Taste Wine Aboard the Verde Canyon Tour Train

WINE, WILDERNESS AND WONDERMENT
ABOARD THE VERDE CANYON RAILROAD

CLARKDALE, Ariz. Outside is the rugged beauty of the Arizona’s remote Verde Canyon wilderness. Inside wine is sipped in splendid comfort and luxury. Beginning on Friday, May 25, 2007 and continuing on select Fridays through September, wine lovers and train enthusiasts can escape the ordinary and experience the wonderment, as Verde Canyon Railroad reprises the incredibly popular Grape Train Escape.

This is an experience inspired by nature and conducted by experts, so passengers may expect to be pampered with terrific service on this evening excursion. The first wine, accompanied by exotic and inviting food selections, is poured as the train departs the Clarkdale depot. As the vintage FP7 engines power through the wilderness, additional courses are served along with other interesting wine selections to titillate the taste buds. The entertainment is framed in panoramic windows: Towering red cliffs soaring over the green ribbon of the Verde River; Great blue heron, hawks and, maybe even an eagle can be glimpsed through the verdant foliage that lines the banks. Evening casts long shadows across the canyon floor while deer, wild burros, javelina and other furry friends make their way to the cooling water.

Between courses, passengers may desert the comfort of the climate-controlled cars for the 360° views from the open-air gondolas, accessible from all indoor cars. Then it’s back inside for more merriment, food and tasty Arizona wines

In addition to each wine introduction, the journey is fully narrated to enrich the experience. Sinagua Indian ruins are pointed out, along with the many artifacts from the mines that gave life to this historic rail line. The history, geology and archeology, including a monocline fault are just part of this magnificent journey back into time.

After a brief respite in Perkinsville while the engines are positioned for the return trip, a dessert wine is served with complementary fruit and chocolate. Favorite wines are available in full bottles or by the glass at any time, as are cocktails, beer and specialty train drinks.

As night blankets the canyon, stars sprinkle the sky, sparkling so clear through the clean, high desert sky that they seem to be just out of reach. The engine’s headlight cascading off the rock cliffs adds a dash of rail romance to Mother Nature’s timeless artistry.

The Grape Train Escape on Verde Canyon Railroad’s historic route from Clarkdale to the ghost ranch of Perkinsville and back –into Arizona’s other grand canyon—is truly an unforgettable experience. Add to your excursion by staying at one of our comfortable area inns listed on the website.
This exclusive excursion is scheduled for May 25, June 15 & 29, July 13, August 3 & 17 and September 7, 2007.

To reserve your ride, call 1-800-293-7245, or visit the Railroad’s website at www.verdecanyonrr.com.

The Verde Canyon Railroad is located at 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale, Ariz. Ideally situated below the cold of the mountains, and above the heat of the desert, the train depot is 25 minutes from Sedona, two hours north of Phoenix, and one and one-half hours south of Flagstaff. Passengers are encouraged to arrive approximately one and one-half hours prior to departure.