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1-Day Napa Valley Wine Train Tour: Grgich Winery Tour / Castle Winery Tour

Product Code: 606604

OVERVIEW

Highlights

    A luxuriously vintage experience• Winery Tour A: Grgich Winery Tour. Taste the wine that puts Napa Valley on the map and get the inside track to a true Napa Valley legend.• Winery Tour B: Castle Winery Tour. Indulge in a private tour and tasting at the meticulously constructed Castello di Amorosa, a 13th-century medieval Tuscan castle and winery
Tour Code
606604
Duration
1 day
Departure City
San Francisco
End City
San Francisco
Tour Type
Train
Language
English

IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

Tour Themes: Foodie & Wine

Sample local delicacies of guided tours or professional cooking classes

Tour Type: Fully Guided Tour

Tour director/guided escort is available from the beginning to the end of the vacation

Group Size: Standard Group Tour

Tour with fellow travelers from all over the world

Activity Level: Easy

Perfect for any fitness level

Itinerary

On the Right Track - Our Main Train
A luxuriously vintage experience. Elegant 100-year-old rail cars. A historic 150-year-old rail corridor. The Wine Train preserves a piece of Napa Valley history and proudly continues railroading traditions that are disappearing from the American landscape. The railroad that once transported visitors to a spa resort in Calistoga now brings guests from around the world on a 36-mile round-trip discovery to St. Helena and back, stopping at the celebrated Napa Valley wineries along the way.

Our Route
Located in Northern California about 50 miles northeast of San Francisco and about 60 miles west of Sacramento, the Napa Valley is one of the top wine growing regions in the world. And the Napa Valley Wine Train’s route runs right through it.

Originally a rail line built in 1864 to take visitors north to the resort town of Calistoga, the Wine Train is a three-hour, 36-mile round-trip journey from downtown Napa to St. Helena and back. After boarding the train at the McKinstry Street Station, guests travel through the old industrial section of Napa, crossing the Rural Urban Limit Line (RUL) about ten minutes into the journey. Then, it’s nothing but the spectacular scenery of beautiful wine country, the famed agricultural preserve of Napa Valley, past some of the most expensive and famous farm real estate in the country, and through the charming towns of Oak Knoll, Yountville, Oakville, and Rutherford.

Lunch Onboard & Winery Collection: A) Grgich Winery B) Castle Winery

Winery Tour A: Grgich Winery Tour
Taste the wine that puts Napa Valley on the map and get the inside track to a true Napa Valley legend. The winery itself is simple, quaint, and charming. But it’s one of the Napa Valley’s most famous stories. If you haven’t heard of the 1976 Paris Tasting, you soon will. After a gourmet lunch aboard our elegant Wine Train, indulge in a private tour and tasting at Grgich Hills Estate, home of one of the greatest winemakers in the world.

This Option Includes
2-hour train journey, departing at 11:30 a.m.
Multiple course gourmet lunch
1-hour tour and tasting at Grgich Hills Estate

Package Details
Your tour begins with an elegant tranquil train journey northbound through the spectacular Napa Valley aboard our intimate luxury rail car where your gourmet lunch awaits. Soup du Jour or fresh Baby Lettuce Salad. And your choice of gourmet entrées.

Croatian-born founder and winemaker Miljenko “Mike” Grgich is the man behind Grgich Hills Estate. He’s also renowned for his role in the 1976 Paris Tasting, a blind tasting of renowned white Burgundies from France and a sampling of new Napa Valley Chardonnays. Shocked French judges selected Mike Grgich’s 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay as the finest white wine in the world, making him a legend. Today Grgich Hills is known for producing world-class wines sustainably, with care and passion.

Go on a private behind-the-scenes tour of the Grgich cellar and production. Surrounded by oak barrels and the enticing aromas of wine at various stages of its journey, get an exclusive taste of a variety of Grgich Hills wines. Explore the beautiful outdoor patio and overlook the legendary terroir that took the wine world by storm. Grgich is still very much involved at the winery and vineyard. With any luck, you just might meet this sprightly and charming legend in person.

A legendary tour and then, a special treat is waiting for you back on board the Train: coffee or tea and a decadent dessert. Savored at your leisure in luxury, as you head through the Napa Valley back to Napa.

*All of our winery tours require moderate stair climbing and standing for extended periods. We encourage guests who may have difficulty performing these two activities to consider one of our dining journeys. In the spirit of traditional rail seating, you may share a table with another party.

