The Napa Wine Train was the worst experience during our 5-day stay in Napa.
I do NOT recommend the Wine Train for the following reasons:
1. Inconsistent Order Confirmations Transactional Receipt vs Actual Amount Charged:
I received an order confirmation transactional receipt from Wine Train for $1384 on date of purchase Feb 19, but was actually charged $1466 on my credit card that same day.
2. The overall tone and treatment we received were disappointing and did not align with the ‘genuine hospitality’ advertised by Wine Train.
At $700+ per person, I do expect to be treated with dignity and respect, but instead, my friends and I were treated very rudely, as if we were children on a terrible School Field Trip.
While we were talking among ourselves in the Open-Air car, we were “shushed” by Remy. Everyone around was also talking among their groups but we were the only ones to be told to “quiet down” as if we were disruptive children. We weren’t loud and we were simply trying to enjoy the experience. Being singled out and spoken to in such a patronizing manner was unacceptable.
We waited patiently for our tastings only to be told to “do not drink” the wine for 20+ minutes while the host, Oscar, lectured the group on unrelated topics.
The wines served during the Open-Air car tasting were disappointing. The pours were small and stingy. The wines were not properly chilled and we were expected to use the same wine glass for the 3-4 different wines.
Again, at $700+ per person, shouldn't the Wine Train have proper white vs red glasses?
When we expressed our disappointment with our experience to Oscar, he was unprofessional and condescending. We simply stated that we were disappointed in the experience and that we expected less lecturing and more wine. Oscar lectured us even more, saying “so you just want to drink and not learn?” He completely misrepresented our concerns. I had to step away from the conversation while Oscar continued to berate my 2 friends.
We visited several wineries during our time in Napa, all of which struck a perfect balance between education and enjoyment. The Wine Train felt more like a School Field Trip with too many lectures from a boring teacher who didn't want to be there.
3. Wine Train food was subpar. The meals tasted at best like airplane food - meh. Just ok. The cheese served looked like it came out of a Cheez Whiz can. We did not stay long enough to try the dessert.
The best part of the day was when we voluntarily left the Wine Train during the 2nd stop.
Visitors to Napa, you better off hiring a driver for around $600/day and paying tasting fees per winery. Wine Train is NOT worth the time or money.
PS: The Wine Train does not honor business hours. Good luck to all the customers trying to get a hold of them on the phone or in-person on weekend mornings.
Ed Torres
Train was nice but for the Grgich Hills package I purchased to provide only one glass of white wine on the train with lunch is a bit absurd by the Napa Train folks. Totally not worth the money I paid.
Ashley Richardson
5 stars for the ambiance & staff members!!! 2 stars for the finger foods, sorry they were cute and looked good but didn’t taste that great. My friends and I had a lovely time on the 4 course tea train for my birthday. It was all of our first times ever riding the wine train and we enjoyed it, however for the price you pay, you really don’t get your moneys worth (soup, salad, finger/cucumber sandwiches, desserts)and we didn’t even stop to get off the train. Also there really isn’t much to look at fields, a couple stores, construction sites, trailer parks, and few wineries). It’s definitely OVERPRICED! I would do it again if it becomes cheaper though. Maybe offer unlimited wine along with the tea, better food, and something for people celebrating their birthdays. I’m so happy my cousin bought along decorations (vines, rose pedals, 36 lights) to make our area extra cute !!!
Michelle
Beautiful trip & great service. However, the food was not great at all. I would suggest doing the ride without the meal. It's very pricey for what you get. About 1k for 3 people! Taxes and fees, etc
Harry Saito
Super unfriendly vibes from the store clerk walking in. Didn't see any wines that one couldn't find elsewhere, but didn't stay too long because we didn't feel welcome. 🤷🏻
Saipan Riya
Me and my bf went there to celebrate my birthday. I was so excited about Wine Train but unfortunately, the experience was below expectations. For price of $350 per person, We got 4 course meal and 1 glass of bubbly. (My bf can’t have fizzy drink due to sensitive stomach issue) The name “Wine train” but not includes wine in the ticket price. Wine or other drinks must be purchased separately. We had to pay extra for wine pared with food. Food were just okay, for the cost we expected food a little better than just average American food, dessert quality also like brought from grocery store. while I was eating, my BF who already finished his meal asked me to walk to take some picture. When I left our table there were half of the food still in my plate and when we came back the plate was gone. I was clearly upset that I didn’t finish my food. Server maybe think I have finished but would have been nice to ask first before took half of the food away. Servers were lovely early on so I didnt want to make a big deal out of it. I regret that I should have say something so it won’t happen again with other people. 3 hours train ride was smooth and pleasant. The views were okay train pass through winery vineyards mostly main road and graffitied houses. However, we thought the cost was high for the overall experience and not worth it.
