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 décor 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.

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.....