8 of America’s Best Wine Trains, From Napa to Nashville

There’s nothing like sipping a glass of wine as you gaze upon beautiful landscapes continually rolling by. Such dreams come to life on these amazing wine train rides. Learn how to step aboard and engineer one of these fantastic wine-filled journeys for yourself.

Adirondack Scenic Beer & Wine Train

Utica, New York

The Adirondack Scenic Beer & Wine Train is a three-hour ride that departs from Utica, with live music, light bites and beautiful views of rivers, wildlife and mountains. Passengers receive a commemorative glass to sample a rotating selection of local beer and wine available for purchase. First-class passengers are served an enhanced selection of gourmet appetizers. The Adirondack Scenic Beer and Wine Train chugs along from spring through fall.

The Adirondack Scenic Beer & Wine Train
Photo courtesy of Adirondack Scenic Railroad

Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Uncorked Train

Bryson City, North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Uncorked train leaves Bryson City on select dates throughout the year. There are two routes: one offers views of the Nantahala Gorge, while the other highlights the countryside along the Tuckasegee River.

Passengers ride in style in cars with a private attendant and elegant seating. Tickets include a souvenir stemless glass and a four-course meal with wine pairings from local wineries. A narrator shares information about each pour.

Multnomah Falls Train Ride and Wine Tour

Hood River, Oregon

Running from April through October, the Multnomah Falls wine train snakes through the scenic Hood River Valley and Columbia River Gorge. While wine isn’t served onboard, on each trip the train stops at one of the celebrated wineries in the region (among the destinations are The Gorge White House, Cathedral Ridge Winery, Marchesi Vineyards & Winery and Viento), a local restaurant and the celebrated fruit stand The Fruit Company.

Elkins Murder Mystery Wine Train

Elkins, West Virginia

While the drama of a wine train often comes from stunning scenery and fantastic pours, the Elkins Murder Mystery Wine Train also serves up a thrilling whodunit. On the four-and-a-half hour trip, which follows the same route as the New Tygart Flyer, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and tastings as you try to solve the case.

The Napa Valley Wine Train
Photo courtesy of Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa, California

Arguably, there is no better-known wine region in the country than the Napa Valley, and the Napa Valley Wine Train offers multiple options to sample the region’s best bottlings year-round. Enjoy gourmet dining experiences, or let the train be your designated driver for half- or full-day tours to local wineries.

The experiences, which run year round, range from the two-and-a-half hour, seven-course Tasting the Rails Dinner to six hours for a Legacy ride that includes stops for seated tastings at Charles Krug and V.Sattui as well as a four-course meal prepared and served on board the 1915 Pullman coach.

Tennessee Central Railway Museum Wine Excursions

Nashville, Tennessee

With a vintage collection of passenger cars, cabooses, freight cars and locomotives, the Tennessee Central railway Museum is for true fans of train travel. The non-profit organization offers a variety of rides departing from Nashville throughout the year, including the occasional wine tour that includes on-board tastings and a souvenir glass. These sell out quickly, so be sure to check well ahead for scheduling.

Texas State Railroad Wine in the Pines

Pittsburg, Texas

With a 50-mile round trip journey between the East Texas towns of Palestine and Rusk, the Texas State Railroad offers a wine-themed journey. This year, it’s happening on September 24. Enjoy the beauty of pine forests through the windows and sample wines from Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards and Winery. The train seating options include a private caboose for up to eight people, an Art Deco-inspired car with comfy couches and a glass-domed car. The ticket prices include a dinner served at the Rusk Rail Depot and a souvenir glass.

Kentucky Railway Museum Uncorked Express

New Haven, Kentucky

During the one-and-a-half hour ride on the Uncorked Express Wine and Cheese Train, you’ll taste four to five wine and cheese pairings. The featured producers change with each trip and all are local to Kentucky. The train travels along the Lebanon Branch of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, which was first laid in 1855. Tickets are $60 per person and sell out quickly. 

More Travel Coverage

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