For One Day Only, The Napa Valley Wine Train Offers a Luxurious Round-Trip Journey Honoring One of the Wine Industry’s Most Pivotal Moments
August 31, 2026 (Napa, CA) — The Napa Valley Wine Train, one of the few active historic passenger railroads in the United States, is proud to partner with Cultured Vine to offer the Judgment of Paris 50th Anniversary Wine Train Experience to celebrate the momentous occasion and honor its role in the history of California Wine Country. On Sunday, October 4, guests will board the vintage rail car to enjoy a five-course gourmet meal and wine pairings while listening to engaging storytelling from iconic Napa wine pioneers.
“The Judgment of Paris sent shockwaves through the wine world 50 years ago and forever changed how Napa wines were considered on the international stage, so we look forward to honoring the anniversary with this unique event,” said Nathan Davis, general manager of the Napa Valley Wine Train. “Guests will not only learn about its significance over exceptional food and wines but also meet special guests who will provide first-hand accounts of the historical tasting while traveling through Napa’s rolling vineyards.”
Attendees of the Judgment of Paris 50th Anniversary Wine Train Experience will participate in an unforgettable afternoon coordinated in partnership with the highly skilled team behind Napa-based white glove concierge service Cultured Vine known for its VIP tastings and curated wine country itineraries. The experience is comprised of a three-hour culinary journey with a multi-course lunch and six historic wine pairings expertly curated by renowned wine authority Andrea Immer Robinson. Inspired by the legendary 1976 tasting, the selections will showcase celebrated California and French wines side by side, including Chandon By the Bay; Château Montelena Chardonnay paired with Marc Colin Saint-Aubin “En Montceau”; Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Echo de Lynch-Bages; and TOR Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. While taking in the sweeping Napa Valley scenery, guests will hear behind-the-scenes stories about the Judgment of Paris and the pivotal role it played in elevating California wine on the global stage.
Special guests who will share their knowledge include Tor Kenward, founder of TOR Wines and Judgment of Napa 2021 winner, Patricia Gastaud-Gallagher, a key figure behind the original Judgment of Paris tasting, and Bella Spurrier, wife of the late Steven Spurrier, whose candid photographs remain the only visual record of the original tasting in 1976. Guests will also receive a copy of Tor Kenward’s acclaimed book, Reflections of a Vintner, with an opportunity for a personal signing upon return to the station. Guests will also have exclusive access to the south observation platform during the journey through Wine Country.
The Judgment of Paris 50th Anniversary Wine Train Experience takes place on Sunday, October 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $506.00 per person and are available to purchase here. For more information on Napa Valley Wine Train, please visit 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. Today, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers more than a dozen distinct rail experiences—from gourmet journeys and winery tours to seasonal and specialty events—inviting guests to explore Napa Valley in unforgettable ways. Guests can also bring home a taste of the journey through the Wine Train Shop, which features curated gifts, apparel, and exclusive keepsakes.
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 29 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: over 75 restaurants, bars, and lounges; the Napa Valley Wine Train; a collection of spas, marinas, and private residences throughout the U.S., and Mexico; a range of beachfront resorts from California to Florida; luxury retreats in Jackson Hole, Wyo. and award-winning urban hotels in Seattle and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.noblehousehotels.com or call 877.NOBLE.TRIP.