Schedule
10:30 AM - Check in
10:50 AM - Board the Train (Meal service begins)
11:30 AM - The train departs, Begin eating
12:30 PM - Arrive at Grgich Hills Estate
1:30 PM - Re-board the train (Lounge Car), Dessert, and coffee service
2:30 PM - Arrive at Napa Wine Train Station

Winery Tour B: Castle Winery Tour
There are so many stories between the rows and rows of vines of the Napa Valley, but perhaps none as fascinating as the passion project of Dario Sattui, 4th generation winemaker and owner of V. Sattui Winery. After a gourmet lunch aboard the Wine Train, indulge in a private tour and tasting at the meticulously constructed Castello di Amorosa, a 13th-century medieval Tuscan castle and winery.

Package Details
Your journey begins here in Napa, but your destination takes you to another time and place. Soup du Jour or fresh Bibb Lettuce Salad. Your choice of gourmet entrées. And of course, coffee or tea and a decadent dessert aboard our elegant vintage train. Savored as you head northbound through the Napa Valley to St. Helena. From the Train you board the private shuttle that will take you to Castello di Amorosa, across the moat, and into another world altogether.

Battle-worn turrets. Stunning hand-painted Italian frescoes. A labyrinth of underground caves. A torture chamber room. Authentic in every detail, every stone, every tower, every French oak barrel. If it feels like you’re in a 13th-century Tuscan castle, that’s because you are.

A labor of love more than 15 years in the making. After meticulous research, study and touring of castles and wineries in Italy, armed with a tape measure, camera and film, and sketchpad and pencils a vision took hold. And then came to life. To say this 13th-century castle is authentic is an understatement. Built by master builders from five countries, with handmade materials, using ancient methods from 1,000 years ago.

It has all the elements you would expect of a true medieval castle—defensive fortified walls, courtyards, secret passageways, even a prison and torture chamber. And the castle’s crown jewel, a 12,000 square foot cross-vaulted frescoed Grand Hall. As if that’s not enough, the winery sits on a spectacular property, where the castle’s defensive positions overlook the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Primitivo vineyards. One of the most beautiful and interesting buildings in North America with exquisite, award-winning wines that are only available at Castello di Amorosa.

After this unique and enchanting experience, it’s back to real life. And your private shuttle that brings you back to the Napa Valley Wine Train Station.

*No children under 5 allowed on this package. All of our winery tours require moderate stair climbing and standing for extended periods. We encourage guests who may have difficulty performing these two activities to consider one of our dining journeys. In the spirit of traditional rail seating, you may share a table with another party.

This Option Includes:
1.5-hour train journey, departing at 11:30 a.m.
Multiple course gourmet lunch
2-hour tour and tasting at Castello di Amorosa
Shuttle return to the station

Lunch Schedule
10:30 AM - Check in
10:50 AM - Board the Train (Petit Gourmet Car). Meal service begins
11:30 AM - Train departs. Begin eating
1:00 PM - Arrive in St. Helena. Board motorcoach for Castello di Amorosa
1:30 PM - Arrive at Castello di Amorosa
3:30 PM - Board motorcoach for Napa Wine Train Station
4:00 PM - Arrive at Napa Wine Train Station

Visiting Attractions

  • Napa Valley Napa Valley

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Package Includes

  • Professional tour escort
  • Transportation
  • Meal
  • Wine Tasting in Wineries

Package Excludes

  • All personal expenses
  • Optional tipping is solely based upon guests’ experience on board. Tipping should be based on the meal price of $55.00 and beverages purchased while on board the train.

Special Notes

  • Cancellation Policy:
    If you cancel within 7 or more days of the tour date: 90% refund
    If you cancel within 4 - 6 days of the tour date: 50% refund
    If you cancel within 3 days (including 3 days) of the tour date: No refund
  • Please arrive at the train station by yourself.
    Address: 1275 McKinstry St, Napa, CA 94559)
  • Tour Q & A
    Q:Why would I want to ride the Wine Train for Dinner if I can't see anything?
    A:When you ride the Napa Valley Wine Train for dinner, part of your trip will be dark. How much of the trip depends on the time of year. A significant portion of your trip may take place during “Magic Hour,” the hour just before sunset when the entire valley glows. Mountains glow yellow, clouds glow pink, and young grape leaves glow a golden green color. Magic hour is truly magical, and Napa Valley is at its most beautiful and most romantic. And while the beauty of the scenery gradually fades after sunset, darkness has a way of making the train even more romantic and intimate.
    In December, it will be dark for the entire journey, but the Napa Valley Wine Train is a fun way to see some of the Valley’s holiday lights.
    If you plan to ride the Napa Valley Wine Train to see and experience as much of the Napa Valley as possible, join us for lunch, and consider reserving our Ambassador Winery Tour. If you are hoping for a more private experience or want to dress up, you’d love riding the Napa Valley Wine Train for dinner.

