The Napa Valley Railroad Company was founded in 1864 by Samuel Brannan. In 1885 the Southern Pacific Railroad Company purchased the line and it continued in operation for the next 102 years until sold to the Napa Valley Wine Train, Inc. in 1987.

Vincent DeDomenico, Chairman and principal shareholder of Napa Valley Wine Train, is a veteran of more than 50 years in the food business. His success with the Golden Grain Macaroni Company and its most famous product, "Rice-a-Roni" is legendary. The delicious pasta dishes we serve are "Mama" DeDomenico's old family recipes.

As a principal shareholder and President of Golden Grain, Vincent acquired Ghirardelli Chocolate Company of San Francisco from the family of Domingo Ghirardelli, who founded the company in 1852. The present Ghirardelli Chocolate factory was built alongside the Golden Grain pasta plant in San Leandro, California. A small Ghirardelli Chocolate plant, equipped with 100 year old cocoa bean roasters and mills remains in Ghirardelli Square and hosts over 1 million visitors per year in this San Francisco landmark. It is famous for its fine chocolate, ice cream, and soda fountain. A large selection of Ghirardelli Chocolate and cocoa products is available for purchase in our Wine Emporium along with a selection of the finest gourmet coffees in the world.

Vincent DeDomenico was Vice President of the United States for the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs -- the world's foremost Wine and Food Society with chapters in 122 countries around the world. In Paris, Vincent received the Gold Medal of Honor for his efforts to promote the marriage of good food with great wines. We hope you enjoy the results of those efforts as you relax and dine aboard the Wine Train.