Eat, See, Learn: A Wine Tasting Class on the Wine Train

 A simple premise. Everyday, we nourish ourselves. We view and see the world around us,
and have experiences that we remember and learn from. Most of the time though, we are on
autopilot. Mindlessly moving from one moment to another. Every step we make has become a
daily ritual -- a hurtle almost, and not a path for exploration.
 
Yet, it can be.
 
The Napa Valley Wine Train has added a new class to its summer events schedule that helps
us take these ordinary, daily duties and turn them into the pleasurable embracing of life that
they should be.
 
“Eat, See, Learn,” is a new wine and food pairing class which takes place in the Wine Train’s
1952 Vista Dome car. The class focuses on opening our senses and enjoying the simple
pleasures in life, like great food, new friends and delectable wine. We all know about stopping
to smell the roses, but do you stop to smell your wine before you drink it? Do you let the flavors
linger in your nose? And once you raise your glass to your lips, do you truly taste every sip?
 
The sensory tour begins with a glass of sparkling wine and focuses on Napa history, Robert
Mondavi wines, and Chef Kelly Macdonald’s gourmet cuisine. Richard Miami, your guide for the
day, is an engaging and interesting man and is more than qualified to teach all about Napa. He
was born and raised in St. Helena and has been working in Napa Valley for years. His resume
is lengthy and includes director of Special Events at Domaine Chandon, tour guide consultant
for Sonoma and Napa, and Film and Performance Manager for COPIA. Currently, Richard
Miami is a Wine Educator at Robert Mondavi Winery.
 
The journey continues as the Train begins to roll and the wine begins to flow. Richard Miami
directs your palate, opening your mind to the various flavors as they hit your tongue. He also
uses his Napa knowledge to educate you about the history of the region and the history of
Robert Mondavi Wines. All of this happens while you are savoring a multiple course gourmet
meal on board an antique train as you travel through the storied vineyards of Napa.
 
The classes are fill in seating, so depending on the size of your group, you might be seated with
other people, giving you an opportunity to meet other wine lovers from around the world.
 
June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, August 5 and August 29
 
All “Eat, See, Learn” classes include a 3 hour ride in the Wine Train’s vintage 1952 full dome
Vista Dome car, a gourmet meal prepared fresh on board in the Vista Dome’s private kitchen, a