For wine enthusiasts, visiting a vineyard is a “top two, and it ain’t even number two’ experience when traveling.
What’s not to love about sampling wines in a gorgeous setting? Now imagine those wine tastings while traveling the scenic route and enjoying a gourmet meal. That’s the beauty of wine trains.
Travel Noire has rounded up ten wine train experiences around the world where you can sit, sip, and enjoy the view.
1. Korean Wine Train, Korea
[K-Tour] Wine-Train offers its passengers all-you-can-drink Korean wine on its way from #Seoul to Gangwon-do! pic.twitter.com/sTmkYGdjel
— buzz KOREA (@ibuzzkorea) March 16, 2015
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South Korea offers a unique wine experience. From the moment the train departs Seoul Station, the wine starts flowing, accompanied by a platter of cheeses and fruits for your party to nibble on.
Guides are also on hand to explain the history of the various wines. The train stops at several attractions and on the return trip, guests can catch a movie in the cinema car. If you don’t speak Korean, an English-speaking car is available for booking.
2. Napa Valley Wine Train, United States
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You can’t mention wine in the US without talking about Napa Valley. Luckily, the region has a wine train experience that takes a deep dive into its rich history. The tour is described as equal parts fine dining, museum, and of course vintage wines. Options include full or half-day excursions to local wineries.
3. Franschhoek Wine Tram, South Africa
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This is a cool twist on the typical hop-on, hop-off tour. The Franschhoek Wine Tram stops at eight vineyards along the way, with sample tastings available.
4. Tren Sabores Del Valle, Chile
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Tren Sabores Del Valle departs from Santiago, Chile and makes a stop in San Fernando. There visitors transfer to a bus destined for Santa Cruz for the ultimate museum and vineyard experience. But the fun doesn’t begin in Santa Cruz. Throughout the two-hour train ride, guests sample wines and are treated to live music.
5. The Presidential, Portugal
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This tour only comes around twice a year, but it’s worth the wait. The Presidential Train, formerly the Portuguese Royal Train, takes a nine-hour round trip across the Douro Valley wine region with all the trappings of fine dining. The journey includes gourmet meals compliments of a Michelin starred chef and an extensive wine selection.
6. Great Southern Rail’s Indian Pacific, Australia
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Spend four days and three nights on this all-inclusive, transcontinental trip from Sydney to Perth. Passengers stop for a wine-tasting tour in South Australia’s Barossa Valley region which is renowned for its wine production.
7. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Italy
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The famous Orient-Express leaves London for an overnight journey to picturesque Venice. The trip includes a luxurious three-course brunch, dedicated steward service, and a four-course dinner among many culinary experiences. Wine tours are available as add-ons upon arrival in Venice.
8. Mallorca Gourmet Train Tour, Spain
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The Train Gourmet Tour is a four-hour event starting with a visit to Bodega Jose Luis Ferrer to learn the wine-making process before heading to the tasting area for samples and tapas. The tour continues on the Mallorca Wine Express Train through the countryside vineyards and culminates at the oldest winery on the island.
9. San Diego Winery Train, United States
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This Cali experience includes 15 wine tastings and a meal as passengers explore the Southern California coast.
10. Wine Train Colorado, United States
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California gets a lot of the wine shine but don’t sleep on Colorado. The state is home to more than 150 wineries and the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Colorado Wine Train will help you get familiar. Take in the scenic Southern Rockies while dining on a three-course meal.