    Q: Can I bring an animal on board the train?
    A: Per state law, animals are not allowed on board the Napa Valley Wine Train, with the exception of service animals. If you have a service animal, please see the next question.

    Q: Can I bring my service animal onto the Napa Valley Wine Train?
    A: The Napa Valley Wine Train occasionally accommodates service animals on the Train. Please have the service animal’s certificate of service available for our conductor’s inspection prior to boarding.
    While we do not discourage guests with service animals from coming on the train, guests must be aware that there are several factors guests must consider before deciding to ride with their service animal:
    - The motion of the train, and the unnatural, high-pitched metallic sounds that the Train makes as it goes over joints in the tracks may make some animals very uncomfortable.
    - The entire Train is only about 8 feet across and a walkway runs through it. This means that service animals will always be within about 3 feet of a frequently used walkway. Animals not accustomed to heavy and frequent foot traffic may be very uncomfortable. Service animals must not sit or lay down in a walkway as this presents a hazard to other guests and the animal.
    - Napa Valley Wine Train staff have been trained not to touch the service animal, but other customers may not understand the role of a service animal and may want to touch the service animal.
    - The owner of the service animal must provide all of the care that the service animal requires. Any food or water which the animal requires, and appropriate containers for serving food and water to the animal, should be provided by the owner. Sanitary toilet arrangements must also be made by the owner of the animal, and, in the interest of the health and safety of our guests, the staff of the train will not handle or dispose of animal droppings or urine for the owner.
    The Napa Valley Wine Train urges all owners of service animals to carefully consider the points listed above before deciding to bring your service animal aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train.

    Q: Is the Napa Valley Wine Train wheelchair accessible?
    A: Yes, the Napa Valley Wine Train is wheelchair accessible, but it is an antique train, and as such there are some unique challenges that persons with mobility preferences should be aware of:
    - It is a few hundred feet from the Handicapped Parking spaces to the Front Desk.
    - Boarding the train requires passengers to climb some rather steep stairs (photo of the stairs). The tallest of these steps is 9.5 inches tall. The steps are slightly recessed, which some guests find challenging. There are both right and left handrails. Passengers unable to climb stairs can board the train via a manual lift (photo of manual lift #1)(photo of manual lift #2).
    - If you require a wheelchair, we strongly recommend that you use our transfer chair (photo of our transfer chair), since this is the only wheelchair that we are confident will fit in the train. We cannot guarantee that personal wheelchairs will fit on board.
    - The Gourmet Car and Silverado Car are both accessible with our transfer chair.
    - There is no way to access the Vista Dome car without climbing stairs. Inside the Vista Dome car there are seven steps, each 8 inches tall. There is a handrail on the right side only.
    - Moving in a wheelchair while the train is in motion is difficult, and guests who require a wheelchair should move only when advised to do so by our staff.
    - If a guest with a mobility preference wishes to move about the train, they must be assisted by a member of their party.
    - At this time, we cannot accommodate guests with mobility preferences on any of our tours.
    - The restrooms on board the train are not wheelchair accessible. You will need to be able to get out of your chair in order to use the restrooms.
    Despite the unique challenges presented by our historic train, many guests with mobility preferences ride the Napa Valley Wine Train. If you have specific needs or concerns, please contact us

    Q: Do you really have a Kitchen Car and can we see it?
    A: At the Napa Valley Wine Train, we pride ourselves on the quality of our food. Executive Chef Donald Young buys only fresh, local produce, line-caught fish, and humanely raised meats. All of our entrees are prepared on board, and guests are more than welcome to observe our kitchen car in action.

