Top California Dining Experiences

Step into a beautifully restored 1915 Pullman railcar dressed in Honduran mahogany paneling, brass accents, and etched glass partitions. A welcome glass of sparkling wine arrives as the train departs and the vineyards begin to open up outside your window. As the train glides north, a chef-crafted lunch is served fresh from the onboard kitchen. The train arrives at the legendary Grgich Hills Estate in Rutherford, home of Croatian-born winemaker Mike Grgich, whose 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay defeated France's finest at the 1976 Judgment of Paris, put Napa Valley on the global map forever. Disembark & settle in as your Grgich Hills host leads a private one-hour seated tasting. Back onboard, coffee, tea, and dessert are served as the train winds its way south through the valley. By the time the Napa station returns to view, the afternoon feels like the kind that stays with you long after the last glass is empty.

Experience the beauty of Mission Bay with a self-guided Paint and Sip Picnic designed for creativity, connection, and relaxation. The experience includes two ocean-themed paintings to choose from, along with easy, step-by-step guides, making it perfect for beginners and experienced creatives alike. There’s no instructor hovering, just a thoughtfully prepared setting where you can paint at your own pace, sip sparkling cider, snack, unwind, and enjoy the calm water and scenic views. Ideal for couples seeking a romantic date, friends planning a unique outing, or travelers celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a well deserved moment of escape, this experience blends art and atmosphere in a meaningful way. Guests leave with their own ocean-inspired artwork and a shared memory rooted in connection and calm. It’s more than a picnic, it’s a creative bayfront experience in the heart of San Diego.

Explore the wineries of Napa County without needing a designated driver with this customizable, private driving service from Sacramento. You’re picked up from anywhere in Sacramento and within 25 miles (40 kilometers) and taken to the wineries of your choosing for a full day of wine tasting—all the while traveling in a Mercedes-Benz passenger van.