The Napa Valley Wine Train Hopes to Change Its Image With a 'Pride Ride'

The train is trying to overcome its seemingly bigoted history.

The Napa Valley Wine Train hasn't generated many positive headlines for itself. In August, the Wine Country locomotive came under fire for ejecting an African-American women's book club, and it was later revealed the tourist trap on rails has a dodgy history with minority groups. The train was sold in September, and now new ownership is attempting to change the narrative and promote inclusivity with an LGBT-friendly "pride ride" on March 19.

The Napa Valley Pride Ride will feature "some of the Bay Area's most prominent LGBT wine experts," according to a press release. The selected wines will be paired with a four-course meal prepared by the train's executive chef. It's unclear whether the oenophiles involved actually list "LGBT wine expert" instead of, you know, "wine expert" on their resumes.

While the description of the event might be a little tone-deaf, at least proceeds will be donated to The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation, which provides aid for HIV services, hunger programs, and support for homeless and disenfranchised youth.

In October, the book club that was given the boot filed suit against the wine train, seeking $11 million in damages. The women involved are suing for racial discrimination, libel, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. They say they're seeking such a high amount of money in hopes of preventing "the company from ever doing anything like this again."

from Eater - All http://ift.tt/1UndsZi
via IFTTT