The Napa Valley Wine Train Is Transforming for an '80s-themed Murder Mystery Ride

Andrea Romano

Raise a glass and get on board, because the Napa Valley Wine Train is celebrating a pretty big milestone this year.

The Napa Valley Wine Train is celebrating its 30th anniversary of providing unique journeys through Northern California’s wine country, reps announced in a statement. There have been classic wine trains, beer trains, tequila trains, and even special murder mystery trains over the course of this company’s successful three-decade run. And they show no signs of stopping now.

“It’s been fascinating to be a part of the Napa Valley Wine Train’s evolution and introduce the numerous new experiences and events we now offer,” said Scott Goldie, co-CEO of the Napa Valley Wine Train. “We’re excited to continue to provide visitors and locals with exceptional, unparalleled journeys through Wine Country.”

In celebration of this important milestone, the Napa Valley Wine Train will be holding two events: a special reception on Monday, Sept. 16 and an ‘80s-themed murder mystery dinner on Thursday, Sept. 26.

The reception on Sept. 16 will be held on board a stationary train at the Downtown Napa train station from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The night will kick off with hors d’oeuvres from executive chef Donald Young, live outdoor music, and a tour of the train’s newly renovated railcars. The train station will also be decorated with memorabilia and vintage artefacts, and guests will learn more about the history of the train, receive special 30th anniversary pins, and participate in prize raffles.

In order to get in on the fun, a $25 minimum donation must be made, which will be given to the Children’s Museum of Napa Valley, a nonprofit that creates a safe learning environment for kids in Napa Valley.

On Sept. 26, the train will embark on a fun murder mystery tour with a colorful 1980s twist. The tour will be operated in partnership with The Murder Mystery Company, the largest theatrical company in the U.S. that hosts comedy murder mysteries. The two-hour ride will include a four-course gourmet meal and, of course, a mystery to solve aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train’s restored Pullman rail cars. Sounds totally tubular.

Tickets for the ’80s murder mystery dinner start at $250. More information and tickets can be purchased online.