Napa Valley Events

The Napa Valley Wine Train may just be the coolest way ever invented to treat your special someone to a romantic dinner. Moonlight upstairs in the elegant Vista Dome rail car. Five-course gourmet dinner. Rolling along under the stars. Can we stop talking now?

This Friday is a full moon, in fact the Full Pink Moon, named from the moss pink wildflowers that bloom earliest in spring. Celebrate on the Wine Train, as the Vista Dome’s panoramic views take on the magic of silver moonlight.

The Full Pink Moon run is this Friday, April 30 at 5:30 - 9:30 PM. Cost is $154 per person. You’ll want to book early, there’s room for 24 couples.

The train starts in downtown Napa and travels the length of the valley to St. Helena and back again. Click for more information and to reserve seats, and for directions to the station.

People who don’t live in the Napa Valley think it’s the middle of winter. We know differently, because while the grapevines are resting, the vineyards come alive with wild mustard in bloom.

The scenery is spectacular and the season begins - it’s Mustard Festival time!

It’s talked about all over the world, and a magnet for winter refugees from around the globe seeking to banish the winter blahs. The Napa Valley Mustard Festival signifies three months of bustle, cheerfulness and festivity.

And who better than the world-class chefs of the Culinary Institute of America to stage the Grand Opening Gala of the season? It’s Mustard Magic, when theater, food, wine and art all mingle with music and the everyday magic of the Valley.

It’s a sumptuous event filling all three stories of CIA’s magic castle at Greystone, one of Napa Valley’s most historic and majestic properties.

Mustard Magic happens on January 30th at 7 PM. Tickets are $125 for advance booking here, $150 at the door. More information is available at the official Mustard Festival web site.

CIA at Greystone is at 2555 Main Street in St. Helena, less than 30 miles from our hotel. Click here for directions from our hotel.

In a Valley full of memorable experiences, the Napa Valley Wine Train is one of the more unique travel experiences. Passengers ride in historic Pullman dining cars decked out in mahogany and polished brass while enjoying great meal, fine wine and views of the Napa Valley.

It’s always a great event, but on the July 11 dinner tour, guests will get a special treat: a Winemaker’s Dinner with legendary vintner Heidi Peterson Barrett.

Heidi may be the closest thing to royalty in the world of California winemaking. The daughter of California wine pioneer Richard Peterson, she is the creator of some California’s most notable cult wines, including Screaming Eagle and Amuse Bouche.

Details about the event are still a little sketchy (last time we checked, there was no info about it on the Wine Train web site). Check their web site for updates.

The Napa Valley Wine Train runs from downtown Napa to St. Helena, with trips lasting about 3 hours.