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Unique Ways to Travel around Wine Country

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traveling wine country

Expedia Viewfinder partnered with Wine Country Getaways to discuss different means of transportation around the Northern Californian vineyards.

Unique Ways to Travel around Wine Country

California is world renowned for its vineyards and wineries. The northern region, known as Wine Country, is arguably one of the best places to experience a tipsy vacation in the United States.

At Expedia Viewfinder, we wanted to discover unique ways of exploring Wine Country, so we teamed up with our friends over at Wine Country Getaways. From kayaking along the Russian River to riding the Napa Valley Wine Train, we learned some of the most spectacular means of transportation through the grape-baring vineyards of Northern California.

kayak Russian River

Kayak on the Russian River

Visitors who want to see Wine Country from a different perspective will love kayaking along the Russian River in Northern California. Departing from the beach in Healdsburg, the tour takes adventurers downstream along the river, past the various vineyards on the banks. Kayakers are treated to coastal views and wildlife such as otters and turtles. At the halfway point, relax on the beach with a picnic lunch, or hop into the water for a refreshing swim when the weather is warm. After cruising down the river, spend the rest of the day of sampling vino at the wineries and further touring the landscape.

big sur bike

Cycle through Monterey and Big Sur

Burn off those Cabernet calories with a multi-day bike tour through Monterey and Big Sur. Cycle along scenic Highway 1, which famously runs along the California coast, to arrive at the nationally renowned Santa Ynez Valley vineyards. Bike enthusiasts start at Carmel-by-the-Sea, ride past the sea lions at Point Lobos, through the redwoods along Big Sur, and end up at the wineries in the valley. After a long bike ride, nothing says victory like a glass of local wine.

wine train

Ride a Wine Train in Napa Valley

Step back in time on a vintage train to explore Wine Country in one of the most elegant ways. During this three-hour, 36-mile journey, the 1950s train chugs along from Napa to St. Helena. As the passenger cars pass through the Napa Valley vineyards, guests feast on gourmet meals with views of the rolling scenery and rows of grapevines. Those who reserve winery tours in advance can disembark at the stops along the train route to explore on foot and sample the region’s finest wines.

hot air balloon wine

Hot Air Balloon in Sonoma Valley

Take a Wine Country vacation to new heights by hopping into a hot air balloon and soaring above Sonoma Valley. Passengers typically begin the adventure at dawn, when the conditions are best for hot air ballooning. With a glass of champagne or mimosa in hand, watch the sun rise over the horizon and light up the vineyards below. For romance or just a thrill, this is the perfect way to kick start a day of wine tasting in Sonoma Valley.

Explore the Northern California region on water, wheels, or up in the air for a unique perspective of the grapevines. Whether you’re prepping your palette for the region’s wine selection or simply looking to marvel at the grape-laden landscape, embark on one of these adventures for a one-of-a-kind romp in Wine Country.

Written by an Expedia Staff Writer  

Train Napa: To ride or not to ride the Napa Valley Wine Train

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train napa

To ride or not the train Napa

Some call it the train Napa but we know it as the Wine Train. Every now and then a WCG reader will shoot us an email asking us for advice on taking a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train that runs through the Valley. I’m sorry to reply to these emails that I have never been on the Wine Train and therefore cannot make a recommendation. I have had friends who have taken the wine train, and for the most part we have heard a mixed bag of reviews. Some think it is an awesome time, while others thought the money would have been better spent on visiting wineries or buying wine.

As far as I can see, the Napa Valley Wine Train is more like a restaurant than anything else. It is really not a wine tour. Sure, the scenery is very pretty along the route from Napa to St. Helena, but the problem is that you cannot get off and on along the way and spend some time at any wineries. When the wine train got the okay in 1989 to take passengers along the Valley, plenty of restrictions were placed on what the wine train could do and not do. Letting passengers on and off at wineries was a big “no.”

I can think of a few reasons why folks might want to take the Napa Valley Wine Train.

  • They love riding trains
  • What better way to enjoy the scenery of the Napa Valley by having fine wine and food without any traffic worries
  • It is a good introduction to the Napa Valley
  • It is a fun and relaxing time
  • It’s a party
image of the wine train ticket at Costco

Costco Wine Train Package

The cost of riding the wine train varies because they have optional tours at a few wineries either before or after the train ride. My local Costco Store has the Napa Valley Wine Train tickets on sale for $84.99 for one ticket. That represents up to a 22% savings according to the print on the package. There is a train for lunch and another for dinner. Beware, if you take the dinner train and it’s the dead of winter, you are not going see much scenery.

There are other options for visiting the Napa Valley other than riding the wine train. There are private limos that can be hired. Platypus is a company that picks up tourists at their hotels and drives them to a set of wineries with a picnic lunch included. You can certainly drive on your own, but make sure you have a designated driver. For good reason, the authorities heavily patrol the Valley.

The wine train is certainly not my cup of tea. When I travel to the Napa Valley, a big part of what I like to do is get out my car and explore the vineyards and compose photographs. I like searching the crossroads finding beautiful vineyard scenes and, oh yes, stopping in at any winery that looks interesting. If I’m driving while visiting, I make sure I bring in my wine spit cup so I can taste but not swallow the wine. I do like the wine train in one respect. I like watching the wine train as it goes by; the cars are old and look very pretty against the vineyards and the mountains.

In case you are planning a trip to the Napa Valley, here is a little video to help you plan a wonderful trip to the wine country: Napa Valley Travel Tips.

CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY REGIONS:

Carneros • Livermore • Lodi • Mendocino • Monterey • Napa Valley • Paso Robles • Santa Barbara County • Santa Cruz Mts. • Sierra Foothills • Russian River • Sonoma Valley

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