NAPA, Calif. (November 6, 2024) – The Napa Valley Wine Train, a memorable experience that evokes the spirit of luxury rail travel, has been awarded a $6.4 million grant by the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program to help fund the purchase of three new low emissions locomotives. The purchase is part of an overarching plan to retire the historic trains in the fleet that run on diesel fuel in place of new designs that align with California’s locomotive emission standards set to take effect in 2030.
“We are keenly focused on the future of our business and curating experiences that offer delicious food, wine, and stunning views, while also placing importance on our environmental responsibility,” said Nathan Davis, Napa Valley Wine Train general manager. “We are grateful to receive the CRISI grant that will not only benefit our business and customer experience, but also the community by producing a vastly lowered carbon footprint with the retirement of our charming yet dated fleet.”
Napa Valley Wine Train will combine this grant with a recent $3.9 million grant awarded by the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust to get closer to the overall expected $11 million cost of the three locomotives. As 2024 ends, the company looks ahead with a goal of completely transitioning the fleet to new tier-4 engines by 2026.
The three new low emissions locomotives join Napa Valley Wine Train’s first “green” locomotive which debuted at the end of 2023. Dubbed the “1864” in honor of the rail line’s founding year, it features a new, made in the USA, EPA Tier-4-compliant engine with cutting-edge technologies that deliver the cleanest, safest, and most competitive solutions for environmental stewardship and significantly lower the carbon footprint. Like the 1864, the new Tier 4 locomotives will be nearly silent and odorless as exhaust is practically nonexistent allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the stunning panoramic vistas undeterred. They will produce near-zero emissions making them “green” and can operate at 1,000 horsepower.
For more information on visiting the Napa Valley Wine Train visit www.winetrain.com.
About the Napa Valley Wine Train
One of the few active historic passenger railroads in the United States, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers an engaging and memorable experience that echoes the glory days of train travel, with fine dining service, multi-course meals cooked to order, Napa Valley scenery and ultimate relaxation aboard exquisitely restored antique rail cars. The Napa Valley Wine Train features vintage Pullman rail cars faithfully restored with Honduran mahogany paneling, brass accents, etched glass partitions and luxurious armchairs that evoke the spirit of luxury rail travel at the beginning of the 20th century. Conveniently located in downtown Napa and easily accessible, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers a car-free transportation option that bring guests from San Francisco to Napa Valley via the San Francisco Bay Ferry.
The Napa Valley Wine Train holds a level 1 Green Key Meetings rating. It has been identified as a destination that has taken first steps to reduce environmental impacts by analyzing its meetings and conference operations and identifying opportunities for improvement. An action plan focusing on resource conservation and waste minimization has been established, and is supported by a firm commitment to continual improvement.
In 2015, Noble House Hotels & Resorts, Ltd. – a collection of luxury hotels and resorts purchased the historic and iconic Napa Valley Wine Train expanding its portfolio to include attractions in the destinations its hotels call home.
About Noble House Hotels & Resorts
The Noble House Hotels & Resorts portfolio is a collection of 28 luxury and upscale hotels, resorts, and experiences across North America—all designed for discerning travelers seeking to escape the daily routine. Noble House can be trusted to unlock the most authentic experiences in the most compelling destinations. This promise is delivered through their carefully curated collection that pairs boutique local charm with consistent high service and comfort standards. All concepts within their collection offer immersive, active adventure experiences that bring out the best of their destinations. Headquartered in Seattle, their family-owned business philosophy creates value for each concept’s community, environment, ownership, staff, and guests. The portfolio includes: the Napa Valley Wine Train; a collection of spas, marinas, and private residences throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico; a range of beachfront resorts from California to Florida; luxury retreats in Jackson Hole, Wyo., British Columbia, and Colorado; and award-winning urban hotels in Seattle and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.noblehousehotels.com or call 877.NOBLE.TRIP.
