Take a fresh look at Napa Valley Wine Train

May 22, 12:22 PMNorthern California Wine ExaminerJulia Hollister

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Napa Valley Wine Train photo

The Napa Valley Wine Train pulled out of the Napa station recently and I was onboard for a three hour chance to revisit the experience that began 20 years ago.

The vintage rail cars are remindful of an era long past and the backdrop of lush vineyards is a leisurely way to see the Valley. The train also allows for pre-selected stops at a couple of wineries on the way to Saint Helena where it reverses direction. Passengers can re-board the train on its return to Napa.

We had champagne in the last car and watched the scenery drift past before walking forward to the dining car for pre set lunch.

First course was Baby Lettuce Salad with candied walnuts and smoked goat cheese in honey cider vinaigrette with an excellent citrus Viognier.

I thought the pairing with my lunch selection of Roasted Polenta and Eggplant Wellington was off track. Their selection – a Paul Matthew Gamay noir -- was a little too heavy for the vegetarian dish which also included grilled zucchini and peppered goat cheese. My preference would have been more enhanced with a light, spicy Sangiovese.

In my opinion another selection – the Roasted Coriander Breast of Chicken on sundried polenta and mozzarella cheese -- called for a full-bodied Zinfandel rather than the Pinot noir. The latter was too soft for the fire in the polenta.

Here are other food and wine pairing on the menu that put the combinations back on track:

Roasted Beef Tenderloin with rosemary potatoes and grilled squash in Syrah sauce was uniquely matched with a Long Meadow Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon.

Grilled Pork Chop with pan seared kale in truffle jus went well with the selected Madrigal Zinfandel.

Seared Petrale Sole with herb smashed potatoes, tangerine vinaigrette on baby carrots and beets was a fiesta of color of the plate and the ZD Chardonnay showcased the food texture with the slight tannins in the wine.

The cost of the rail fare, tax and gourmet luncheon is $94 per person. Although wine is extra the prices are fair. Passengers looking for a more economical way to ride the train might consider the train fare only Silverado option for $49.50 per person. The rail car is open air with sliding windows and all food can be ordered off the menu.