Wine Tasting Inspired by Wine Train’s Rock the Rails Concert Series

  • Travel
  • by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
  • on JULY 12, 2017
  • 3359
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Pairing the dynamic duo of acclaimed musicians and world-class wine, the Napa Valley Wine Train has introduced the inaugural Rock the Rails concert series here in Napa Valley. The season will be marked with three unforgettable live music acts beginning this August. Join them for their four star dining options onboard, no-fuss transportation, and an unforgettable concert experience with musical favorites at a legendary winery venue.

Check out the line-up:

Thursday, August 24th: Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy at V. Sattui
Thursday, September 21st: Sheila E at Grgich Hills Estate
Thursday, October 5th: David Pack’s Legend’s featuring
John Elefante former vocalist for Kansas
Wally Palmar of The Romantics
Gary Wright and more!
Live at Charles Krug


We thought the line-up was pretty legendary which got us thinking about the legendary wineries that’ll be hosting this fun new Napa Valley event. From historic estates to wines that put Napa Valley on the map, these three wineries must be on your wine country bucket list.

Charles Krug
2800 Main Street
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 967-2229
Tasting price: $45 and up

Founded in 1861, Charles Krug is the oldest winery in Napa Valley and has been dedicated to producing acclaimed wines for over the last 150 years. Their iconic Family Reserve Barrel Room and Carriage House building was recently restored and now plays host to the winery’s award-winning Redwood Cellar. The cellar dates back to 1872 and is a chic, modern interpretation of the original structure with open beam construction and redwood from the original wine tanks.

The winery offers two tasting options. The Estate Tasting is available daily and features a rotating selection of five small-lot, estate wines. It includes bites from their salumeria, Cucina di Rosa. Book your tickets to see Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famers and then book a tour and tasting full of hall of fame wines on their tour and tasting offering. This excursion is a deeper dive into the winery’s heritage, property, and wines, and each guest will delight in five tastings, including a barrel sample, and pairings of cheese and meat.

Insider Tip: July through October, the winery fires up their wood-burning pizza oven to share authentic, Italian-style pizza outside their beautiful Redwood Room. Each pizza is crafted using produce from their onsite garden and includes cheese and meats from their salumeria. Available from 11am – 4pm, Monday through Thursday.

Grgich Hills Estate
1829 St. Helena Highway
Rutherford, CA 94573
(707) 963-2784
Tasting price: $25 and up

Grgich Hills Estate was founded by the famed Miljenko “Mike” Grgich and his sister and brother-in-law after he put Napa Valley on the map with Chateau Montelena and it’s Judgement of Paris win in 1973. Grgich has been a partner and stop on the Napa Valley Wine Train since 1996 and additionally hosts international and local events. One of the most popular includes a yearly Blessing of the Grapes to welcome the start of the harvest. It began three decades ago and the unique event is open to the public.

No reservations are required in their tasting room and a visit is open to all ages. We suggest you get a little rock ‘n roll and book their Miljenko’s Flight which includes “Miljenko’s Selection, Chardonnay” the same varietal Mike made in Paris that put the valley on the map. As well as a great showcase of both their reds and whites.

Insider Tip: If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Napa Valley during harvest season, stop by Grgich Hills Estate for their yearly Grape Stomp. Only available August through October, guests can dip their toe into a barrel of freshly picked fruit and stomp in celebration of the season. No reservations required, and guests leave with a complimentary “I stomped at Grgich Hills” t-shirt branded with their own wine-soaked feet and a complimentary glass of wine.

V. Sattui
1111 White Lane
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-7774
Tastings price: $30 and up

The St. Helena winery initially opened in 1885 by Italian, Vittorio Sattui, making it one of the oldest in the region. The popular winery offers a handful of tasting and a couple tour options for curious and inquisitive wine fans. If you’re looking to delight only in their wares, there are a few options open to visitors without reservations; the indoor Marketplace and Tower tastings.

But in the immortal words of the David Pack from Kansas “Lay your weary head to rest. Don’t you cry no more,” because we have the best suggestion for a tasting at V. Sattui. The Terrace Tasting on the weekends is a true al fresco experience! Your choice of five extraordinary wines from their top-tier portfolio on our private terrace overlooking Vittorio’s Vineyard. Cheese and charcuterie platter upgrade available for $10.

Insider Tip: One of the most popular additions to the winery (minus the wine, of course) is their onsite deli and marketplace. It hosts everything you would need for a picnic, including over 200 delectable cheeses and housemade Italian desserts. Grab the goods and head out to their two acres of picnic grounds under grand oak trees. Soak in the sun and wave at passengers of the Napa Valley Wine Train as it rambles by the winery.


Author

WineCountry Collective

WineCountry is made up of a dedicated and passionate team of wine, food, and travel aficionados. We diligently explore regions, both near and far, to curate the best ideas and resources. Whether you're musing over your next wine escapade, planning a romantic weekend away, embracing the Wine Country lifestyle at home, or are simply looking to be entertained for a moment, trust us to be your comprehensive guide.