This Epic Train Ride Near San Francisco Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience

It's easy to get comfortable in the charming 7x7 bubble of San Francisco, but who doesn't love a good trip up to wine country? Just 50 miles northeast of San Francisco is the world famous wine region of Napa Valley, home to over 400 wineries. A trip here feels like traveling to a whole different continent (lots of European inspiration, of course), in a whole different era. Taking this epic train ride near San Francisco can fully capture that experience.

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers 3-hour, 36-mile round-trip journeys that take you between Downtown Napa and the upscale village of St. Helena.

The rail line, which now runs alongside Highway 29, was originally built in 1864 to take people up to the resort town of Calistoga.

With help from San Francisco resident Vincent DeDomenico, inventor of Rice-A-Roni and former owner of Ghirardelli Chocolate, the Napa Valley Wine Train officially opened to the public in 1989.

Before boarding the train at the McKinstry Street Station located in Downtown Napa, walk along the pedestrian foot bridge, which has turned into a love lock bridge. Be sure to add a lock to the bridge if you're with that special someone.

Most of the cars on the Wine Train, like this Cabernet Sauvignon Lounge Car, were built over 100 years ago as first class coaches for the Northern Pacific Railway.

Of course they've been beautifully restored since.

Or go all out in the lavish, exclusive 1952 domed railcar, which offers some incredible panoramic views along the journey.

To begin your ride, you'll get a free taste of the Wine Train's Private Label wine bottled by Raymond Vineyards. Wine flights are also available onboard—and are highly recommended!

The Wine Train will then pass through Oak Knoll, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, and St. Helena.

With multiple kitchens and gourmet chefs onboard, you can get your multi-course lunch or dinner from scratch and to order.

There are several dining journeys (you can even be involved with a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater) and winery tours to choose from, including the brand new six-hour Quattro Vino tour, which stops at four wineries.

But, as we all know, it's all about the journey—not the destination—so, sit back, sip your wine, and enjoy the slow, lavish life of wine country.

Have you been on this epic train ride near San Francisco? Looking for more fun outside the area? Check out these 11 unique day trips from the city.