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Vermont Wine Tasting Train Rides: A Complete Guide

Published: May 31, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of New England, Vermont is a tranquil haven for those seeking both natural beauty and the pleasures of fine wine.

Known for its stunning green mountains, charming small towns, and burgeoning wine industry, Vermont offers a unique experience that seamlessly blends all these elements: wine on the rails.

This delightful adventure offers enthusiasts and novices alike an opportunity to explore the state’s vineyards while indulging in a scenic railroad experience.

The Allure of Vermont: More Than Just Maple Syrup

Vermont's reputation as a state devoted to quality craftsmanship extends beyond its iconic maple syrup and artisanal cheeses. Over recent years, Vermont’s wine scene has gained recognition, with local vintners producing exceptional wines from cold-hardy grape varieties such as Marquette, La Crescent, and Frontenac. These grapes, bred to withstand the region’s harsh winters, produce wines that capture the unique terroir of Vermont, offering a distinctive tasting experience.

Vermont’s landscape is a tapestry of rolling hills, dense forests, and serene lakefronts, all of which provide a perfect backdrop for a leisurely train ride. The journey itself becomes a sensory delight, with vineyard stops adding layers of flavor and aroma to the visual feast outside the window.

Why Experience Wine By Rail?

This unique experience offers several incentives for attendees. For wine lovers, it’s a chance to taste and purchase wines not typically found outside the region. For train enthusiasts, it's an opportunity to enjoy a nostalgic railway journey. For those simply looking for a relaxing getaway, the combination of beautiful scenery, fine wine, and good company provides the perfect day-long escape.

Wine tasting train rides in Vermont encapsulate the essence of luxury, exploration, and learning. They celebrate the state’s craftsmanship in wine production, its commitment to sustainable and local sourcing, and its rich history of railroads.

Green Mountain Railroad

The Green Mountain Railroad (GMRR) is a storied short line operating primarily in the state of Vermont, celebrated for its role in both freight services and scenic passenger experiences. Established in the early 1960s from the historic - and liquidated - Rutland Railroad, the GMRR carved a niche for itself amidst the picturesque landscapes of New England, capitalizing on the region’s natural beauty and the logistical demands of local industries.

GMRR’s operations are characterized by a blend of utility and tourism. On the freight side, the railroad plays a vital role in supporting Vermont’s economy, facilitating the movement of critical commodities such as lumber, aggregates, general merchandise, and other freight.

In addition to serving local economies, the GMRR is renowned for its scenic passenger train excursions, which attract tourists from across the country. These excursions offer a unique and immersive way to experience Vermont's stunning fall foliage, winding through valleys, forests, and alongside rivers that showcase the state’s natural allure. The picturesque routes, combined with historical narration, provide an educational and recreational experience that highlights the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region.

While the railroad offers no official wine tasting events they do offer wine and alcohol aboard their very popular dinner trains and also host other specials involving fine spirits.

The railroad’s dual focus on freight and tourism epitomizes a sustainable business model that not only aids economic growth but also promotes conservation and appreciation of Vermont’s natural and cultural resources.

Sip, Savor, and Wander

Wine by rail leaves passengers with more than memories of exquisite tastes and vistas—it inspires a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind Vermont wines and the stories of those who produce them. It is a journey not only through the heart of Vermont’s wine country but through its cultural and natural heritage.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a lover of scenic rail journeys, or someone seeking a novel adventure, a wine tasting train ride in Vermont promises an experience that is as enriching as it is enjoyable. So, raise a glass, sit back, and let the beauty of Vermont unfold before you, one delightful sip at a time.