugural journey happened in June 2016, but realizing it’s mark as a top, unique wine experience in Napa Valley, they recently extended the series to three new exclusive rides (with another to start in September 2017), each filled with a four-course, Napa-style meal, three distinctive and themed winery stops, and six hours aboard the newly remodeled, chic train.

Here’s an insider’s look into the Estate Tour and a sampling into the newest tour and tasting journeys available on board with Quattro Vino.

Estate Tour
The Estate Tour is a journey to three of the most picturesque, winery properties in Napa Valley. Showcasing the form and structure of their facilities and highlighting the art, architecture, and distinctive views.

Freshly revamped, the Quattro Vino train for the Estate Tour is a modern interpretation on the historic railcar. Marble tables complement simple benches, while quaint succulents bedecking each fourtop. Guests are promptly greeted with a glass of sparkling wine from Domaine Chandon (which is also the first winery destination).

Before the train makes its first stop, the Wine Train’s talented culinary team showcases the first course with delicious breakfast bites. This tour stops at three wineries beginning with the iconic California sparkling wine house, Chandon. At the winery, guests are greeted with bubbles again(of course!) and the tasting begins with a brief outdoor tour of the surrounding grounds, mock vineyards, and a peak into their eco-friendly practices. The tour takes a playful spin and after a few sips of their wine offerings, the guide will lead you through a mini-Cocktail 101 class, an offering that’s available daily on their tasting menu and explores fun and interactives ways to mix their wares.

Insider Tip: Take that sparkling cocktail mixing knowledge home with you along with a bottle of their Sweet Star to try out concoctions of your own.

After a relaxed and playful tasting at Chandon, the group climbs back on board the train and onto your next stop. But beforehand, a main course(from an ever evolving menu) of Pacific salmon with caramelized shallots, marble potatoes, bacon and asparagus or rosemary and garlic marinated steak with portabello mushroom and sundried tomato farro is served.

Insider Tip: While you may be sipping on your stops, The Wine Train has a robust wine and cocktail list. We recommend the The Tequila Mockingbird to complement the steak.

Hall Wines is the next destination, and this St. Helena winery boasts more than just crazy good Cabernet, beautiful views and art are in abundance. The tour includes a journey into their on-site vineyards and a peek into the current state of their vines. It’s an opportunity to ask questions about winemaking and an exclusive, up-close experience that isn’t often part of a typical winery tour.

Insider Tip: Members of Hall Wines not only receive generous discounts on their bottles and four shipments of wine per year, but also complimentary tastings for up to four guests.

While at Hall, the train made it’s turn to head south back towards Inglenook, the third and final winery visit. En route, the Wine Train team takes a chance to cleanse rider’s palates with an infused water and savory cookie course, a delightful bite to fuel the continued adventure.

The arrival at Inglenook is quite grandiose. Owned by Francis Ford-Coppola since 1975, the last 40 years have been spent reuniting and restoring the historic property and vineyards. The team at Inglenook meets guests at the bus and welcomes with a crisp glass of the winery’s wares before taking the tasting inside. The tour continues with Inglenook’s Sommelier leading the group into the building’s chilly wine caves, a pleasant respite from the Napa Valley sun. Considering the structure, even with its grandeur, has only be used for winemaking, these caves have quite the history.

Insider Tip: Be sure to adventure upstairs for a closer look at the beautiful window and the continued impressive film collection from the well-known director. If that doesn’t fit your fancy, take your final pour outside to their European inspired cafe offering up additional glasses of vino, cigars, and breathtaking views of the property from their cafe tables.

While the tastings come to a close after Inglenook, the Wine Train’s journey is not yet complete. The multi-course meal is closed by a two-part dessert as the train continues towards their Napa station, starting with a sensational Hazelnut-Frangipane tart with fresh blended strawberry puree and a fifth course of a Nor-Cal triple creme brie with balsamic fig glaze. It’s the absolute icing on the cake (no dessert pun intended) of an epic journey through 36 miles of Napa Valley.

Insider Tip: End your railway adventure with one more scrumptious and suggested glass of vino to complement the last two courses. The Wine Train team carefully determines a pairing daily and it’s worth taking a sip.

Two Other Quattro Vino Tours to consider:

>Collective Tour
The most exploratory of the Quattro Vino tours, the Collective Tour is a peek into the adventurous side of Napa Valley and wine tasting. The train makes stops at Beringer, St. Supery, and Raymond Vineyards. From wine caves to whimsical properties, this tour will leave guests spellbound and elevate their senses.

Legacy Tour
With a combined winemaking history of over 300 years, the Legacy Tour celebrates the heritage of wine in Napa Valley. Stopping at established and acclaimed vineyards, the tour is dedicated to the legacy of the wineries and their wares. The Wine Train pulls up to Robert Mondavi, Charles Krug, and V. Sattui on this adventure into the past and is a history lesson guests won’t want to miss.

Insider Tip: You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to enjoy any of our Quattro Vino packages. The tours are filled with history, beautiful Napa Valley views, inspiring artwork, and some of the best Napa cuisine the valley has to offer.

Explore the Estate Tour, Collective Tour, and Legacy Tour now leaving the Wine Train’s downtown Napa station daily. Book your own journey at winetrain.com/quattro-vino-tours.

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Author

WineCountry Staff