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North Carolina Wine Tasting Train Rides: A Complete Guide

Published: May 30, 2025

By: Adam Burns

North Carolina, known for its picturesque landscapes ranging from the serene Atlantic Coast to the towering Appalachian Mountains, offers a unique experience to those looking to indulge in its burgeoning wine culture.

A noteworthy way to explore this is by hopping aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and sipping fine wine! These experiences blend the romance of train travel with the delectable tastes of local wines, offering a unique way to discover the state's viticultural prowess.

Rail Travel & Wine

There's a nostalgic charm associated with train travel; the rhythmic clatter of wheels against tracks and panoramic vistas through expansive windows evoke a sense of adventure and relaxation. When coupled with the curated experience of wine tasting, it elevates a trip into an unforgettable journey.

Passengers can savor the lush rolling hills of North Carolina's wine country while partaking in curated tastings from the region’s esteemed wineries. The combination of travel and tasting is designed to engage all your senses in a leisurely yet sophisticated manner.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GMSR) is a historic passenger train service operating in the scenic regions of Western North Carolina. Renowned for offering some of the most breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the railroad serves as both a cherished historical attraction and a popular tourism experience.

Established in 1988, the GMSR operates over a network of tracks that were originally built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The primary hub for the railroad is the charming town of Bryson City, which hosts the main depot and is the starting point for various excursions.

The highlight of the railroad's collection is its vintage steam and diesel engines, which pull refurbished passenger cars that allow visitors to enjoy a nostalgic railway journey through the mountains.

The excursions offered feature two main routes: The Tuckasegee River Excursion and the Nantahala Gorge Excursion. The former is approximately four hours long and offers a picturesque ride through beautiful valleys and alongside the Tuckasegee River, passing through the quaint town of Dillsboro along the way. The latter, on the other hand, is a popular day trip option that spans about five hours, whisking passengers through the stunning wilderness of the Nantahala National Forest and alongside the crisp waters of the Nantahala River.

In addition to the standard excursions, the railroad hosts several themed events and special journeys throughout the year. These include The Polar Express, a popular holiday-themed ride that attracts families during the winter season, and the Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience, which offers adults a taste of local spirits.

Finally, there is their "Uncorked Wine Train", a wine tasting experience that is offered as part of the Nantahala Gorge Excursion.  This trip is quite popular and hosted as part of their first-class service.  For complete details please visit their website!

Special events capitalize on the region's unique history and culture, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the area's heritage while enjoying a leisurely train ride.

The GSMR is more than a mere means of transportation; it is a gateway to exploring the majestic landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains while reliving the romance of early American train travel.

Its dedication to preserving an iconic piece of transportation history and its commitment to customer satisfaction make it a beloved attraction for train enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a unique travel experience.

Whether marveling at the natural beauty during the fall foliage season or enjoying a themed event, passengers are consistently treated to unforgettable memories aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

Why Choose a Wine Tasting Train?

These experiences offer more than just leisurely discovery. It’s a shared journey where like-minded travelers gather, keen to explore and savor. It represents a moment — a pause from the everyday hustle that allows you to reconnect with the simple pleasures of good wine, great company, and beautiful landscapes. In a state as diverse in its offerings as North Carolina, experiencing a wine tasting train ride encapsulates the best of what the region holds.

For both those native to North Carolina and out-of-state visitors, these unique excursions provide an unforgettable foray into the world of wine, nature, and nostalgia — all aboard the charming, rhythmic journey of a train.