All aboard The Napa Valley Wine Train! One of the most unique and enchanting experiences in Napa Valley, the wine train offers guests a trip to the past while showing you the best of what Napa Valley has to offer today.

On your 36-mile round trip from Napa to St. Helena and back, you’ll experience gourmet cuisine, stunning views, and stops at wineries. With its refurbished, vintage pull cars, luxurious detailing, and romantic ambiance, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers a nostalgic journey through the golden age of locomotive travel. Here is everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind experience.

The train is also a gourmet restaurant

Though the thrill of the ride is a huge part of the experience, the train is primarily a rolling gourmet restaurant featuring a changing seasonal menu that highlights fresh, local ingredients (all prepared in the train’s two onboard kitchens). From ricotta gnocchi to roasted beef tenderloin, expect to dine on decadent courses of gourmet, Napa-style fare. In the spirit of Wine Country, an extensive onboard wine list is available for lunch and dinner, offering many different regional wines. You can even bring your own wine aboard, but just know you’ll have to pay a corkage fee.

Yes, the wine train makes stops at famous wineries

First-time visitors are encouraged to try The Legacy Experience, which includes a multi-course gourmet lunch during an hour-and-a-half-long journey to two of Napa Valley’s most famous wineries, Charles Krug Winery and V. Sattui.

The full-day Legacy Experience makes its first stop at the historic Charles Krug Winery, the oldest winery in Napa Valley. Guests will enjoy a private tour and tasting at the winery, which is the birthplace of California wine tasting as we know it (Charles Krug opened the first tasting room in the state), before heading to the whimsical winery that is V. Sattui. One of the first wineries to offer a wine tasting experience, you’ll enjoy their award-winning small batch wines amongst the Italianate architecture and lush gardens.

The Napa Valley Wine Train also offers half day tours, such as the Grgich Hills Winery Tour, which includes a two-hour train ride with a gourmet, multi-course lunch, followed by a tour and tasting at Grgich Hills Estate, founded by wine legend, Mike Grgich, who is recognized as one of the greatest winemakers in the world.

Children are welcome on the Napa Valley Wine Train

No need to leave the kids behind, as the Napa Valley Wine Train is an adventure fit for the whole family. The Open Air Car is perfect for a kid-friendly lunch since it is the most casual car on the train, so you can relax with your family without worrying about interrupting guests who seek a more upscale experience. The car’s open-air windows provide an eye-catching panoramic view of the passing scenery as the train glides through the valley. Children’s rates are only available for select packages, so be sure to call ahead.

A trip on the Napa Valley Wine Train is like stepping back in time

Insiders who have ridden the Napa Valley Wine Train recommend the Vista Dome Package, a train journey like no other. Though it’s the most expensive package, it features an unforgettable dining experience (for lunch or dinner) on the elevated, two-story Vista Dome dining car to deliver a “first-class” experience. With its plush interiors, exquisitely prepared food, and unobstructed views from every angle, Vista Dome is a nod to the glory days of luxury rail travel. Or, consider an elegant few hours aboard the Train during the Afternoon Tea package, a nod to the glamorous days of rail travel.

You can get married on the train

With its upscale culinary offerings and gorgeous vintage setting, the train is also a distinctive way for romantic couples to tie the knot. Small, intimate elopements can be conducted on the back of the moving train as it glides along the rails under Napa Valley’s lush sweeping scenery. Or, make reservations for larger groups in a single car or throughout the entire train. The train has everything needed to bring the vision of your special event to life.

Regardless of when you plan to visit, be it next weekend or next fall, Napa Valley is always a good idea. After all, there’s a reason why Napa remains one of the most popular destinations in California, and, believe it or not, wine is just a small part of the equation.

Happiness is not a state of mind, but a trip to Napa Valley.

From world-class wineries and breathtaking scenery to luxurious accommodations, acclaimed restaurants, rejuvenating spas, vibrant arts and culture, unique shopping, and more, Napa Valley truly has something for everyone. Plus, with its mild Mediterranean climate, this Northern California wine region boasts plenty of sunny days year-round, making it an ideal destination any time of year.

So when, exactly, is the best time of year to visit Napa Valley? It really depends on the type of experience you want to enjoy, as every season offers a different slice of Wine Country life. To help you plan the perfect getaway, regardless of the time of year, we’ve put together a seasonal guide to visiting Napa Valley.

Winter / “Low” Season

Winter, aka “low season,” may be considered the rainy season in Napa, but don’t let that deter you. The months of January, February, and March still offer much to love, thanks to plenty of clear, sunny days, daytime highs in the 50s, and fewer crowds than other times of year. It’s also a good time to take advantage of off-season hotel rates, which can often make an escape to Napa much easier on the budget. Of course, with evening temps dropping down into the 30s in some parts of Napa Valley, you’ll want to bring warm clothes, and preferably find a place to cozy up next to a fire.

Our Favorite Off-Season Activities in Napa Valley:

1. LIVING THE LUXE LIFE

   Indulge in a pampered stay at one of Napa Valley’s most luxurious hotels without paying peak season rates (yay!), then spend the money saved on an indulgent spa treatment or fancy dinner. What could be better?

2. WINE & FOOD PAIRINGS

   Discover the joys of pairing wine with food through an educational (and delicious) experience at a top winery. We’ve curated a list of our top 10 favorite pairings and the most unique wine pairings to help get you started.

3. VISITING TOP WINERIES WITHOUT THE CROWDS

   Visit Napa’s more popular wineries—such as PEJU Winery, Pine Ridge Vineyards, and Domaine Carneros—without worrying about summertime crowds. While most still require reservations, you’ll likely have your choice of appointment times.

