For 35 years, the classic Napa Valley Wine Train has been a popular attraction for visitors to the region’s wine country. With over 400 wineries to explore, the train offers a luxurious and stylish ride through the sprawling area from the comfort of classic Pullman cars.
Now, the Napa Valley Wine Train is taking steps to go green in order to protect the environment it travels through. General Manager Nathan Davis is leading the effort to make the train environmentally friendly. The diesel engine used by the train is the cleanest in its class globally, meeting stringent EPA standards. The engine has been renamed the 1864 to honor the year the rail line was founded. By using less fuel, the train has almost zero emissions, reducing the billowing black smoke that used to be a concern.
Davis emphasized that while the industry is slow-moving, they are committed to making progress and continue moving forward with eco-friendly initiatives. Engineer Artemus Rogerson mentioned that the new diesel engine provides a smoother and quieter ride for passengers and operators. The train is now more environmentally friendly, with plans to have the entire fleet of trains operating in a green manner by 2025.