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Virginia Beer Tasting Train Rides

Published: October 10, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Few pairings feel as timeless as trains and tipples. The steady rhythm of the rails, big-window views of mountains and rivers, and an unhurried pace create the perfect backdrop for savoring a well-crafted beer. In Virginia, beer tasting by rail is not a daily fixture the way they are on some heritage railways out West or in the Midwest, but with a bit of planning you can absolutely build a memorable rail-and-ale experience. Here’s how to do it, what exists now, and where to watch for special events.

What’s available today

Dedicated, regularly scheduled “beer tasting trains” (think curated tasting flights with brewery hosts onboard) are not common in Virginia at the time of writing. You’ll find two practical approaches instead:

1) Pair a scenic excursion with brewery visits before or after the ride.
2) Use Virginia’s robust Amtrak network to “beer-hop” cities with walkable or transit-accessible taprooms from the station.

A third category—special “rails and ales” events hosted by museums or rail groups—pops up occasionally on calendars, but these are typically one-off fundraisers rather than recurring tasting trains. If you’re set on a formal, guided tasting aboard a train, you may need to look to neighboring states. If you’re eager to experience Virginia’s beer by rail in spirit, the options below will help you craft an excellent trip.

Virginia Scenic Railway: Views with victuals from Staunton

Based in Staunton, the Virginia Scenic Railway is Virginia’s headline excursion experience. Operating vintage passenger cars over the Buckingham Branch Railroad, it runs popular routes that showcase Shenandoah Valley farmland, forested hills, and the Blue Ridge. Cars are climate-controlled, seats are reserved, and a light meal service is included on many departures; snack and beverage purchases are typically available as well. For the latest on menus and alcoholic beverage service, check the operator’s current offerings, as selections and policies can change.

Why it works for beer lovers: Staunton’s compact, walkable downtown makes pairing your excursion with brewery visits easy. Before or after you ride, explore local taprooms and beer-centric eateries a short walk or quick rideshare from the station. You’ll find classic styles, innovative seasonals, and a strong community vibe. If you’re overnighting, Staunton’s historic architecture and lively arts scene provide plenty to do between pints.

Planning tips for the Virginia Scenic Railway:
- Book early. Peak foliage and weekends sell out far in advance.
- Check onboard policies. Alcohol consumption is governed by the operator; only beverages sold onboard are typically permitted for consumption on the train.
- Go for midday light and shoulder seasons. Spring and fall offer the best scenery; winter trips can be starkly beautiful and less crowded.

Amtrak city hops: Craft beer within a stroll of the station

Virginia’s intercity rail network makes it easy to step off the train and step into a tasting room. While Amtrak is transportation rather than a “tasting train,” you can purchase beer in the Café Car for the ride and, importantly, you’ll arrive without needing a car—ideal for safely enjoying brewery visits. Note Amtrak’s policy: in coach, you may consume only alcohol purchased onboard (no BYO). Private rooms on certain long-distance trains have different rules; check current policies before you travel.

Charlottesville
- Why it’s great: The station sits at the heart of a thriving food-and-drink corridor. One of the town’s established breweries is essentially next door to the platform, and additional taprooms are an easy walk.
- Try this: Step off the train and visit the adjacent brewpub for a fresh pint or sampler flight. If time allows, stroll to another respected local brewery nearby for a contrast in styles—Charlottesville excels at approachable IPAs, Vienna lagers, and well-executed seasonals.

Roanoke
- Why it’s great: Downtown Roanoke, walkable from the Amtrak platform, has multiple breweries within a few blocks and a dynamic Market District atmosphere.
- Try this: Start with the taproom a short walk from the station for a flagship IPA or crisp pilsner, then continue to another downtown spot known for creative sours or hazy styles. Rail fans will appreciate the rail heritage sprinkled around town, including the iconic rail backdrop in several tasting rooms.

