Great lunch on the Wine Train

By Gary Grant , Special to the Register

Recently, my wife and I were discussing what to do for fun in this valley other than wine tasting.

I thought maybe a short ride to a casino or dinner and a movie would be just fine, but no, not my wife -- she had more grandiose ideas. Her suggestion was lunch on the Wine Train.

Well, I don't mind a ride on a train from time to time, as long as it lasts longer than a 15-minute carnival ride and takes you someplace special. This train was going to take us about 20 miles and back, quickly serve us lunch and dessert, and get us back and off the train in maybe an hour or two.

As you can guess, this prospect didn't appeal to me, but after much persuasion that only a wife can bring, we were booked on the lunch train the next day.

Well, the next day came, and we arrived at the Wine Train Depot at 11 a.m. After checking in and parting with more money than I would for a carnival train, we strolled around the inside of the depot checking out the gift shops.

Over the loudspeaker, a gentleman said we were all invited to a wine tasting that would take place shortly in the back section of the depot. Now, this got my attention. I began to think there might be more than just a train ride and sandwich for the investment I just made. So we enjoyed a pleasant tasting and an education on red and white wines.

Soon, it was time to board the train, but not before they had us smile for a picture I'm sure they will want us to purchase later.

Once on board and seated, the train began to leave the station at a very slow pace. I think I could run fast enough to keep up -- maybe not me, but someone could run that fast. So this must be how they have enough time to make that sandwich that I thought I would have to scarf down.

Anyway, the waitperson came to our table and gave his speech on what a great experience we were about to have -- while I was thinking, "Just give me the darn sandwich so I have enough time to eat it."

Well, somewhere in that speech, or maybe looking at a fabulous menu, I got caught up in a truly fine wine list and great food choices. Soon, I was unaware of any of my previous tightwad attitude and really began to enjoy this train ride. Betty and I ordered the salmon, which came with a full complement of extras plus salad and bread.

After enjoying this flavorful meal and expressing that fact to one another, we realized the train had not reached St. Helena yet. Now I get it, the slow ride, quiet peaceful atmosphere and a really great lunch equals a train ride well worth the investment in time and money.

After the turnaround at St. Helena, we began the trip back, and they moved us to the dessert car. There, we were given dessert and coffee while sitting in a big easy chair facing west and looking into Napa's beautiful vineyards full of mustard plants.

We arrived back at the depot at about 2 p.m. or so, feeling fat and sassy. You remember that picture they took before we boarded? Well, you guessed it, we had to have the picture to remember our fabulous train ride.

I guess I learned something: Just because the ride is short doesn't make the ride bad.

The Napa Valley Register has invited readers to share dining experiences with their neighbors. We will be running them from time to time. Send yours to spaulsen@napanews.com.

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