Ebere N.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the food was delicious. The staff was super kind & accommodating. The only thing I would say I had a really loud group of ppl next to my booth for the duration of my adventure, which was unpleasant. If not for that it would be a 5/5 experience.
Jesus Angelo Robert de Alba II
Paid a lot, unimpressed for price, our window had duct tape on it. Our anniversary acknowledgement was a candle In the desert we paid for. Staff was nice - front desk was OK. Don't do it at night, literally can't see anything with foggy windows. Just spend the money you'd use for this to get a nice room somewhere like river terrace inn and eat a great food in DT napa. I mentioned I work in the wine industry and got 0 acknowledgement or discount - maybe they didn't hear me. So I don't really blame them for that. Guess you gotta be more direct about getting discounts. 🤷 All in all - meh.
Josh Smith
Awesome trip and definitely something you should do whilst in Napa
Chrissy Billions
I went for dinner… I think they need to cut that service because you can’t see out the windows at night & part of the experience is the views. Secondly, I sat in the Vista Dome car. It is not full panoramic like they will have you to believe. The dome does not extend over your head so you cannot see above you… for that, I wouldn’t choose the vista dome option. Third, I want to mention… if you want to pay $200-300 for a meal I assume you want to enjoy it. It was a very fancy menu. But everything was good. Just want to mention that in case it’s not your style (like shashimi and beef tartare and carpaccio). The beef short rib was pretty good! (but not better than mine or your mom’s 😆)
Overall, I think it was a lovely ride, meal and service. But I would say, go for lunch, don’t choose the vista dome option and go with all the people you want to experience it with the first time because I doubt you’d be willing to pay for it a second time. It was, IMO, worth the money but once is enough for this lifetime.
over priced not really worth it, you only get one glass of wine for free, any additional drinks you have to buy, food was ok. Not to many options.
Milk Lee
The Napa Valley Wine Train originally seemed like a good option for easily visiting wineries without having to worry about driving, but the actual experience turned out to be quite disappointing. Considering the price, I was expecting a high-quality wine tasting experience. However, the free wine provided on the train was very ordinary, and if you wanted to taste other wines, you had to pay extra.
When we arrived at the winery, the amount of wine for tasting was very small, so not everyone in the group could taste the wines introduced. In addition, the scenery along the way was not particularly stunning. The entire trip was not only limited in time, but also had many restrictions on wine tasting options. It was not at all the relaxing and immersive experience I originally expected.
If you really want to experience Napa, I recommend driving by yourself and choosing a winery with good reviews. This way you can not only visit at your own pace, but also choose wines that are truly worth tasting for a better experience.
(FYI: The itinerary I purchased was the Legacy Experience | 6-Hour Napa Valley Train, for a total of $1,160.09 for two people.)
The Napa Valley Wine Train seemed like a great way to enjoy the region’s wineries without the hassle of driving, but unfortunately, it was quite a letdown. Given the high price, I expected a premium wine-tasting experience, but the complimentary wine onboard was very basic, and every additional tasting required an extra fee.
At the wineries, the tasting portions were small, and not everyone in the group could try all the wines introduced. The views weren’t particularly special either. Instead of a relaxing and immersive experience, the trip felt restrictive—both in terms of time and wine selection.
If you truly want to enjoy Napa, I’d recommend driving yourself and visiting a well-reviewed winery instead. That way, you can explore at your own pace, choose quality wines, and get a much better experience for your money.
(For reference, I purchased the “Legacy Experience | 6-Hour Napa Valley Train” package for two people at $1,160.09.)
Liz
Servers on the train were lovely and helpful on the dome tour. Regina, who helped book our trip, was lovely as well. However, we found the food lacking, and the cost we thought was high for the overall experience. It was a pleasant train ride but overall not worth the cost.
