Sounds like it was a good time. The common tasting room will be a big addition once they get that finished.

“You need to budget about 4 hours in the middle of prime winery visiting time to experience the wine train.” This is just IT to me…why not spend this time visiting actual wineries instead? Unless you’re injured, very pregnant or wait, just those two, I don’t understand how this can be a recommended activity in wine country. (Hey, re-reading what I just wrote, I sound a bit harsh - that’s not at all intentional.) - Jack

I understand Jack’s concerns - but I think that if I were visiting Napa for more than one day, I would really welcome a relaxing day on the Wine Train. I have only visited the region once, and for only one day, so I would probably have missed out on a lot if I had taken the train. But, if I were there for an extend period, it would be a perfect way to do something different but still enjoy the wine country experience. We visited 5 wineries (which may or may not be a lot) but by the last place, I was EXHAUSTED! I couldn’t see doing that type of marathon tour everyday on my vacation. Winesmith - what was the demographic of the train-riders? Was it mainly the injured, pregnant, and elderly - or was it a mix of lots of people?

If I were just in wine country for a day, I’d certainly spend it at wineries, but — like Kim says — on a multi-day trip, it helps to mix things up a little bit. On our particular train, I noticed folks of all (drinking) ages. But there was a concentration of older folks (elderly and not quite elderly).

A 2 and a half day visit to Napa Valley: First of all I don’t consider myself an expert in wine. I’m close to novice. I’ve been drinking wine since I was able to hold my dads gallon jug of Ernest & Julio Gallo with out spilling (ok, I was 10 but I was only allowed half a glass. )
The one BIG thing I was paranoid about in Napa was drinking and driving. We were in San Jose for a wedding and decided to add a few days and taste Napa. As we drove into Napa I spotted Gloria Ferrer. At my bar I stock and love her Aria Cava from Spain. There are some pretty views at this vineyard but no tours. We sipped champagne and tasted Pinot Noirs. From there we drove to Sterling Vineyards because all the guide books said it’s a do not miss for a first timer to Napa. We arrived about 1 1/2 hours before they closed. This vineyard is beautiful and provides an informative walking tour. I found the gondola ride to be a cheap marketing tool. We liked a lot of the wines here so we joined their wine club. I do have to say I was disappointed when I came home and found out that the wines we purchased at Sterling were $10 more expensive than my local wine store, even after my “industry” discount. Before we left for our trip I made a reservation for a wine tasting tour because I was so afraid of drinking and driving. Hey, I live in NYC, I hail a cab after I’ve had 2 glasses of wine. Now to my point of my post…If you plan on spending more than 1 day in Napa DO NOT do a wine tour. You will obviously have a car, purchase a map and pick out 4-5 vineyards to go to each day. Almost every place charges for the tasting and they don’t give you more than 3 sips. At the end of my wine tour I felt completely fine to drive. It was 8 hours 5 vineyards and a bottled water with lunch. I could have done this on my own and saved $100. We chatted with people in our B&B that took the Wine Train and said that it was way too slow and a waste of time. Some said that they would do it if they had more time but on their last day as a send off. If you want a to see a really beautiful vineyard I recommend Peju. They have a rotating art installation inside and out with a wine and food pairing tasting. If you like the no nonsense “these are our wines, love’em or leave’em” type vineyard I highly recommend Dutch Henry Vineyards. These guys do not distribute their wines to liquor stores or restaurants. They have two Airedales that have been featured in a “Dogs Of Vineyards” book that run around the grounds. We tasted 7 wines and there wasn’t one we didn’t like. We joined the Dutch Henry wine club in a heart beat. They also have their own olive oil and vinegar. The olive oil is buttery with some grassy overtones. If you can afford it… buy it! Sorry for the long post. I like to see people maximize their time on well deserved vacations and remember it’s just my opinion. Cheers!