Good news for grape lovers. A new...

Good news for grape lovers. A new train service is operating in the Napa Valley. Trips originate and end in Napa. First-class comfort aboard refurbished vintage Pullman cars. Meals served in a dining car that’s been spiffed up to recall the glorious days of American railroading. Round-trip fare, $25. Meals are extra. Minimum prices of $15 for brunch/lunch, $30 for dinner. Fares for parties of two or more are slashed to $12.50 on the dinner run. Reservations required. Note: Lunch/brunch trains operate Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Dinner trips Tuesday through Saturday. All departures from the Napa Valley Wine Train Depot, 1275 McKinstry St., Napa.

For reservations, contact the Napa Valley Wine Train toll-free at (800) 522-4142. Other information by dialing (707) 253-2111.

Europe Charter

Seats to Europe with Council Travel are still available. Destinations: Amsterdam, London, Madrid, Nice, Paris, Rome, Zurich. No weekend surcharges, no minimum stay. Fly into one city, depart from another. No extra charge. Fares from $239, plus discount add-on fares to New York. Offer is good through Oct. 31.

Contact for Council Travel: 1093 Broxton Ave., Suite 220, Los Angeles 90024. Telephone (213) 208-3551.

--In San Fernando Valley: 14515 Ventura Blvd., Suite 250, Sherman Oaks 91403. Telephone (818) 905-5777.

--For Long Beach/Orange County: 1818 Palo Verde Ave., No. E, Long Beach 90815. Telephone (213) 598-3338 or (714) 527-7950.

A Letter From New Mexico

Anita Davis writes from the Vogt Guest Ranch in Ramah, N.M.: “We are 39 miles from Gallup, N.M., and are virtually undiscovered. There are three national parks within 30 miles of us as well as the Indian pueblos of the Zuni, El Morro and El Malpais. Fishing lakes, ice caves, petroglyphs and Indian ruins. The ranch house has recently been named to the state list of historic properties. Your readers will love it. Truly a special experience.”

Davis operates the ranch as a B&B.; Navajo rugs, Indian pottery, bows, arrows, a fireplace, wood stove, antique furniture, private baths. This is a former sheep ranch. Davis describes it as a “magical place.” Swimming, fishing, hiking nearby. Occasional cross-country skiing during winter. Elevation: 7,100 feet.

Vogt Guest Ranch, Ramah, N.M. 87321. Call (505) 783-4362. Rates: $42/$55.

By Rail in France

Peter Groen of Hollywood sends along this note: “Having recently returned from an around-the-world trip, I have a valuable tip for your senior citizen readers traveling in Europe. In France, any person 65 years or older can obtain a rail pass at a nominal cost called the Carte Vermeil. The card is issued at all French railroad stations with proof of age. Travel is at a 50% reduction in first- or second-class. This includes the TGVs. In conjunction with the Carte Vermeil, there is another card for senior citizens called RailEurop that is good for a 50% reduction off the regular fare in 18 countries. In Switzerland it also applies to private railroad lines. The 50% reduction is for most Western Bloc countries. There is a 30% reduction for some Eastern Bloc countries such as Hungary and Yugoslavia.”

British Columbia

“Supernatural Islands” is the title of a 70-page, full-color publication being mailed free by Tourism British Columbia. Tells of vacation/recreation possibilities around Vancouver Island. Contains a map, profiles of dozens of cities/towns. Describes regional festivals/celebrations. Other information on accommodations, transportation, local services. Call toll-free (800) 663-6000. Other details from John Bateman, director of tourism, British Columbia, in Southern California. Call (714) 852-1054.

New Zealand

A couple of slick guides are being offered free by the New Zealand Tourist and Publicity Office. One is called “The New Zealand Book.” Articles on travel by campervan, plus shopping, air fares. Descriptions of Auckland, the Bay of Plenty, Wellington, the West Coast, Aorangi, Fiorland. The book also includes sample itineraries, visitor tips.