Faith Stackert
If you are into wine, you'll like this. Giving it a 4 out of 5 only because the price is outrageous!
The Napa Wine Train was the worst experience during our 5-day stay in Napa.
I do NOT recommend the Wine Train for the following reasons:
1. Inconsistent Order Confirmations Transactional Receipt vs Actual Amount Charged:
I received an order confirmation transactional receipt from Wine Train for $1384 on date of purchase Feb 19, but was actually charged $1466 on my credit card that same day.
2. The overall tone and treatment we received were disappointing and did not align with the ‘genuine hospitality’ advertised by Wine Train.
At $700+ per person, I do expect to be treated with dignity and respect, but instead, my friends and I were treated very rudely, as if we were children on a terrible School Field Trip.
While we were talking among ourselves in the Open-Air car, we were “shushed” by Remy. Everyone around was also talking among their groups but we were the only ones to be told to “quiet down” as if we were disruptive children.
We weren’t loud and we were simply trying to enjoy the experience.
Being singled out and spoken to in such a patronizing manner was unacceptable.
We waited patiently for our tastings only to be told to “do not drink” the wine for 20+ minutes while the host, Oscar, lectured the group on unrelated topics.
The wines served during the Open-Air car tasting were disappointing. The pours were small and stingy.
The wines were not properly chilled and we were expected to use the same wine glass for the 3-4 different wines.
Again, at $700+ per person, shouldn't the Wine Train have proper white vs red glasses?
When we expressed our disappointment with our experience to Oscar, he was unprofessional and condescending.
We simply stated that we were disappointed in the experience and that we expected less lecturing and more wine.
Oscar lectured us even more, saying “so you just want to drink and not learn?”
He completely misrepresented our concerns. I had to step away from the conversation while Oscar continued to berate my 2 friends.
We visited several wineries during our time in Napa, all of which struck a perfect balance between education and enjoyment. The Wine Train felt more like a School Field Trip with too many lectures from a boring teacher who didn't want to be there.
3. Wine Train food was subpar. The meals tasted at best like airplane food - meh. Just ok.
The cheese served looked like it came out of a Cheez Whiz can. We did not stay long enough to try the dessert.
The best part of the day was when we voluntarily left the Wine Train during the 2nd stop.
Visitors to Napa, you better off hiring a driver for around $600/day and paying tasting fees per winery. Wine Train is NOT worth the time or money.
PS: The Wine Train does not honor business hours. Good luck to all the customers trying to get a hold of them on the phone or in-person on weekend mornings.
Train was nice but for the Grgich Hills package I purchased to provide only one glass of white wine on the train with lunch is a bit absurd by the Napa Train folks. Totally not worth the money I paid.
5 stars for the ambiance & staff members!!! 2 stars for the finger foods, sorry they were cute and looked good but didn’t taste that great. My friends and I had a lovely time on the 4 course tea train for my birthday. It was all of our first times ever riding the wine train and we enjoyed it, however for the price you pay, you really don’t get your moneys worth (soup, salad, finger/cucumber sandwiches, desserts)and we didn’t even stop to get off the train. Also there really isn’t much to look at fields, a couple stores, construction sites, trailer parks, and few wineries). It’s definitely OVERPRICED! I would do it again if it becomes cheaper though. Maybe offer unlimited wine along with the tea, better food, and something for people celebrating their birthdays. I’m so happy my cousin bought along decorations (vines, rose pedals, 36 lights) to make our area extra cute !!!
Beautiful trip & great service. However, the food was not great at all. I would suggest doing the ride without the meal. It's very pricey for what you get. About 1k for 3 people! Taxes and fees, etc
Super unfriendly vibes from the store clerk walking in. Didn't see any wines that one couldn't find elsewhere, but didn't stay too long because we didn't feel welcome. 🤷🏻
Me and my bf went there to celebrate my birthday. I was so excited about Wine Train but unfortunately, the experience was below expectations.
For price of $350 per person, We got 4 course meal and 1 glass of bubbly. (My bf can’t have fizzy drink due to sensitive stomach issue)
The name “Wine train” but not includes wine in the ticket price. Wine or other drinks must be purchased separately. We had to pay extra for wine pared with food. Food were just okay, for the cost we expected food a little better than just average American food, dessert quality also like brought from grocery store.
while I was eating, my BF who already finished his meal asked me to walk to take some picture. When I left our table there were half of the food still in my plate and when we came back the plate was gone. I was clearly upset that I didn’t finish my food. Server maybe think I have finished but would have been nice to ask first before took half of the food away. Servers were lovely early on so I didnt want to make a big deal out of it. I regret that I should have say something so it won’t happen again with other people.
