Vintage Pullman Rail Car Transforms into a Vibrant Floral Oasis Aboard Napa’s World-Renowned Wine Train
NAPA, Calif. (April 8, 2025) – The Napa Valley Wine Train, a memorable experience that evokes the spirit of luxury rail travel, is thrilled to announce the return of its enchanting “Secret Garden Afternoon Tea” experience to celebrate the beginning of spring in Napa Valley. In partnership with CHANDON, California’s exceptional sparkling winery, guests will enjoy a beautifully redesigned rail car bursting with a new series of delicate pink and neutral toned wildflowers, elevated tableware, and window decals while sipping CHANDON wine, premium tea, and a selection of sweet and savory accompaniments during an awe-inspiring trip through Napa Valley.
“We pride ourselves on offering unique experiences and creating annual traditions that our guests can look forward to booking each year, and one of the most popular is our Secret Garden Afternoon Tea,” said Nathan Davis, general manager, Napa Valley Wine Train. “The natural scenery of Napa Valley is artfully framed by the captivating floral interior while guests partake in decadent food, tea, and of course sparkling wine provided by our outstanding partner, CHANDON, that all contribute to an unforgettable afternoon unlike anything else in the Valley.”
Elegant floral arrangements designed by Zeineb Huizinga, owner of The Lavender Rose, line the sides of a sophisticated interior aboard the fully restored 1915 Pullman railcar. To the left and right of the center aisle, plush chairs offer a front-row seat to the scenic Napa Valley countryside seen through expansive windows. The ambiance is enhanced by a specially curated Bridgerton-inspired playlist created by a professional DJ.
The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea experience kicks off at the Napa Valley Wine Train station where guests will depart at 11:30 a.m. and be welcomed with a CHANDON Garden Spritz made with sparkling wine and a house-made ‘Garden liqueur’ using handpicked Valencia oranges, fresh herbs, and spices. A selection of fine Darjeeling, Ceylon, and Assam teas will be offered along with a seasonal soup and salad course, and a traditional three-tier riser will feature sweet and savory finger sandwiches, scones, cheeses, desserts, and more. Each booking will receive a stylish, branded photo taken by their server as a memento of their photo-worthy journey aboard the three-hour ride, which will conclude at 2:30 p.m.
For guests looking to add a bit more decadence to the experience, enhancement options include caviar available for $149 per serving, built for 2 people, a menu of CHANDON wine and cocktails for purchase including the Garden Spritz, and a new Afternoon Bubbly Flight featuring three 4 oz pours of CHANDON sparkling priced at $42. An additional Sommelier Flight is available featuring Far Niente, Opus One, and Beaulieu Vineyard’s Georges de Latour Private Reserve. And at the station’s wine store, a set of three CHANDON wines – Brut de Noir, Chandon By The Bay, Chandon Etoile Rose – will be available for purchase and shipping.
The Secret Garden Afternoon Tea Experience is now available for booking Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through October. Must be 21 or older to attend. For more information or to purchase tickets, 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.
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.
About CHANDON
CHANDON is LVMH’s sparkling-wine Maison, founded in 1959 by Robert-Jean de Vogüé, a pioneer with the vision, courage and drive to redefine the category and craft exceptional sparkling wines in unexpected lands. Now spanning four continents, we have wineries in Argentina, California, Brazil, Australia, China and India, making ours the largest sparkling vineyard worldwide and the only domain on which the sun never sets. Drawing on a collaborative network of sixteen winemakers of seven different nationalities, we stand for new terroirs, innovative methods and an ever-curious outlook that happily unites our diverse lands and people. CHANDON opens up a world of possibilities.
