Napa Wine Train Yes or No?
 

We will be in Sonoma for a few days and I have always wanted to go on the Napa Wine Train. Has any one been and on it and think it is worth the $$$? Thanks for any advise here.

No

No. Don't waste your money.

ttt.<BR>linda, stop asking!

not worth it. Locals hope it'll go out of business.

Why is it so bad? We were planning on going as well. We are getting married in September and visiting SF and Napa and several of the local cali brides suggested that we do it. What's the 411?

Sorry I keep on asking but I was trying to post this in the Napa section and I looked and it wasn't there so I did it again. Thanks everyone for your advise.

"Nobody goes there-It's too crowded"

Sorry, folks, but Napa is pretty much overrun with tourist trash these days.

No one with any class goes to Napa these days!

Where do people with class go these days?

I was wondering the same thing - where do the classy wine drinkers go these days?

Now that Napa has bee co-opted by the hirdes, Sonoma gets better marks (though it was never bad) but it's getting more crowds, too - just not as bad as Napa. Further north up to the Russian River area is pretty cool, lots of small to midsize wineries along the way.

If you've always wanted to go - I say go for it. I've been twice, once with in-laws and once with an older friend. Both times we had a very nice time.<BR><BR>If memory serves, you'll have the choice of a first seating and a second seating. Choose the second. That way you'll start with wine in an observation car and then move into dinner for the trip back.<BR><BR>The food isn't A#1, but it makes for a pleasant outing.<BR><BR>

My husband and I took the Napa wine train and regretted it. The wine tasting wasn't cheap or extraordinary. The train ride didn't have great scenery -- sometimes you're looking at clotheslines and the backs of houses or fences. The ride was too long and the food was just average. This is a real tourist trap and could only be enjoyed if you're a little tipsy. There are so many wineries and interesting sights -- skip this one!

Go for it! We were there as part of a reunion and really enjoyed it. The food, service, and wines were excellent.I agree that the second seating would be preferable; relax and enjoy yourselves!

I have heard so many nos on going on the napa wine train, I think we will pass for another time. We have are 13 year old with us and I know he doesn't want to go my husband doesn't care so maybe I'll save this when I go with my sister and girlfriends. thanks everyone!!

Skip it & stay in Sonoma.

My husband and I will be having dinner on the wine train next Wednesday. I know about the bad reviews on fodor.com but I have read many good reviews elsewhere. Also we are taking plenty of time to visit the wineries and other restaurants on our own.
With those disclaimers, can anyone tell me the appropriate dinner attire for the train? They say &quot;jackets recommended&quot; for men but I don't want to haul a sportcoat all the way to CA if it isn't necessary. Advice on suggested female attire would also be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Whether the ride is worth it or not must depend on the time of year. We went on the dinner train in October and didn't see a thing. We would never have gone for the food alone (it was not memorable). It may be that in the summer when the days are longer, you will get to see something, but after several days of going up and down the valley by car, won't you see it all before anyway? The train does follow the main street through the valley.

The Wine Train parallels Hwy 29 from Napa to St. Helena. In the winter months, you will not see anything on the dinner train. In the summer, you have a great view of the new construction project at Trancas St. and the traffic on the highway for three hours.

The Wine Train is a restaurant (a mediocre one)on wheels that brings traffic to a halt on the city streets of Napa six times a day in summer. Plus, the taxpayers are paying millions to build a new bridge over Hwy 29 so the train can be accomodated without stopping traffic at the county's busiest intersection. The thing should be outlawed.

I understand how the locals would be completely annoyed with the train.
That said, we just took the dinner train last Wednesday and enjoyed it. The food may not be gourmet, but it is very good. I would compare it to a nice cruise ship meal.
I would not take it if the days were any shorter than they are now! The end of our trip was in darkness. Make sure to take the second seating.
PS It says jackets recommended for men, but I only saw maybe 4-5. My husband wore a shirt and tie and was appropriately dressed.

Wow, a blast from the past!

I took my Dad on the wine train in July 2000. I enjoyed it and my Dad really loved it. He likes trains a lot and this one was fine. The food was very good not incredible. 4 years later I do distinctly remember a seared foie gras appetizer that was excellent. Though it's hard to screw up seared foie gras it can be done.

Jacket in California? You gotta be kiddin'. I cut my fine dining teeth in the Bay Area during the 90's and can hardly think of a restaurant that requires a jacket. Maybe Masa's? I ate at Boulevard, Bixs, Zuni, Jardiniere, Farallon, Cypress Club (RIP, I loved their d&eacute;cor and brandied cherries in the Manhattans,) Fog City Diner, Il Fornaio, and a bunch of others in a polo shirt, khaki shorts or slacks, and top sider style shoes.

For a man I'd suggest slacks and a polo-style shirt without an advertisement unless it's the real Polo pony or a LaCoste alligator. For a woman a dressy blouse and slacks, bring a throw for your shoulders, sweater or matching jacket. It can get chilly quickly with the sunset.

Make sure you stand on the back of the train and wave cheerily to the locals. I did. :-D

Indy, wish more Housiers were diners like you! We loved the train, but it has been years, has it changed management? And I still have not heard a clear exlpaination of locals objections????? Doesent it bring our money to you and isn't it simply a train track? I'm grateful for someone to teach me..... I LOVE the wine country and CA.....