The iconic Napa Valley Wine Train has undergone a transformation in its approach to providing a luxurious ride through the region’s wine country. For the past 35 years, the train has been offering visitors an exquisite journey through Napa Valley’s expansive vineyards, which are home to over 400 wineries. However, recently the train has shifted its focus towards sustainability by adopting eco-friendly practices that aim to preserve the delicate environment of the region.
The locomotive, inspired by classic Pullman cars, offers passengers a stylish way to explore the valley. In recent times, it has been renamed the 1864 in honor of the year when the rail line was established and now uses a diesel engine that is among the cleanest in its class globally. The engineer, Artemus Rogerson, highlighted the benefits of this new engine, explaining how it has eliminated billowing black smoke that used to bother residents as they passed through and provides a smoother and quieter ride for both passengers and operators.
General Manager Nathan Davis shared that his plans are to have the entire fleet of trains running on sustainable technology by 2025. He emphasized the importance of gradual progress in achieving a greener future for Napa Valley Wine Train while acknowledging that transitioning to eco-friendly practices may be a slow process. Despite this, Davis expressed his commitment towards making significant strides towards a sustainable future for his beloved train.
Overall, Napa Valley Wine Train’s shift towards sustainability reflects its dedication towards preserving one of California’s most beautiful regions while providing visitors with an unforgettable experience on board.