It’s time to sit back and relax. Let’s enjoy the Napa Valley breeze as the wine trolley carries us together from vineyard to vineyard. On a beautiful day, this open air streetcar offers plenty of sunshine and lush wine country vistas. Thanks to the wine trolley, we will enjoy tastings at three lovely wineries without concerns about driving.
All Aboard
Ring-a-ding! Ring-a-ding! Right on time, our fire engine red Napa Valley Wine Trolley pulled into the South Parking Lot of V Marketplace in Yountville. Climbing aboard, I noted the degree of detail in this cable car replica–including a full wooden carriage and a solid brass bell. That said, I still chuckled over the dramatic spectacle we would be as we drove through the countryside.
Once aboard the trolley, I chose a spot on the wooden bench seat towards the back. I set my feet on the lower brass bar. Ahh… relaxation! Within a few moments, our guide announced our itinerary. Our day trip included stops at Castello di Amorosa, Clos Pegase, and Inglenook.
Welcome to Napa Valley
As we ambled through the countryside, our guide shared insights on Napa Valley’s history and landscape. Now on our way to Castello di Amorosa, we relished in scenic views of active farmland and vineyards during bud break.
Castello di Amorosa
As I stepped off the wine trolley at Castello di Amorosa, I couldn’t believe my eyes. A grand medieval castle stood on top of the hill overlooking the vineyard. Winemaker Dario Sattui built Castello di Amorosa in 1994. This replica of a 13th century Tuscan castle celebrates his Italian heritage along with his passion for medieval architecture.
According to our guide, you’ll find every aspect of an authentic medieval castle at Castello di Amorosa: a moat, drawbridge, towers, defensive ramparts, courtyards, loggias, a chapel, stables, an armory, and even a torture chamber. We toured the castle, enjoyed a barrel tasting and bellied up to the bar in the tasting room. For more on this experience, see my full post on the Castello di Amorosa Winery & Castle.
Clos Pegase
Next, we headed to Clos Pegase. At Clos Pegase, we enjoyed a slow wine tasting that took place over the course of our estate tour and lunch. With a wine glass in hand, we discussed art and architecture as we toured the extensive, candlelit wine cave system and theater.
At the conclusion of our tour, we regrouped in the courtyard for a light lunch catered by Sonoma’s The Girl & The Fig. Our guide set up a sizable buffet of sandwiches, sides and desserts. With several sandwich options to choose from, I grabbed a half portion of the roasted eggplant sandwich on fresh focaccia. I also scooped up a small portion of chickpea carrot salad and potato olive salad. I finished my meal with a small, yet delicious fig bar with streusel topping.
Inglenook
After lunch, we hopped back on the wine trolley and cruised under blue skies to our last stop of the day–Inglenook. Lush green ivy crawled up the romantic brick facade of this historic wine estate. On arrival, we discovered a lovely courtyard, a full service bistro, tasting salons, a small museum and an expansive retail salon.
It’s a very rare case that I praise an institution’s gift shop. However, Inglenook’s well-curated retail salon offered much more than your typical wine and trinkets. Goods in this salon included fine furnishings, collectibles and antiques. I, for one, certainly appreciated the stereograph viewer dating back to the early 1900s!
We explored Inglenook’s lovely estate for 45 minutes or so before hearing the wine trolley bell. Ring-a-ding! It’s time to head back to Yountville. By the end of the trip, I got to know everyone on the trolley. We bantered about travel, hobbies and our love for wine.
As we pulled back into the parking lot at V Marketplace, I felt so glad that I took a chance on this solo excursion through wine country. It’s hard to feel alone when you’re with a big group of happy, wine-loving travelers.
What a wonderful way to to spend a gorgeous Saturday afternoon in Napa Valley!
Enjoy The Wine Trolley Yourself
If you want to hop on the Napa Valley Wine Trolley, you have two tours to choose from: The Classic Tour and the Premium Up Valley Tour. Because I was staying in Yountville right across the street from the V Marketplace, I opted for the Premium Up Valley Tour. This tour is a bit more expensive, but it also includes that 2 hour tour and tasting at Castello di Amorosa.
This tour includes the full trolley ride along with the tour and tasting at Castello di Amorosa. However, it does not include the cost of tastings at the remaining wineries. A few attendees were caught off guard when they received a bill, as they had clearly not read those details on the website. In addition, you won’t likely know which specific wineries you’ll be visiting until you hop on the trolley. As long as you’re comfortable with a little spontaneity and a little extra spend, you’ll have a great time.
One more point of note. This trolley leaves from the South Parking Lot, which sits behind Mini Modal Bakery in Yountville. As boarding time nears, you’ll find plenty of confused people wondering where to go. When they discover that you’re the one person who knows, you’ll be a hero!
