If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, you don’t have to splurge on a trip to Paris or Rome. In fact, you don’t even have to leave the country! California wine train tours are the perfect way to explore the beauty of wine country in a romantic setting… and you don’t need to be a wine fanatic to enjoy it. You’ll see the ‘real’ wine country, taste gourmet foods and the finest local wines, and sit back and relax, without worrying about traffic, crowds or navigating your way through the back roads.

California is home to two of the most renowned wine regions in the world — Napa Valley, and Sonoma County. A train tour takes you through the lush, fertile countryside of California, a region full of quaint villages and historic towns, far removed from the hustle and bustle (and traffic, and crowds) of the California you probably think of! The region and weather is similar to that of Tuscany… so much so, that you might just forget that you’re still in the United States.

Napa Valley is about 50 miles from San Fransisco Bay in Northern California and is considered one of the premier wine regions in the world, having beaten famous French wines in blind tastings in Paris. Napa Valley was the nation’s very first agricultural preserve, and has been protected since 1968 against over development.  Fall is the most popular time to visit, as the valley is blanketed with vibrant yellows, oranges and reds. However, it will be more crowded at this time, so you may also want to consider a trip during the Spring or Summer months.

Sonoma County is west of Napa, and extends right to the coastline. In the mid-19th century, a Hungarian vintner decided to try his hand at wine making on his 500-plus acres. He was obviously a success, and California wine country was born. Sonoma is less touristy than Napa is, so if you prefer a quieter getaway then you may prefer this region. The family-owned wineries are more secluded, and there are fewer tourist attractions. The Russian River Valley is a favorite stop, with charming small villages right at the river’s edge where you can dine in local comfort.

The trains themselves play a huge part in the overall romance of the trip. You can relax in old-fashioned style on a vintage 1915 first-class Pullman car, sipping a variety of local vintages and enjoying gourmet meals prepared by fine dining chefs right on board the train.

California wine train tours offer more than just wine tasting. You can choose from many different packages that can include everything from walking tours, horseback excursions, and even sunrise hot air balloon rides. What’s more, you’ll avoid the frustration of trying to plan your route, dealing with traffic, and falling in to tourist traps. A train tour lets you see the real wine country, and get an entire experience rather than just sporadic visits to whatever wineries you manage to find on your map. So if you want to up the romance in your next vacation, hop on a train and explore the Tuscan-like California countryside.