    Q: What does "Traditional Rail Seating" mean?
    A: In the spirit of traditional rail seating, you may share a table with another party on our Winery Tours, special events, and select packages during our lunch trains. Parties of four will always be seated at the same table. A limited number of private upgrades are available in the Gourmet Express Package, and all tables are private in the Vista Dome.
    To preserve the romance of the Napa Valley night, all parties enjoy private tables on our dinner trains.

    Q: Can we bring on our own wine?
    A: Yes, we recognize that many people have special wines they would like to have for their special occasion. The Napa Valley Wine Train charges a corkage fee of $15.00 per 750ml bottle and $30 for a magnum-sized bottle. If you bring one bottle of wine on board and buy a bottle on board, we’ll waive the corkage for the bottle brought on.
    At the Napa Valley Wine Train, we have a Wine Shop with almost 500 wines available for purchase and we have an extensive onboard wine list with approximately 40 wines.

    Q: How long has the Napa Valley Wine Train been operating?
    A: The Napa Valley Wine Train began gourmet dining service September 16, 1989. The railroad itself, however, was built and operated by Samuel Brannan in 1864 as a tourist railroad to take visiting San Franciscans as they arrived by ferry in south Napa to his resort town Calistoga.
    2014 marked the 25th Anniversary for the Napa Valley Wine Train and the 150th Anniversary for the rail corridor.

    Q: What if I have a food allergy?
    A: Every day, we serve a variety of guests with different dietary restrictions and food allergies. All of our menu choices are prepared fresh and made to order on board the Train, but some advance notice helps handle special menu requests. When making your reservation, please alert your booking agent of your needs. The agent will submit your information to our kitchen staff and to our onboard manager. And when you arrive, remind your server which member of your party has the allergy. Rest assured, we handle hundreds of allergies weekly with ease. You’re in good hands.

    Q: Do you allow children aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train?
    A: Children are always welcome, and some packages have special rates. Caution is recommended to parents of toddlers who might have a difficult time ‘relaxing’ for three hours. Due to the general movement of the train or the rare potential for a sudden stop, children cannot walk about the cars unattended. Diaper changing is not permitted in the railcars due to food service and the bathrooms are somewhat small. McKinstry Street Station has a diaper changing station in the restroom. Due to safety issues, strollers and carriers are not permitted on board, but booster seats are available. Please check with your Reservation Agent for special handling for infants.

    Q: Do you have children's rates?
    A: Children’s rates are only available for select packages. Please call us if your party includes children age 12 or under in order to secure the children’s rate.

    Q: Is there a children's menu?
    A: We do not offer a children’s menu on board the train, however, we can adapt many of our menu items to suit your child’s tastes.

    Q: Who owns the Napa Valley Wine Train?
    A: The Napa Valley Wine Train is owned by Noble House Hotels & Resorts, Ltd.—a collection of luxury hotels and resorts—and Brooks Street, a California-based real estate development and investment company.

    Q: What do we wear?
    A: We encourage our guests to dress for the occasion, though we do not have an enforced dress code. Dinner can be dressier; some guests prefer cocktail party attire. Jackets are suggested on cool nights, but not required. It is always a good idea to bring an extra layer to make sure you are warm enough on board.

    Q: Is smoking allowed?
    A: Due to state regulations, smoking is not permitted in the Station, on board the Napa Valley Wine Train, or on the outside observation deck of the train.

    Q: How many railcars are there?
    A: The Napa Valley Wine Train consists of ten railcars and two engines on point:
    Lounge Cars (3)
    Deli Car (1)
    Gourmet Express Dining Cars (2)
    Silverado Car Al-Fresco Style Dining (1)
    Vista Dome Dining Car (1)
    Grappa Power Car (1)
    Chef de Cuisine Kitchen Car with Glass Observation Corridor (1)

    Q: How long does each trip last?
    A: Lunch and Dinner trains typically take three hours. The Valley First Winery Tour and the Grgich Hills Winery Tour return with the Lunch Train at 2:30 p.m. The Ambassador Winery Tour and the Castle Winery Tour generally return to the station between 4:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.

    Q: Are there bathrooms on the Napa Valley Wine Train?
    A: Most of the Napa Valley Wine Train’s rail cars is equipped with a restroom.

    Q: Do you have to drink wine on the Napa Valley Wine Train?
    A: No, you do not have to drink wine on board the Napa Valley Wine Train. For our guests who do not want to drink wine, we also offer juice, soda, non-alcoholic wines, beers, cocktails and brandies.

