New York "Beer Tasting" Train Rides

Published: April 5, 2026

If you’re looking for a quintessential Upstate New York evening—mountain air, small-town scenery, and a relaxed ride behind vintage passenger equipment—the Adirondack Railroad delivers that “step back in time” feeling in a very modern way. Among its most popular special outings is the Beer & Wine Train Series, an adult-oriented excursion built around the simple pleasures of rail travel: steady rhythms on jointed rail, window-side views, and a drink in hand as the countryside slides by.

Operated by the Adirondack Railway Preservation Society (ARPS), the Adirondack Railroad runs on track owned by New York State, with a mission focused on preserving rail service and using the corridor as a driver for heritage tourism and local economic activity. In other words, it’s not just a train ride—it’s a rolling introduction to one of the state’s most storied travel corridors.

A Brief History

Today’s Adirondack Railroad is the product of a long arc of Adirondack railroading. After Penn Central-era decline and abandonment approvals in the early 1970s, New York purchased the corridor and briefly saw it revived for passenger service connected to the 1980 Winter Olympics era, before the line again went dormant.

The modern preservation-era operation began in 1992, when a small section was approved for tourist service out of Thendara. The response was strong—enough to expand operations and formalize what would become today’s Adirondack Railroad (renamed in the mid-1990s and again later).

One unique detail that shapes the railroad’s seasonal rhythm: portions of the corridor have been treated as multi-use, with rail operations in the warmer months and snowmobile-trail use in winter on some segments. That seasonality is part of why special trains like the Beer & Wine Series feel so “of-the-moment”—they’re made for those long, lingering evenings when the Adirondacks are at their most inviting.

The Beer & Wine Train Series

The Adirondack Railroad’s Beer & Wine Train Series is designed as a relaxed, social ride—less “formal dinner” and more “scenic evening out.” Officially, it’s described as an almost three-hour tour departing Utica’s historic Union Station, traveling north to Remsen, and then returning to Utica.

A few key points set expectations:

Route: Utica Union Station → Remsen Station → return
Duration: roughly 2.5–3 hours (the railroad describes it as “almost three-hour,” and also lists it around 2.5 hours on its schedules)
Vibe: live music and camaraderie are highlighted in the railroad’s promotional materials for the series
Glassware perk: with a regular adult ticket, passengers receive a complimentary beer or wine glass—note this is the glass only; beverages are not included

That last point is important: this is a “tasting train” in experience and atmosphere, but it’s not marketed as an all-inclusive package. Think of it as a scenic rail evening where you can purchase and enjoy selections along the way, with the souvenir glass as a nice extra.

Onboard Experience

Part of the Adirondack Railroad’s charm is how quickly it takes you out of “everyday pace.” Even before departure, Utica Union Station sets the stage. Stations like this were built to impress—big windows, historic details, the sense that travel was once an event. Stepping from the platform into classic coaches brings that feeling back instantly.

Once the train eases north, the Beer & Wine series becomes a moving lounge. The railroad promotes the ride as a chance to watch “scenic countryside roll by while sipping on the best wines and brews.” You’ll likely see a blend of wooded stretches, small Adirondack communities, and that unmistakable Upstate texture—trees, marshy lowlands, and the kind of backroads landscape you rarely notice at highway speeds.

Meanwhile, onboard energy tends to build gradually. People settle into seats, compare pours, chat across aisles, and enjoy the music (often a key part of the series’ identity). It’s a particularly good choice for:

couples looking for a low-pressure date night
small groups celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or reunions
visitors who want “Adirondacks flavor” without a long hike or a late-night drive

The Route

This excursion specifically uses the southern end of the Adirondack Railroad’s operations, linking Utica with Remsen—a run that offers satisfying distance without feeling like an all-day commitment.

Remsen is especially meaningful in Adirondack rail history because it sits on a corridor long associated with the broader dream of rail connectivity deeper into the Adirondacks. The state-owned right-of-way has seen many eras—private railroad expansion, decline, public ownership, preservation, and renewed tourist operations.

For riders, though, it’s simple: northbound you get anticipation and daylight views; southbound you get the wind-down—often with softer light and a more relaxed car as the evening wraps up.

Final Thoughts

Plenty of places offer tastings. What makes the Adirondack Railroad’s Beer & Wine Train Series different is the setting: the gentle motion, the long windows, the shared experience of traveling somewhere together—even if you end up right back where you started.

It’s also a clever way to connect heritage rail preservation to modern leisure travel. ARPS emphasizes partnerships with communities and businesses along the line while offering education and historic value through its operations. The Beer & Wine trains fit that mission perfectly: they draw new visitors, support the railroad’s upkeep, and introduce riders to a corridor they might otherwise pass by without a thought. To learn more about this experience at the Adirondack Railroad please click here to visit their website.

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