3 hours train ride was smooth and pleasant. The views were okay train pass through winery vineyards mostly main road and graffitied houses.
However, we thought the cost was high for the overall experience and not worth it.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the food was delicious. The staff was super kind & accommodating. The only thing I would say I had a really loud group of ppl next to my booth for the duration of my adventure, which was unpleasant. If not for that it would be a 5/5 experience.
Paid a lot, unimpressed for price, our window had duct tape on it. Our anniversary acknowledgement was a candle In the desert we paid for. Staff was nice - front desk was OK. Don't do it at night, literally can't see anything with foggy windows. Just spend the money you'd use for this to get a nice room somewhere like river terrace inn and eat a great food in DT napa. I mentioned I work in the wine industry and got 0 acknowledgement or discount - maybe they didn't hear me. So I don't really blame them for that. Guess you gotta be more direct about getting discounts. 🤷 All in all - meh.
Awesome trip and definitely something you should do whilst in Napa
I went for dinner… I think they need to cut that service because you can’t see out the windows at night & part of the experience is the views. Secondly, I sat in the Vista Dome car. It is not full panoramic like they will have you to believe. The dome does not extend over your head so you cannot see above you… for that, I wouldn’t choose the vista dome option. Third, I want to mention… if you want to pay $200-300 for a meal I assume you want to enjoy it. It was a very fancy menu. But everything was good. Just want to mention that in case it’s not your style (like shashimi and beef tartare and carpaccio). The beef short rib was pretty good! (but not better than mine or your mom’s 😆)
Overall, I think it was a lovely ride, meal and service. But I would say, go for lunch, don’t choose the vista dome option and go with all the people you want to experience it with the first time because I doubt you’d be willing to pay for it a second time. It was, IMO, worth the money but once is enough for this lifetime.
Restaurantji Recommends
over priced not really worth it, you only get one glass of wine for free, any additional drinks you have to buy, food was ok. Not to many options.
The Napa Valley Wine Train originally seemed like a good option for easily visiting wineries without having to worry about driving, but the actual experience turned out to be quite disappointing. Considering the price, I was expecting a high-quality wine tasting experience. However, the free wine provided on the train was very ordinary, and if you wanted to taste other wines, you had to pay extra.
When we arrived at the winery, the amount of wine for tasting was very small, so not everyone in the group could taste the wines introduced. In addition, the scenery along the way was not particularly stunning. The entire trip was not only limited in time, but also had many restrictions on wine tasting options. It was not at all the relaxing and immersive experience I originally expected.
If you really want to experience Napa, I recommend driving by yourself and choosing a winery with good reviews. This way you can not only visit at your own pace, but also choose wines that are truly worth tasting for a better experience.
(FYI: The itinerary I purchased was the Legacy Experience | 6-Hour Napa Valley Train, for a total of $1,160.09 for two people.)
The Napa Valley Wine Train seemed like a great way to enjoy the region’s wineries without the hassle of driving, but unfortunately, it was quite a letdown. Given the high price, I expected a premium wine-tasting experience, but the complimentary wine onboard was very basic, and every additional tasting required an extra fee.
At the wineries, the tasting portions were small, and not everyone in the group could try all the wines introduced. The views weren’t particularly special either. Instead of a relaxing and immersive experience, the trip felt restrictive—both in terms of time and wine selection.
If you truly want to enjoy Napa, I’d recommend driving yourself and visiting a well-reviewed winery instead. That way, you can explore at your own pace, choose quality wines, and get a much better experience for your money.
(For reference, I purchased the “Legacy Experience | 6-Hour Napa Valley Train” package for two people at $1,160.09.)
Servers on the train were lovely and helpful on the dome tour. Regina, who helped book our trip, was lovely as well. However, we found the food lacking, and the cost we thought was high for the overall experience. It was a pleasant train ride but overall not worth the cost.
If you are into wine, you'll like this. Giving it a 4 out of 5 only because the price is outrageous!
Wonderful experience, legacy train ride
Loading...