This spring and summer at Verde Canyon Railroad, Mother Nature presents passengers with purple, yellow and white bouquets of wildflowers splashed throughout the canyon, while at the depot and aboard the train, a sensational bouquet of wines from renowned regions worldwide will be savored by savvy connoisseurs. Arizona’s Verde Valley is now an official American Viticulture Area, attracting enthusiasts to sample local vintages as well as a variety of wines from South America, Italy and France.
The enthusiasm for great vino kicks off in May with the “Uncorked Wine Fest at the Depot”, a monthlong wine-tasting event at the depot daily at 11:00 a.m., prior to all 1:00 p.m. train departures. The love for wine spills over into the summer season with the train’s long-time favorite “Grape Train Escape,” a wine-tasting experience aboard select Saturday Night Starlight and Moonlight rides May 27 through September 2. These adult adventures are 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, the highest level of amenities and personal service is provided to all passengers: Champagne and appetizers 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 journey aboard Verde Canyon Railroad is a meditation in motion, like a rolling resort traveling through of the wild heart of Arizona. Imagine the rumble from the rails is a masseuse working away the stresses of daily life. Traveling a historic rail route completed in 1912, since 1990 this scenic excursion train has carried 3 million passengers deep into this rare riparian Arizona, all without leaving a trace.
For more information, visit www.verdecanyonrr.com or call (800) 293-7245
