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Wine & Cheese Trains: A Complete Guide

Published: May 2, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Wine and cheese are an age-old combination that gourmet enthusiasts rave about, and nothing sets the scene quite like enjoying these delights on a scenic train ride.

Across the United States, several railroads have harnessed the charm of this pairing, offering wine and cheese train experiences that cater to oenophiles and cheese connoisseurs, as well as those simply seeking a unique and luxurious travel experience.

With picturesque landscapes as the backdrop, these excursions provide a sensory journey through some of the country's most beautiful regions. Here, we delve into the captivating world of wine and cheese trains found throughout the U.S.

1. Napa Valley Wine Train

Perhaps the most famous of all is the Napa Valley Wine Train, located in the heart of California’s wine country. This vintage train takes passengers on a journey through the stunning Napa Valley while offering gourmet dining experiences complete with local wines. The tour not only includes wine tasting from some of the valley's famed vineyards but also a selection of artisan cheeses. Guests can choose from various packages, each promising an unforgettable experience that includes a multi-course meal, exquisite wines, and the striking beauty of the rolling vineyards.

2. Grapevine Vintage Railroad

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad offers a unique wine train experience called the "Jazz Wine Train." Operating through the vibrant city of Grapevine, Texas, this train combines fine wine and cheese with smooth jazz music. Passengers are treated to samples of local Texas wines paired with delectable cheeses as they journey along nostalgic tracks in historic 1920s-era coaches. The Jazz Wine Train runs periodically throughout the year, aligning with the city’s lively festival calendar.

3. Verde Canyon Railroad

In the heart of Arizona, the Verde Canyon Railroad offers a luxurious "Grape Train Escape" event. This experience is a hit among wine enthusiasts who are treated to wines from the Verde Valley region, an emerging wine destination. The train traverses the stunning Verde Canyon, showcasing red rock formations and lush landscapes. Onboard, passengers can savor a variety of regional wines paired with a selection of gourmet cheeses, setting the mood for a relaxing and beautiful journey through Arizona's natural wonders.

4. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Set against the picturesque backdrop of North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a "Uncorked" train ride, a standout experience in the Southeast. This excursion combines scenic vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains with curated wine and cheese tastings. Guests are welcomed aboard with a sampling of carefully selected wines paired with locally sourced cheeses. As the train meanders through the breathtaking terrain, the serene ambiance enhances the enjoyment of this delectable pairing.

5. Mount Hood Railroad

In Oregon, the Mount Hood Railroad offers the "Vines & Vistas" wine tour, an experience that combines the Pacific Northwest’s breathtaking landscapes with exquisite wines and cheeses. The railroad takes guests through the scenic Hood River Valley, renowned for its wineries and orchards. The wine and cheese offerings onboard highlight local vintages and artisan products, making for a refreshing and delightful ride through one of the region’s most picturesque areas.

6. Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad

The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad in West Virginia offers travelers the opportunity to enjoy wine and cheese as they journey through this state’s lush and rugged terrain. Their "Mountain Explorer Dinner Train" includes a gourmet meal complemented by a selection of wines and cheeses from the Appalachians. The excursion travels through the beautiful wilderness of West Virginia, combining culinary indulgence with the opportunity to witness some of the East’s most enchanting wilderness.

7. California Western Railroad (The Skunk Train)

Known familiarly as the Skunk Train, the California Western Railroad in Mendocino County adds a unique twist to the wine and cheese train concept with its special events such as the "Wine and Beer Train." This journey offers not only spectacular coastal and forested views but also an array of local wines, craft beers, and curated cheese selections. This train ride is particularly popular for the diverse experiences it offers, from tasting local produce to taking in the splendid scenery of Northern California's diverse terrain.

8. Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad

In the Northeast, the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a wine and cheese pairing event that reflects the culinary richness of New England. Although the journey is shorter than some other excursions, it fully captures the charming essence of Maine with views of the spectacular Casco Bay. The focus is on pairing high-quality wines with traditional New England cheeses, making for a cozy and indulgent evening ride.

9. Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad

The Cheese State doesn’t lag behind when it comes to wine and cheese train experiences. The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad offers a "Wine & Cheese Train," which allows patrons to explore this rich tradition in the heart of America’s dairyland. The culinary focus is on Wisconsin-made cheeses, paired expertly with wines as the train snakes through the rolling hills and tranquil lakes of Northwestern Wisconsin.

The Appeal of Wine & Cheese Trains

The rise of wine and cheese trains across the United States is not merely about indulgence in luxury but also about celebrating local industries and traditions. These train experiences often emphasize local products, showcasing wines and cheeses unique to their respective regions. Beyond the palate, these journeys offer a unique perspective of the American landscape, presenting guests with breathtaking vistas that range from verdant valleys to rugged mountains and coastal splendors.

Furthermore, wine and cheese trains cater to a wide range of passengers, from seasoned wine connoisseurs to casual enthusiasts, offering varying levels of tasting expertise and exposure to local cultures. The overall atmosphere of elegance and relaxation adds an element of nostalgia, harkening back to a time when rail travel was the epitome of luxury.

Though differing in style and regional offerings, all wine and cheese trains share a common goal: to provide an unforgettable journey of flavors set against a backdrop of natural beauty. These experiences invite travelers to slow down, savor each sip and bite, and absorb the serene, ever-changing panoramas beyond the windows.

Whether gliding through the serene wine country of California or savoring the rustic charm of Wisconsin's dairyland, wine and cheese trains offer a delightfully different way to explore the rich tapestry of landscapes and tastes that define America.

As the railroad industry reinvents itself for modern times, these specialized excursions provide a unique blend of culinary artistry and visual wonder, ensuring that the joy of train travel remains timeless.

In conclusion, these trains have created a niche yet significant place in the offerings of rail travel across the United States. They transform a simple journey into an extraordinary culinary and sensory adventure.

By highlighting the best of local culinary traditions and scenic destinations, wine and cheese trains continue to capture the imagination—and taste buds—of travelers across the nation.

Whether as a romantic getaway, a group celebration, or a solo retreat, these train excursions are a testament to the enduring allure of savoring life's luxuries against the backdrop of the rail tracks.