This summer’s California dream is a sparkling wine afternoon tea on the rails.
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Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more.
Updated on June 23, 2023
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The iconic Napa Valley Wine Train has an extra sparkle this season, thanks to a new collaboration with California-based sparkling winery Chandon. The new Secret Garden Afternoon Tea features a three-hour ride on a floral-decorated vintage Pullman rail car, along with a signature summer aperitif: the Chandon Garden Spritz.
The experience takes place aboard a decked-out car primed for Instagram, designed by California florist Zeineb Huizinga, who owns The Lavender Rose. “Synthetic spring-inspired flowers have been draped over almost every inch of the train car to make guests feel as though they are in the middle of a gorgeous outdoor garden while riding the train through Napa Valley’s most prominent vineyards and sites,” the company said in a release obtained by Travel + Leisure.
The floral train car runs on weekends through October 2023, departing at 11:30 a.m. and returning at 2:30 pm. In addition to the Chandon, passengers are given soup, salad, finger sandwiches, scones, mini desserts, and teas — all served on fine china and an opulent golden three-tier riser. Guests can choose to upgrade with additional Chandon co*cktails, wines, or a flight. Prices start at $215 per person.
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“It’s a privilege to partner with Chandon as the winery celebrates its 50th anniversary in Napa Valley and bring them aboard the train for this limited 2023 seasonal, summer and fall, experience,” Nathan Davis, Napa Valley Wine Train's general manager, said in a statement. “This is our first exclusive partnership with a local sparkling wine producer, and Chandon’s luxurious Garden Spritz innovation is the perfect way to start your Afternoon Tea service.”
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The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea is just one of the special experiences featured on the Napa Valley Wine Train this summer. Among the other offerings are daytime experiences like the Vista Dome Lunch, Grgich Hills Estate Tasting, Gourmet Express Lunch, Tasting on the Rails, and Grape Stomp at Grgich Hills. Evening options include a Murder Mystery Dinner, Gourmet Express Dinner, and Vista Dome Dinner. There’s also an all-day Legacy Experience, which includes three hours on the train and three hours of tastings, including a visit to the Napa Valley welcome sign.
All of the experiences can be booked by calling (800) 427-4124 or visiting winetrain.com.
