Napa Valley Wine Train Announces Renovations, New Partnership

WHY IT RATES: Tourists will soon be able to travel on the renovated Vista Dome and main train railcars.—Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer.

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The Napa Valley Wine Train, an engaging and memorable experience that echoes the glory days of train travel, is pleased to announce it will begin renovating their historic Vista Dome and main train railcars. Throughout the renovation period, the Napa Valley Wine Train will partner with Sierra Railroad Company to utilize five of their world-class railcars and a locomotive to expand current operations and offerings.

“As we begin a new year, we look forward to updating our beloved Vista Dome and the main train railcars as we want to keep our celebrated Napa Valley Wine Train in premium condition to provide our customers with the best experience,” said Napa Valley Wine Train’s Co-CEO Scott Goldie. “We’re thankful to Sierra Railroad Company for providing us with an amazing opportunity to expand our current offerings and keep the Napa Valley Wine Train running at full speed.”

Beginning in January, the Napa Valley Wine Train will begin removing railcars attached to the main train to receive interior and exterior renovations. The removed railcars will be replaced with railcars from Sierra Railroad Company, which owns and operates tourism railways throughout Northern California including the Sierra Dinner Train, Sacramento River Train, and Skunk Train.

The five railcars leased from Sierra Railroad Company include one dining car, one car with removable tables and flexible space to be utilized for weddings and corporate meetings and two observation open-air cars which can be used for a variety of experiences including weddings, large parties, tasting salons and holiday celebrations. The Napa Valley Wine Train will also be leasing a Sierra Railroad Company #48 locomotive and generator car.

Additionally, the Napa Valley Wine Train will begin an extensive interior and exterior renovation of their 1952 Pullman two-story domed railcar named the Vista Dome beginning Summer 2018. The Vista Dome is one of ten full-length domed railcars built by the Pullman Company for Milwaukee Road, with only nine still in existence. It allows guests to enjoy panoramic views of the Napa Valley through the curved glass windows that run the length of the railcar. The Vista Dome Car also provides guests an elevated observation style dining experience with a multi-course gourmet menu prepared in the kitchen located on the lower level of the railcar. While the Vista Dome receives an update, the Napa Valley Wine Train will lease a high-end dining and lounge car from Sierra Railroad Company to replace the experience.

“We are excited to be working with the Napa Valley Wine Train as they have the best dinner train operation in the country,” said Sierra Railroad Company CEO Mike Hart. “We are delighted to provide the wine train with one of the best trainsets to expand their operations and offerings."

Renovations to the Vista Dome and main train railcars are slated to be completed by 2019. The partnership between Sierra Railroad Company and the Napa Valley Wine Train has the potential to continue beyond the renovation period, but no solid plans have been confirmed at this time.

SOURCE: Napa Valley Wine Train press release.