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There’s a certain scent in the air during harvest season in the Napa Valley. It’s a bit fruity, a little yeasty and earthy. It’s the essence of wine country.
Spend any time in Napa during this busy and bursting time of year (August through October) and the aroma is as pervasive as the California sunshine, lingering just as the grape leaves start to glimmer crimson and gold.
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While there’s no bad time to visit the world-famous region, the nostalgia and beauty of harvest is nothing short of magical. But seeing the undulating rows of vines from the window of a train brings the experience to a whole new level of wow.
The Napa Valley isn’t the only place in the country to sip in the delights of rail travel. From coast to coast, here are four oenophile-inspired rail rides to satiate your wine-loving wanderlust.
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Napa Valley Wine Train, California
The Napa Valley Wine Train, established in 1864, once took tourists from downtown Napa to the spa town of Calistoga. It now takes wine lovers on a 36-mile round trip (to St. Helena and back) through the heart of the wine valley.
There are different ways to sip and savor the scenery aboard, including the full-day Legacy Experience with a four-course gourmet meal prepared by an onboard chef, and tastings at two classic Napa Valley wineries, Charles Krug and V. Sattui (from $595).
The popular Grape Stomp at Grgich Hills Estate package is a unique four-hour outing that includes barefoot stomping in a barrel of freshly picked grapes (from $535).
Napa Valley Wine Train tickets start around $200 per person for a daytime experience.