I planned this trip to California specifically for the Napa Valley Wine Train. I think this would be a unique way to enjoy a relaxing train ride while tasting some fine Napa Valley wines and experiencing the scenc green fields of Napa Valley. This is one of the most intersting train ride activities on my recommendations list. The train itself is classic with beautiful old high style train decor inside the dining car which immediately relaxed me and made for an enjoyable time just after climbing onto the train. The train cars are well designed and impressive. The service and food were great. My expectations for the qulaity of the food were not very high but I was pleasantly surprised by the presentation and quality. I purchased tickets for the on train wine tasting in a seperate tasting car which was very nice.  The great wines and the scenic view made for a great combination. This trip on the Napa Valley Wine Trian is quite unique and combines beautiful scenery, views of the vineyards, great food and exceptional wines.  The classic ride ride made me feel like I had traveled back in time to a much more civilized age.

The experience on the Napa Valley Train started with a great meal.  Following the meal I moved to the wine lounge car for a wine tasting. I tasted four wines and found one that I really like. My favorite wine was a grenache from T-Vine, it was a light and smooth red wine.  During the tasting I was able to walk around the train to snap some pictures and enjoy the scenery of Napa Valley. After around an hour and a half the train stopped in downtown Napa.  I took some time to walk around town and of course my trip would not be complete without doing some wine shopping here in Napa.  I made sure to buy a couple of great bottles of Napa wine so I could enjoy the taste of Napa Valley wine at my next destination. I really had a wonderful time on the Napa Valley Wine Train. It was a unique experience and I would recommend that people try it out the next time you find yourself in northern California.

Once the train returned from Napa I was able to take the ferry back to San Francisco. I liked the different choices of transportations they provided which enabled me to see the sights from different perspectives. It was a big plus for me to enjoy some sightseeing from the bay view as well. I went on this trip on a weekend so they organized two different methods of departure and return (ferry and shuttle bus), the shuttle is only available on the weekend trips. The ferry only runs both ways on the weekdays so if you plan to go on the Napa Valley Wine Train during the weekday, you will need to take the ferry to and from the train.  

The way to end every wonderful trip for me is always about great food! After arriving back in San Francisco around 6.30pm I walked from the harbour to one of my favorite Bay area restaurants, Michael Mina. Michael Mina is classic San Francisco fine dining with exceptional service, a creative local menu and a relaxing yet fun vibe. There are always so many things I want to try at this restaurant so the best way to experience much of what the chef has to offer is the tasting menu. The tasting menu at Michael Mina is absolutely brilliant. As this was my last night in California I had very high expectations for my dinner and once again Michael Mina did not disappoint. I had the seven course tasting menu and every course was delicious.  My favorites were the abalone and halibut.  everything was so fresh and flavorful. I enjoyed every single bite! I ended up with a very gorgeous looking dessert and it tasted as delicious as it looked (see my pictures above). At the end of the day I was tired but very happy from my full day trip fille with great food, the Napa Valley scenic views, a wine tasting, some shopping, more sightseeing and a wonderful end of the trip at one of the best restaurants in town.