Spring Season

After the winter rains, spring is a rejuvenating time of year in Napa Valley, when wildflowers adorn the vibrant green hillsides, vineyards start to awaken with the start of bud break, and the overall vibe is relaxed and cheerful as the days get longer. While you still may see some rain in the forecast, most of the time the temperatures are mild and inviting, making wine tasting outdoors a more appealing prospect. It’s also a great time to explore Napa’s outdoorsy side, biking or hiking around before the summertime heat descends upon the Valley. Average highs tend to range in the mid-to-high 60s and start to roll into the mid-70s by May, though evening lows are still pretty chilly, typically in the mid-to-high 40s.

Our Favorite Spring Activities in Napa Valley:

1. BIKING THE VALLEY

   There’s nothing like savoring the sights of Napa on two wheels with a guided bike tour with Getaway Adventures. Or, you could rent a bike to explore the region on your own.

2. VISITING SUSTAINABLE WINERIES

   Live out Earth Day all season long with a visit to some of Napa’s most sustainable wineries. We’d highly suggest following your tasting with a local and seasonal lunch in St. Helena.

3. REJUVENATING MUD TREATMENTS

   Experience the healing benefits of Calistoga’s mud with a treatment at one of Calistoga’s top spas before settling down for a delicious meal at a nearby top restaurant. Trust us, you’ll be glowing from the inside out.

Summer / “Peak Season”

With dry, sunny days and virtually no rain—there’s rarely a cloud in the sky from sunrise to sunset—it’s no wonder why people flock to Napa Valley during the summer months. Wineries and tasting rooms embrace the nice weather by offering outdoor tastings and vineyard tours, hotel pools can be found bustling with happy guests enjoying the California sunshine, and local farmers’ markets are bursting with summer produce. You’ll find average daytime temperatures in the mid-80s to mid-90s, depending on how far north you are in the valley, with lows ranging in the 50s at night.

Our Favorite Summer Activities in Napa Valley:

1. BOTTLEROCK

   We love kicking off the summer season with music and wine at BottleRock Napa Valley, inarguably one of the biggest festivals in Northern California each year.

2. POOLSIDE HANGS

   What could be better than lounging poolside whilst basking in the California sun? Lounging poolside just steps from your hotel room. Here are a few of our favorite hotel pools for inspiration.

3. HOT AIR BALLOONING

   Soar high above the valley with a hot air balloon ride via Napa Valley Aloft or Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. If you’re a balloon first-timer, here’s what to know before you go.

Fall Season

Fall is always a busy time of year in Wine Country, when the bustling harvest season brings an air of excitement to the Valley. During the months of August, September, and October, winery teams can be seen picking grapes in the vineyards for crush, and some wineries even offer special harvest tours so you can witness the winery production facilities buzzing with action. Even if you’re not here for the wine, it’s hard to deny the appeal of fall in Napa, when the region shines with vibrant autumnal colors of orange, red, gold, and yellow. Add in mild temperatures both day and night and it’s no wonder why harvest is a popular time for visitors (we recommend booking reservations well in advance). Average day highs linger in the high 70s to low 80s, dropping down into the 50s at night, with rarely much precipitation in sight.

Our Favorite Fall Activities in Napa Valley:

1. CABERNET TASTING

   Prepare for the cooler months by stocking up on Napa Valley’s premier wine: Cabernet. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite spots for tasting Cabs in Napa, or, if exclusivity is more your game, check out our top cult wineries in Napa.

2. TRIPS TO DOWNTOWN NAPA

   Downtown Napa has never been more happening, and we’re all about it. Book a stay at a chic hotel and then enjoy all the exciting tasting rooms and hip restaurants within walking distance.

3. WINE TASTING WITH A VIEW

   Napa Valley is chock full of wineries with surroundings as stunning as the wines served. When you’re ready to delight all your senses, consider any of these 10 most beautiful wineries.

Winter Holiday Season

Mid-November through early January is no doubt a magical time in Napa Valley, when festive winter events and holiday gatherings add to the joy of the season. Starting with Thanksgiving, many restaurants in the area offer special holiday dinners to take advantage of, while wineries host a range of specials on wine and holiday open-houses. Whole towns even go all out this time of year, showcasing bright twinkly lights and special events for kids of all ages. Daytime averages are usually in the high 50s to low 60s, with nighttime temps clocking in the 40s and high 30s. So, while you won’t be in for a “white Christmas” in Napa, rainy days can be more frequent, so don’t forget an umbrella or a rain jacket for those times when the weather forecast calls for rain instead of sun.

Our Favorite Holiday Activities in Napa Valley:

1. COOKING CLASSES AT CIA

   Prep for all that holiday entertaining by taking a hands-on cooking class at the CIA at Copia, located in downtown Napa. Afterwards, we recommend stopping into the CIA’s Marketplace to stock up on gifts for the foodies in your life.

2. HOPPING ABOARD THE WINE TRAIN

   During the holiday season, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers festive experiences for kids of all ages—the most popular being the Santa Train, which includes games, hot cocoa, cookies, live entertainment, and more. Adults will also love spending a festive New Year’s Eve aboard the train.

3. UNLOCKING NAPA’S ARTISTIC SIDE

   Take a break from holiday shopping with a stop into downtown Napa’s Acumen Wine Gallery—part art gallery, part tasting room. Or, venture to one of Napa’s wineries with stunning art collections, where the art truly is as impressive as the wine.