Napa Valley Wine Train

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Another amazing day in San Francisco. We woke this morning to the sound of rain. The infamous San Francisco fog had rolled in and bought misty showers with it.

After a late night last night and our first real hiccup with our travel plans sleep was short. When we got back from our late night last night I got today's program out and read that you needed to book a ferry and bus transfer once you got your ticket on the Wine Train confirmation. Of all things to not do, we had first class tickets on the wine train and no way of getting there as their reservations had closed.

After a bit of research I found Budget have an office in downtown San Francisco so I hopped on line booked us an intermediate sized car for pick up at 8am today and drop at San Francisco Airport by 8am tomorrow, we are on a flight to Buffalo via Washington tomorrow morning at 8am. We arrived at the Budget office just on 8am thanks to "muni 38L" (our local bus service to the downtown area). I presented my introductory letter and despite not getting a discount we did get a slight upgrade, a nice white Ford Mustang. I have now had my mid life crisis - LOL.

We left shortly after 8am and arrived at Napa in ample time to check in for the Wine Train even after stopping for breakfast at McDonalds enroute.

The wine train was just amazing. We sat with a lovely father and daughter, Bill and Corrie (pronounced Corey). Bill is from South Texas and Corrie is a local and a chef so Vicki and Corrie had plenty to talk about and with a father like Bill (same name as my late dad) we had plenty to talk about. I set Bill straight on Fosters being the worst beer we make and to try a schooner of Carlton Draught when he comes to Australia. Two days in a row we have met complete strangers and been like long lost friends after a few hours together.

The meal was four beautiful courses served with matching wines. The appetizer was pan seared rock shrimp cake on baby greens with preserved lemon aioli, matching wine was Sauvignon Blanc. Entree was grilled Char (like a cross between Salmon and Trout) in a smoked tomato coulis served with (of all things) Merlot and it really worked a treat. It was around this time we met the Executive Chef and had the chance to discuss the wine and meal. He explained how the Merlot would cut the smokey flavour of the fish and compliment it - he got it spot on, it was an amazing mix. Main was Grilled filet mignon on fig toast with quail confit served with a very full bodied cabernet sauvignon. Dessert was peanut butter cream chocolate ganache cake served with coffee and it was delicious.

A very pleasant 3 hour journey on the Napa Valley Wine Train. It was worth every cent buying the best seats on board and we will do it again when we next come to San Francisco.

We have just arrived home after one final meal at another of the local Italian restaurants. More fantastic American service and beautiful food.

As we are getting ready to pack for our day of travel tomorrow it is with much regret we are leaving San Francisco but with real excitement for me to reunite with my Canadian cousins at Niagara Falls on Sunday.

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