Williamsburg
- Why it’s great: History meets hops. The station is near Merchants Square and Colonial Williamsburg; craft beer options are within walking distance or a quick bike ride from the historic core.
- Try this: Head to a lively taproom near Merchants Square for a tasting flight paired with street food or tacos. If you’ve got time, a longer walk or short rideshare brings you to a modern brewery with a strong local following and a wide rotating lineup.

Norfolk
- Why it’s great: Multi-modal connections. The Amtrak station sits by the Tide light-rail line, which can take you closer to breweries in neighborhoods like Chelsea and Fort Norfolk.
- Try this: Ride the Tide a couple of stops, then walk to a waterfront-adjacent brewery for inventive small-batch releases. Add a second nearby brewery with a different vibe, then train back with no parking headaches.

Richmond
- Why it’s great: Richmond is a heavyweight craft beer destination. From Main Street Station, you can walk to downtown taprooms or use local transit/rideshare to reach Scott’s Addition, one of the densest clusters of breweries and cideries in the state.
- Try this: Warm up with a pint downtown, then head to Scott’s Addition for a mini “flight crawl.” If time is tight, choose two taprooms with contrasting strengths—say, a lager-focused brewer and a hop-forward specialist.

Safety, legality, and smart pacing

- Know the rules onboard. On Amtrak, consuming your own alcohol in coach is not allowed; you can drink what you buy from the Café Car. On excursion trains like the Virginia Scenic Railway, only beverages served by the operator may be consumed onboard. Policies can change—check just before your trip.
- No open containers off the train. Virginia’s open container laws apply once you’re off the train and in public spaces. Keep tastings to licensed venues.
- Walk, transit, or rideshare. One of the biggest advantages of rail-based beer trips is ditching the car. Plan your taproom map with safe, short routes and avoid overpacking the schedule.
- Hydrate and eat. Many Virginia breweries have a food program or host food trucks. Snack as you go to keep your palate sharp and your experience enjoyable.

Watching for special “rails and ales” events

In some years, rail museums, historical societies, and excursion operators in and around Virginia host themed events that combine rail heritage with craft beer, typically as fundraisers or seasonal specials. These may not always include train rides; sometimes the setting is a historic depot or rail yard. Keep an eye on:
- Virginia Scenic Railway announcements for seasonal or holiday add-ons.
- Regional rail museums and historical societies for “Rails & Ales”-style evenings.
- Tourism boards for combined rail-and-beer weekend packages.

Best seasons to go

- Fall: Leaf-peeping plus malty autumn seasonals make this the most sought-after time for rail-and-ale. Book well ahead.
- Spring: Wildflowers and milder temps pair nicely with crisp lagers and fresh pale ales.
- Winter: Crowd-free and atmospheric—stouts, porters, and barleywines shine. Check reduced schedules.
- Summer: Longer days and hazy IPA season; expect heat and plan earlier rides.

A sample weekend itinerary

Day 1: Staunton
- Midday Virginia Scenic Railway excursion for Blue Ridge views.
- Late afternoon brewery stroll through downtown Staunton; choose two taprooms with contrasting styles.
- Dinner at a beer-forward restaurant and an overnight in a nearby inn.

Day 2: Charlottesville (via Amtrak)
- Morning train to Charlottesville (timing dependent on schedule).
- Lunch and tasting flight steps from the station, then a second tasting room within walking distance.
- Late afternoon train home, with a Café Car beer and a window seat.

Final thoughts

While Virginia doesn’t currently run frequent, formal “beer tasting trains,” it offers something just as rewarding: a blend of authentic rail experiences and one of the East Coast’s most dynamic craft beer scenes. With the Virginia Scenic Railway providing scenic comfort out of Staunton and Amtrak linking beer-rich cities like Charlottesville, Roanoke, Richmond, Williamsburg, and Norfolk, it’s easy to craft your own rail-and-ale adventure. Plan your route, mind the onboard policies, prioritize safety, and savor the journey as much as the beer. That steady clack of the rails makes every sip a little more memorable.