Vintage Tracks

Maybe you've heard of the Napa Valley Wine Train. Maybe you've even wined on it. But this month only there's another wine train chugging through the hills…in the East Bay! And it's also serving up some tasty local vino. For the next three Sundays, through Aug. 31, the historic Niles Canyon Railway near Pleasanton is offering open-air seating and plenty of wines to taste. The corny joke–cracking host, sommelier Sean Andrade, starts the festivities by slicing open a bottle of bubbly with a ninja-worthy "champagne saber." After that, it's a free-flow pour-for-all on board. Five food-and-wine pairings comprise the tasting, with two whites and three reds that all hail proudly from the Livermore Valley. The train uses the same tracks as the first Transcontinental Railway, with a particularly scenic stop on the bridge that crosses Alameda Creek. This trip is especially popular with people celebrating special occasions, but anyone can get into the spirit of the vine. So raise your glass and taste away. As sommelier Sean likes to say, "Drink what you like, like what you drink." Just leave the chugging to the train.

The Niles Canyon Railway Wine Tasting Special happens on three more Sundays: Aug. 17, 24, and 31. All trains leave the Sunol Depot at 3:30 p.m. Cost is $39 per person.

Angels and Demons

Carmel au Naturel

Monterey Peninsula's upcoming Indian summer makes an ideal backdrop for outdoor entertainment. Take in the scene at the oldest outdoor community theater west of the Rockies, right in the heart of Carmel. The Forest Theater is one place where the stars can be seen on more than just the stage. Surrounded by Monterey pines, with just 500 seats, and two bonfires flanking the action, the venue makes nature part of the drama. Bring a picnic, some wine, and a blanket to place on the wooden bench seats (stadium seats are also allowed, so bring them if you have them). The Wizard of Oz is playing from August 21 to September 28. Watch out for those flying monkeys.

TIP: Before the action, stock up on sandwiches and wine at nearby Bruno's Market and Deli in downtown Carmel. Concessions are also available at the theater.

The Wizard of Oz goes from Aug. 21 to Sept. 28. The Comedy of Errors goes from Oct. 3 to 19. Tickets start at $30. Seating is first-come, first-served. Arrive early to get one of the limited parking spots, or you can find parking on the streets of Carmel. More information.