4B
|
THEPRESS.NET
EAST COUNTY LIFE
Rails from page 3B
Photo by Ger Erickson
Server Rebecca Narvaez exemplifies the Napa Valley Wine Train’s emphasis on service that’s precise, punctual and gracious – without drawing attention to itself.
A master of imparting insight while keeping you in your comfort zone, Larry arranged a rendezvous with some new friends, including a Terra Valentine Spring Mountain Cabernet exuding cedar and dark chocolate in the nose – perfect with my dessert. The vanilla in Leia’s classic crème brûlée was an eHarmony.com customer in search of a soul mate, and the Hill Family Estates Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc’s adroit fusion of melon and peach was a matchmaker’s wet dream. The common denominator of these disparate pours: moderate price and excellent value. Hey it doesn’t take a Robert Parker to figure out that a ’61 Lafite is a good bottle of juice. But what are the prime picks in the price range of the proletariat? Larry can pop that cork with ease and grace. The Dessert/Wine Tasting car was further enhanced when server Michell Russ dropped by. Back in the dining car I’d eavesdropped on her lively insider commentary on an intriguing facet of Napa Valley: the history and interrelations of winegrower families. Call it the wine skinny on the area’s godfathers and godmothers. It was fun peppering Michell with questions only a veteran of the Napa scene could answer. And the answers? I wouldn’t dream of spoiling the fun. You can ask Michell in person. VERDICT ON THE VOYAGE Those wishing to get their tickets punched for more elaborate excursions can take advantage of the Wine Train’s stopovers at wineries such as Grgich Hills and
APRIL 8, 2011
Domaine Chandon. Holidays in hedonism include Easter and Mother’s Day (and let’s not ignore the Father’s Day special barbecue and beer menu). And Agatha Christie fans will find the Wine Train’s Murder Mystery Dinner Theater a page-turner come to life. The nitty-gritty of schedule, prices and array of tours is available on the Wine Train’s copious and colorful website, www.winetrain.com. And so, 36 miles of round trip and a century of history later, we came back to earth on the platform in the city of Napa, palates pampered, imaginations ignited. We’d glided through the valley in a cocoon of pleasure, immersed in the vistas, flavors and hospitality of a unique place on the planet – a 90-minute drive from downtown Brentwood. My verdict on the trip: stepping aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train isn’t unlike breezing through the front door of a friend’s home. The décor is unique, the food and wine and view from the balcony are superb, but your friend knows how to get out of the way and let you mold your own experience. The Wine Train puts on an incomparable show, but if the purpose of your trip is to simply enjoy the company of the person sitting across the table from you, the staff knows how to help make that happen. Unlike the proposed eBART line – rumored to reach far East County by the end of the century – the Napa Valley Wine Train delivers on its promise. Don’t let the tourists hog all the fun. To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
Why should I give you my e-mail address? Because that’s how you: • Get our Morning Update – Enjoy the latest local news with your cup of coffee. • Receive breaking news alerts – News you need when you need it. From major accidents to searches for lost children, we’ll keep you posted on the very latest. • Find out about special deals – Limited time offers at big discounts. • Win stuff – From the day you sign up, your e-mail address will make you eligible for monthly prize drawings for movie tickets, dinner and other unique gifts. Sign up at
thepress.net