Take a Ride on the Napa Wine Train

You don’t turn 70 every day. That’s what everyone kept telling me. As my 70th year spent on this spinning blue marble drew ever closer, I was filled with such mixed emotions.

Where was the Great American Novel I should have written by now? I’ve been writing since I was nine years old. Shouldn’t that novel be finished by now? If I die tomorrow, how did I change the world? Will anyone remember me? Why was I born? Why am I still here? Oh for the love of God, aren’t we done yet?

All very good questions. As for the answers, the best that I can do is guess and pray that I am right. Let’s start with the novel – who knows – maybe it’s still in me to write. How did I change the world? Will any of us ever really know that answer while we’re still breathing? I believe our impact on the world around us will be revealed to each person in the twilight moments between life and death. If my public declaration of faith makes a difference in the life of a single person, then that’s reason enough for my existance. Some of us are designed for greatness, some are the inspiration for others to one day reach their own greatness. God has a reason and a purpose, even if we don’t always understand. As for why am I still here; the very last question holds within it the answer – if you are still here then He is not yet finished. Until then, all any of us can do is keep moving forward, striving to be the best version of ourselves we can be, all for the glory of God.

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To mark my 70th year of existance, Hubby and Kiddo whisked me away for an amazing weekend. They chose the Gourment Heart of our beautiful Golden State – the Napa-Sonoma region – to celebrate my life and to demonstrate just how much I am loved. My guys made me feel like a fairytale princess.

In the heart of the Wine Country there was so much to see, to do, to experience and most of all to taste. More on that as my birthday month progresses. For today I’ll share with you the Napa Wine Train Extravaganza. The Wine Train offers a number of amazing options from all day trips to elegant suppers. Hubby selected a Seven-Course Supper served in a 1920s fully restored Pullman Car.

From our car, you could walk out to a platform for an unobstructed view to watch vineyard after vineyard come into focus and then slowly fade away as the train made its round-trip journey from the station in Napa to Yountville. As far as the length of the train ride is concerned, this is the shortest of the excursions; the longest would take you to Saint Helena.

Don’t let the shorter distance fool you. It is one of the more expense excursions when coupled with a multi-course supper that is served in a private car with seven different wines to sample. Each course is paired perfectly by an expert Wine Sommelier with wines from the region. What I thought was ingenious was how they managed to get 7 courses served in the time allotted on the train without the diners feeling rushed along. The first course and the bread were served together on individual plates; each with their own glass of wine. The Amuse Brouche was an Endive Leaf with Boursin Herb Cheese, a sliced Red Grape, fresh Dill and finished with Toasted Milk Breadcrumbs. It was presented with a flute of Sparkling Wine. The Rosemary Brioche Rolls were kissed with a flavorful Rosemary Oil; served fresh with creamy butter and paired with a mellow yet crisp white wine.

From that point forward two courses were served on a single plate with two glasses of wine, one for each course plated. The Second and Third Courses were Frisee Arugula Goat Cheese Salad with Golden Heirloom Beets, Pistachios and an Orange Vinaigrette. The soup of the day was a delicate Ginger Carrot Puree Soup served warm with a swirl of Pesto. Each of these courses was served with a different white wine to enhance the dining experience.

The Fourth and Fifth Courses were a Seared Fillet Mignon with AuGratin Potatoes resting on a Bordelaise Sauce, and a blanched Shallot atop a Black Garlic Mushroom Puree. The seafood portion consisted of three generous Herb Garlic Pesto Prawns served atop the creamiest Parmesan Polenta with Ramp Chimichurri, Crisp Prosuiutto and a Conifit Tomato with Watercrest. Each paired with its own deep red wine.

The conclusion of the meal was as spactular as the entire experience had been. The dessert was a Chocolate Bar Cremeux with a Hazelnut Praline atop a Flourless Cake crowned with a Milk Chocolate Chantilly and a dap of Seasalt Caramel Sauce. As for the Toasted Sourdough Baguettes, they were served with a sweet Lavender Jam, Dried Apricots and an assortment of hard and soft cheeses. Each of these final courses were pairred with their own refreshing Dessert Wine.

I have savored my share of Five-Star feast over the years; this was by far the most elegant repass I have ever had the pleasure to experience. Thank you, Hubby. Thank you, Kiddo. I love you both.

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A lamp to my feet is Your word,
a light to my path.