The other guide (titled “Outdoor Action Holidays”) provides details on fishing, float trips, rafting/canoeing/jet boating, farm holidays, golf, trekking, mountaineering, skiing, flightseeing, four-wheel-drive safaris, cycling.

Copies from the New Zealand Tourist and Publicity Office, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1530, Los Angeles 90024. Telephone (213) 477-8241.

Santa Ynez Valley

R.J. of San Diego asks for the name of a “first-class inn in the Santa Ynez Valley.” The Ballard Inn in the little village of Ballard offers superior rooms, impeccably furnished. A complete breakfast and afternoon tea included in the rate. You can also order a picnic lunch. Guests explore wineries, galleries, antique stores. For actives: fishing, boating at Lake Cachuma, plus ballooning, glider rides. This is one of those inns where guests enjoy relaxing in the old-fashioned goodness of a very special hideaway. Peaceful, rural. Our own five-star selection.

The Ballard Inn, 2436 Baseline, Ballard, Calif. 93463. Telephone (805) 688-7770. Rates: $140/$180.

Reader Recommendations

Colorado--Barbara Wilson, Torrance: “A great discovery, Electric Mountain Lodge, Trail No. 5, 1755-2225 Road, Cedaredge, Colo. 81413. Isolated, peaceful. Rates: $25/$40.”

Tennessee--Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Curatola, Costa Mesa: “A new Victorian-style inn in rolling hills surrounded by the great Smoky Mountains. A delightful combination of new and old. Blue Mountain Mist Country Inn, Route 3, Box 490, Sevierville, Tenn. 37862. Prices from $65.”

Washington--Marty and Jim Gamble, Rancho Palos Verdes: “Willcox House Bed & Breakfast, 1462 Larkspur Lane on Camano Island (one hour north of Seattle). Collector quilt, pine furniture, a bonus view of Mt. Baker. Rates: $35 single, $45/$50 double.”

Hawaii--G. Page, Encino: “A charming new bed and breakfast called Lamphy’s, 6078 Kolopua St., Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii 96746. Rate: $45 nightly.”

California--J. Michtom, Northridge: Enjoyed Cuesta Canyon Lodge, 1800 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. “We paid $62 for a double with breakfast. Outstanding gourmet restaurant.”

Thailand--Charles Ross Perlee, Burbank: “Opera Hotel, 16 Petchburi 11 (Soi Sompra Song 1), Bangkok. Quiet residential area. About $19 U.S. per night for a single.”

Belize--Angela West, Los Angeles: “Journeys End Caribbean Club, the most luxurious resort in Belize. Complete package price is $975 per person for seven days/six nights. Call toll-free (800) 447-0474 or write to Journeys End Caribbean Club, P.O. Box 13, Amebergris Caye, Belize, C.A.”

Australia--John Knoernschild, North Hollywood: Enjoyed the Palms, 83-85 Moore St., Trinity Beach, Cairns, Queensland 4871, Australia. “Spacious, clean rooms. Swimming on beautiful unspoiled Trinity Beach. Rates: $65/$83 Australian.”

Canada--Philip Leviton, Granada Hills: “For clean, comfortable lodging, contact Linda Prinn, Box 2065, Jasper, Alta., Canada. Rates: $40 per night. Family unit that sleeps four is $75.”

Africa--Clyde Manzer, Whittier: “A private safari arranged to our requirements as photographers by Safaricenter, 3201 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach. They are Kenyans and really know the country. Their advice and help were invaluable. They made us feel like VIPs. A perfect safari to an exciting country.”

England--Bill and Jane Bartik, San Pedro: Enjoyed the Judith Hicks Glenthorne House Bed & Breakfast, The Hill, Burford, Oxfordshire 0X8 4QY, England. “About $40 per couple. A pleasant hostess.”

We regret that only a select few recommendations can be used. They must be brief (typewritten or printed). Only one recommendation per reader, please. Note: Recommendations will not be used unless prices and addresses are included.