Hunterdon Wine Express Train Announces 2026 Season Dates After Three Sold Out Seasons
Published: March 4, 2026
By: Adam Burns
Popular Hunterdon Wine Express Returns to Old York Cellars for 2026
RINGOES, NJ — The Hunterdon Wine Express returns for its 2026 season from April through September, offering a four-hour wine country experience that combines historic rail travel, guided wine tasting, lunch, and time at Old York Cellars vineyard and winery in Central New Jersey, located approximately one hour from both Philadelphia and Manhattan. Created by Old York Cellars and the Black River & Western Railroad, the experience has sold out for three consecutive seasons and was recognized as Tourism Initiative of the Year by the Hunterdon County Economic Development & Tourism Summit in 2023. Limited tickets for the 2026 season are now on sale.
Black River and Western 2-8-0 #60, the railroad's star steam locomotive, was built for the Great Western Railway of Colorado by Alco in 1937. It is currently undergoing its FRA mandated 1,472-day inspection and overhaul.New for 2026, the experience begins at Old York Cellars, giving guests additional time to enjoy wine, food and live music at the vineyard before and after their rail excursion. Guests depart via shuttle to the Ringoes depot for a 40-minute round-trip historic train ride to Flemington and back. During the journey, guests participate in guided onboard wine tastings and storytelling led by an Old York Cellars Wine Ambassador.
Upon returning to the vineyard, guests enjoy a guided wine, charcuterie, cheese and chocolate pairing, followed by a chef-prepared lunch by Executive Chef José Diaz and time to relax on the vineyard grounds with live music. Each departure is limited to approximately 50 guests and consistently sells out in advance.
“This experience highlights what makes Hunterdon County such a compelling day-trip destination,” said David Wolin, owner of Old York Cellars. “Guests travel from across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York for a day that combines wine, food and the nostalgia of rail travel in a relaxed vineyard setting.”
Event Details
The 2026 season runs April 25 through September 13 with 22 select Saturday and Sunday departures. The experience lasts approximately four hours. Tickets are $125 per person, with early access pricing of $99 available through April 12. Wine Club members receive a discounted rate. Advance reservations are required.
For reservations and full details, visit https://www.oldyorkcellars.com/hunterdon-wine-express.
About Old York Cellars
Old York Cellars is a destination winery located in Central New Jersey, offering guided tastings, chef-curated food and wine pairings, live music, comedy shows, vineyard cabanas and private events. The winery has earned more than 30 national wine awards and was recognized as Tourism Initiative of the Year in 2023 for its contribution to regional agritourism.
About Black River & Western Railroad
Serving Hunterdon County for more than 50 years, the Black River & Western Railroad is a volunteer-supported heritage railroad dedicated to preserving historic steam railroading. In addition to the Hunterdon Wine Express collaboration, the railroad hosts seasonal excursions including the Pumpkin Trail, North Pole Express, Black River Limited and Easter Bunny Express.
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