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Tennessee Beer Tasting Train Rides

Published: September 30, 2025

By: Adam Burns

There’s something undeniably charming about pairing a slow, scenic rail journey with a carefully poured craft beer. The clink of glasses, the rhythm of the rails, the unfolding landscapes—beer tasting train rides are a throwback experience with distinctly modern flavor.

If you’re looking for that in Tennessee, here’s the honest rundown: true, recurring “beer tasting trains” are limited and very seasonal in the Volunteer State. There is currently only one location hosting such an event, the Tennessee Central Railway Museum.

Where To Look In Tennessee

Tennessee’s heritage railroads and excursion operators are the key players. Their core schedules focus on family-friendly sightseeing, fall foliage, and holiday trains. Alcohol service is typically limited to special events or dinner trains, which means beer-focused rides tend to be occasional rather than year-round.

Tennessee Central Railway Museum

This volunteer-run museum operates themed excursions from Nashville eastward, with seasonal day trips and special events. Its calendar often includes wine-focused runs, holiday trains, and themed excursions to small-town festivals.

Each October they host Oktoberfest events.  Hop aboard the train to Watertown for a fun, music-filled ride. Enjoy lively German tunes on board the band strolls through the train. You’ll find live music, German beers, wine, and German-style food available for purchase on board. Featured on tap: German-style beers from Nashville Brewing Co.

How Beer-Themed Excursion Events ypically Work

Because these rides are special and infrequent, it helps to know the common patterns:

Seasonal focus: Fall is prime time. If Tennessee’s rail operators run any Oktoberfest or brew-themed events, they’ll usually land between late September and early November. Spring can also see an occasional one-off collaboration.

Limited pours: On tasting-oriented rides, you’ll get a flight or a set number of tokens. Full pint service might be available on some events, but responsible-consumption rules apply.

21+ ID checks: Expect age verification at boarding and a wristband if tastings are included.

Practical planning tips

Start with the calendars: Search “Tennessee Central Railway Museum events,” “Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum events,” and “Three Rivers Rambler schedule.” Look for terms like “beer,” “brew,” “Oktoberfest,” “21+,” “tasting,” or “dinner train.”

Ask directly: If you don’t see a clearly labeled beer event, email or call the operator. Some tastings or pairings get announced to mailing lists or social followers first.

Consider a dinner train with pairings: While not a formal tasting flight, a dinner train that offers beer service can scratch the same itch—especially if the menu features regional brews.

Combine with local festivals: If there’s no dedicated beer tasting ride during your visit, create your own combo. Book a scenic daytime ride, then head to a local brewery district or festival.

In Nashville, look at Tennessee Brew Works, Yazoo, Jackalope, or Bearded Iris. In Chattanooga, explore OddStory, Wanderlinger, or Chattanooga Brewing Co. In Knoxville, Schulz Bräu (with its beer garden and Oktoberfest vibe) is a standout, along with Alliance and Elst.

What about nearby dedicated beer trains?

If your heart is set on a guaranteed beer tasting train and you’re willing to hop across the border, the region offers strong options. For example, North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (based in Bryson City) has run beer- or ale-focused excursions on select dates in past seasons. That’s not Tennessee, but it’s a reasonable detour for visitors to the Smokies who want a sure-thing tasting by rail. Always verify current offerings, as themes change year to year.

Final Thoughts

Because beer-centric train rides are not on a clockwork schedule, success comes down to timing and vigilance:

Subscribe to operator newsletters and follow them on social media.

• Check calendars in July and August for fall announcements.  Some operators wait until just a month or two before the event to place tickets on sale.
• Search event descriptions carefully for alcohol policies.
• If you see a brew-themed run, book immediately—quantities are limited.

If you go in expecting a cozy, scenic rail experience paired with local beer—sometimes onboard, sometimes at your destination—you’ll be delighted.

And if you’re lucky enough to snag tickets to a true beer tasting train when it pops up on the Tennessee calendar, you’ll discover firsthand why this niche experience has such devoted fans: it blends heritage, hospitality, and hops in a way you simply can’t get on the highway.