This spring and summer at Verde Canyon Railroad, Mother Nature gifts passengers bouquets of high desert wildflowers splashed throughout the canyon, while at the depot and aboard the train, a sensational bouquet of wines from renowned regions worldwide will be splashing into glasses and savored by savvy connoisseurs.

The zest for great vino kicks off in May with the “Uncorked Wine Fest at the Depot,” a monthlong wine-tasting event at the depot daily starting at 11:00 a.m., prior to 1:00 p.m. train departures. On the patio, designated by flags from the countries and regions represented, different tasting stations will feature a trio of wines from Europe, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and closer to home, the Pacific Northwest, and Verde Canyon Railroad’s own neighborhood, Arizona. The Verde Valley, now officially a renowned American Viticulture Area, attracts enthusiasts to sample local vintages. Uncorked participants receive a punch card for their wine tastings, a freshly prepared lunch from the depot’s Copper Spike Café and a souvenir stemless wine tumbler with a Verde Canyon Railroad logo.

The love for wine spills over into the summer season with the train’s long-time favorite “Grape Train Escape,” a wine-tasting event offered aboard every Saturday Night Starlight and Moonlight rides May through September. Each Grape Train Escape will highlight a different wine region and includes five tastings served to your seat, accompanied by the best pairing of all: Arizona sunset scenery. This adult adventure is provided in specific train cars and limited to ages 21 and up, making for a decadent date night or grown-up girls’ getaway into the wildly scenic heart of Arizona. Keep your strappy summer sandals on. No hiking boots needed.

In addition to the seasonal wine offering at the depot and aboard the train, anyone riding Verde Canyon Railroad will receive the highest level of amenities and personal service that are provided to all passengers: Champagne or sparkling cider, and charcuterie are served to every seat and no other train in the world gives every passenger “two seats for the price of one” – lush and comfortable interior cars in addition to complete access to adjoining open-air viewing cars. Where else can one enjoy a glass of wine in hand while savoring the awe-inspiring, ever-changing wild scenery streaming past? The train provides a luxurious way for everyone to experience an authentic Arizona adventure.

A stone’s throw from the hillside mining town of Jerome, Verde Canyon Railroad’s Clarkdale depot is in the heart of the Verde Valley, a diverse crossroads featuring amazing adventures in every direction. Only two hours from Phoenix and 25 minutes from Sedona, Verde Canyon Railroad is the perfect Arizona adventure. Reservations may be made at verdecanyonrr.com or at 800.293.7245.

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It’s not the destination; it’s a great wine-tasting journey