    Q: Is wine included?
    A: One taste of welcome wine is included with every Napa Valley Wine Train package for guests who are over the age of 21. Wines are included during the monthly Moonlight Escape Dinners and select special events.
    Cocktails, beers and wine can be purchased on board throughout your journey. More than 40 wines are on the wine list and wine flights.

    Q: Is a tip included in the price?
    A: Optional tipping is solely based upon guests’ experience on board. Tipping should be based on the meal price of $55.00 and beverages purchased while on board the train.

    Q: What does my package pricing include?
    A: Prices posted and charged for all food and beverage items served on the Napa Valley Wine Train include sales tax, which will be paid to the California State Board of Equalization, and a 12% service charge which is delegated towards the funding of higher wages and medical insurance for employees.
    Also included with your specific package:
    - Silverado Car: Train fare, a multiple course gourmet meal, welcome taste of private label Napa Valley Wine Train wine, and on-board coffee and tea.
    - Gourmet Express: Train fare, a multiple course gourmet meal, welcome taste of private label Napa Valley Wine Train wine, and on-board coffee and tea.
    - Vista Dome: Train fare, a multiple course gourmet meal, Vista Dome upgrade, (1) glass of sparkling wine, and on-board coffee and tea.
    - Winery Tours: Train fare, a multiple course gourmet meal, welcome taste of private label Napa Valley Wine Train wine, on board coffee and tea, and a tour and tasting at the specified winery or wineries.
    - Special Events: Train fare, a multiple course gourmet meal, on board coffee and tea, and event programs and features.

    Q: Can we get off the Napa Valley Wine Train?
    A: Currently passengers can only disembark as a part of one of our winery tours or special events.

    Q: Does the Napa Valley Wine Train stop at wineries?
    A: Currently the Napa Valley Wine Train offers four lunch Winery Tour packages which include winery tours and one dinner package. For lunch tours, passengers can choose the Castle Winery Tour, the Grgich Hills Winery Tour, the Ambassador Winery Tour, or the Valley First Winery Tour.For a dinner tour, passengers are offered the Evening Winery Tour featuring Grgich Hills Estate (Saturdays only).

    Q: What can I expect once I arrive at the Station?
    A: Your journey will begin in the Napa Valley Wine Train Station in Downtown Napa. After checking in at the Reception Desk, feel free to explore the Station. Visit our Wine Shop and discuss some of our rare, boutique wines with our knowledgeable wine educators. See the story of our founding on the TV monitors or just sit and relax with wine, coffee, or friends. Thirty minutes before boarding the lunch train, our wine specialists will give an introductory lecture on the Napa Valley and the Napa Valley Wine Train. The arrival of the Napa Valley Wine Train will be announced one half hour before the scheduled departure. Please wait for your seating section to be called. It takes quite a while to board an antique train, so don’t feel the need to rush. We won’t leave without you.

Cancellation Policy

Please see the Available Options section above for any details about cancellation policies.

Pricing Info

Your reservation is always subject to confirmation by email, normally within one to two business days.

*Children share the same price as adults.
*No children under 5 allowed on Castle Winery Tour.
*No wine for guests who are under the age of 21.

Reservation Info

    1.Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a Receipt of Reservation via email.
    2. Within one to two business days of submitting your reservation you will receive a status update email from us. If you need to book an airline ticket, we recommend that you do so after you receive a confirmation of your tour reservation from us.
    3. An E-Ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as details of your reservation are confirmed or your supporting information is received by us. We will provide you with all detailed information about your tour on the E-Ticket. Contact information for local tour provider will be included on E-Ticket for your convenience or re-confirmation purpose if re-confirmation is required.
    4. Simply print your E-Ticket and present it with your valid photo ID on the day of your activity to your tour guide. Please remember E-Ticket is your proof of purchase.

Terms and Conditions

    - Your purchase does not guarantee confirmation. Your purchase will initiate a reservation process. We will confirm with you via email within one to two business days.
    - Prices may vary due to availability. We reserve the right to make price adjustment without prior notice.
    - Please refer to our Standard Amendment, Cancellation and Refund Policy before you make reservation.
    - Please refer to Customer Agreement before you make reservation.
    - Local tour provider reserves the right to make modifications to tour arrangements including order of tour activities, hotel and its location if deemed necessary.

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