Unraveling the Secrets of Napa Valley’s Wine Train Murder Mystery

October 7, 2024 / Style & Decor, Art & Culture

Innocent bystanders, jealous lovers, mysterious red herrings, and (gasp!)—murder. Just in time for spooky season, this immersive Wine Train experience transports guests to the heart of a vintage film noir. Glide through Napa Valley’s rolling vineyards, sipping fine wine, playing detective, or perhaps villain, at the same time.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a cunning killer or concealing your own shadowy secrets, you’ll enjoy a gourmet three-course dinner as the plot thickens. Are you ready to step into a scene where you could be the next suspect?

Our Partner in Crime

The Napa Valley Wine Train’s Murder Mystery Tours are hosted in collaboration with The Murder Mystery Co., whose founder Scott Cramton recently took center stage on ABC’s Shark Tank. But he didn’t just impress the Sharks—he struck a deal with none other than Jason Blum, the CEO and Founder of Blumhouse Productions—the powerhouse behind legendary horror franchises like Paranormal Activity, Insidious, The Purge, and Halloween. We’re thrilled to bring this Hollywood-endorsed immersive experience to our Wine Train guests.

 

What to Expect

5:30 PM | Your Journey Begins

The excitement begins to bubble as you check in with our team at McKinstry Street Station and join the queue to board. You size up your fellow guests, wondering who among them might be harboring a dark secret. Trust no one, but make friends all the same — you’ll need all the allies you can get!

5:50 PM | Boarding Call

The train whistle sounds, striking an ominous tone. It’s time to board our 1915 Pullman railcar. As the wheels start to turn, so does your mind, “Who among us won’t make it to dessert?”. This is the perfect time to practice your poker face before the mystery unfolds.

6:20 PM | Time to Depart

A complimentary glass of sparkling wine sets the mood, and with it, you’re officially on the case. The train gently pulls away from the station, and there’s no going back now. You settle into your seat, browse the menu, select your beverage of choice, and learn the murder mystery rules of engagement.

6:30 PM | Bon Appétit

Over three courses, you’ll delight in the rich flavors of world-class cuisine — think seasonal risotto, grilled beef tenderloin, or ricotta gnocchi paired with a glass of wine expertly recommended by your server. Between bites, you’ll navigate clues and tricky red herrings — building your case against the murderer until the final reveal.

8:45 PM | Farewell For Now

You’ve navigated a high-stakes journey from Napa to Rutherford, solved a crime, and maybe even made some new partners in crime. Together, you sleuthed out the culprit and brought a killer to justice. Now, it’s time to say farewell…until next time.

Murder Mystery Experiences

Choose your journey: travel to the vintage glitz of Old Hollywood, attend a deadly mafia wedding, or hide your identity in a masquerade mystery. You and your fellow dinner guests will have two hours to solve, so come prepared for spying. Our professional improv actors help set the stage, but the real drama is up to you.

Experience: Best Laid Plans

Sir Warren Peace has invited you to his grand estate, where the stage is set for a true Old Hollywood whodunnit. Play your part in a cast of unsavory characters, where everyone is a potential killer, and help solve the mystery before the next victim falls. To navigate this world, you’ll need to get your hands a little dirty and look your best, bribing suspects for clues while dressed in formal attire fit for the silver screen.

Upcoming Date: 

Saturday, October 5th, 2024

 

Experience: Death of a Gangster

In Death of a Gangster, you’re caught in the middle of a clash of power as two crime families unite. In Gatsby-style 1920s attire, your party will attend a mafia wedding at the Dunn Speakeasy — where tension boils over and someone loses their life. It’s up to you and your fellow detectives to solve the murder. Be careful — you won’t know who to trust.

Upcoming Date: 

Saturday, November 16th, 2024

 

Experience: Midnight at the Masquerade

Chaos ensues at the Billionaires’ Club Annual Masquerade when a murder is discovered during the opulent evening. You must solve the crime by trading clues and exchanging information with your fellow partygoers. But, in a room where identities and motives are hidden behind Venetian masks, you can only trust your intuition.

Upcoming Date: 

Saturday, October 26th, 2024

Uncork a Mystery

Think you have what it takes to crack the case? Gather your sharpest minds, dress to the nines, and reserve your spot in your experience of choice today. If you’d prefer to see the fall scenery of Napa Valley through a more classic tasting journey, explore all our seasonal experiences.