Grape Train Escape: Onboard Arizona Wine-Tasting Adventure

Embark on an Arizona wine-tasting adventure aboard the Grape Train Escape. Sample select wines, savor specialty cheeses, and learn about winemaking techniques from Viognier experts. Must be 21+.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Verde Canyon Railroad - What could be better than savoring wine while soaking in the scenery of the Southwest? This is a relatively new pairing for Arizona’s Verde Valley, but it is quickly gaining notoriety as a fine region for grape growing. Enjoy open-air cars where the lush riparian landscape of summer, including canopies cottonwoods, moody monsoon afternoons and deep crimson cliffs, compliments a great glass of wine!
What's Included
  • First class seating
  • Bottled water
  • Wine tasting
  • Live commentary on board
  • Accompanying appetizers to complement each wine selection
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities
  • DVD (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Pets are not allowed on train
Additional Information

Verde Canyon Railroad’s Grape Train Escape is an evening event, featuring onboard wine-tasting showcasing distinct vineyards from Arizona and beyond. While aboard the “Grape Train Escape,” passengers will be served a sampling of select wines. Guests also will enjoy specialty cheeses and hors d’oeuvres chosen to complement the featured wines. Viogniers from each winery will be onboard to discuss the terroir and the techniques of wine-making. This event is for passengers age 21 and up. Proof of age may be requested.

  • Minimum age is 21 years
Location
300 N Broadway
North Broadway
At Verde Canyon Railroad train depot.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(18 Ratings)
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Michelle_m
Jul 14, 2024
Grape Train 2024 - Wonderful views and amazing time with besties 🙏❤️. We met another group of ladies celebrating friendship. The employees were fun and engaging and very attentive. The charcuteries were scrumptious. We would highly recommend especially in the summer when it so hot here.
Review provided by Viator
Diedra_w
Jun 16, 2024
70th Birthday Celebration - My husband would always talk about riding the train through the canyons. We always thought we would but never did. Our birthdays are a day apart so our celebrations were special so this year I decided to take this train ride in his honor. And to add it was my 70th birthday. Loved the ride!
Review provided by Viator
Amy_s
Jun 10, 2024
Great experience! - What a great and unique experience! We had an excellent host, Shae, who made everything so fun. I went with my son to celebrate his 21st birthday, stealing him away from his friends for one day to celebrate. Everyone on the train was celebrating something, so the atmosphere was incredibly joyful. The wine was good, and the appetizers complemented it nicely. They also had a full bar. We spent part of the time in the inside car but most of the time in the open car, gazing at the beautiful stars and wonderful scenery.
Review provided by Viator
Ajmoreno25
May 28, 2024
Great for couples! - “The third most scenic railroad”. They didn’t say if that was third most scenic in the world, in the US, or just in AZ, but it was certainly scenic. A geologic layer cake of sandstone & limestone, a cliff dwelling, a lush river valley, and both extant and abandoned homesteads. Incredible stargazing once the sun set! 3.5 hours for a 40 mile round trip. We did the evening wine tasting ride. Would only do the wine tasting again if it were the evening for Arizona wineries. Overall, a great way to spend an evening together.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
150erinv
May 14, 2024
Fun Adventure for Couples - What a fun experience! My husband booked us on the evening "wine train" in mid-May, and not only was the weather perfection, the entire evening was splendid. Tim, our history guide on the outside car was knowledgeable and funny while pointing out places of interest and unusual rock formations. Nate, our bartender and inside car guide was great, also. The train ride took about 4 hours and what a relaxing ride it was. My husband and I opted in for the dinner upgrade (which you pick up before boarding the train) and the snack tray on the train. The dinner (I had the chicken salad, husband had the turkey sandwich) was a large serving size and very fresh. The limited menu items (burger, sandwich, chicken straps, salad, wrap) are all made as you order, so you are able to customize your selection. Make sure to bring a jacket if traveling in the evening; the outside car gets chilly but the views of the stars unmarred by city lights is magical.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amillertaylor
Jun 20, 2023
Stargazing and Wine Tasting - It was great! The train is awesome. We were in the Jerome car but spent most of our time outside on the open air car. Byron, our guide outside, had great info about the train, railroad and canyon. Lots of fun antidotes too! The wine tasting was well done. Each cars bartender brought around a wine to taste and told us about the wine and where it came from. There were six total wines to taste. There is also a full bar available and a prepackaged snack that was nice to nibble on. The scenery is amazing. The train well cared for. The employees all seem to enjoy their jobs and serving customers. After dark the stars come out and the stargazing was beautiful. All around a great way to spend an evening.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
246carli
Jun 18, 2023
Superb train ride. - The train ride was memorable. The wine was excellent. The staff was great, Might want to do it again. Kudos to all.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pattisj564ji
May 28, 2023
Lovely evening train ride with great wine! - The Verde Valley Railway staff are exceptionally friendly, knowledgeable of the history of the region, and fun. We enjoyed tasting 5 different wines, and they were available for sale at reasonable rates. Other beverages were available for sale. The charcuterie board was delicious and filling and that's just the train experience. The scenery traveling through the gorge was magnificent as we rode right above the Verde River. Sunset on the canyon walls made for great photo opportunities. At nightfall moon and star gazing was just as beautiful. Highly recommend this experience and it's worth the cost!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patti_d
Sep 4, 2022
Great experience - It was a wonderful evening but they really need microphones on the people talking about all the history of the canyon that is piped into the closed cabins also because we only got one 16th of what he was saying
Review provided by Viator
Pamela_l
Aug 7, 2022
Fun and disappointing at the same time. - Beautiful views of the Verde Valley! The gentleman sharing information about the valley was interesting. It was a fun trip BUT it was disappointing to return to the station in the dark. It would of been better to return in the sunset. The wine taste was disappointing. I would of enjoyed more commentary talking about the wines and what they pair with. Also riding on the open car to see the view was impossible to hold the box with the crackers etc . We drank the wine and then went in to eat the snacks after dark. It would of been much better to have the wine taste and pairing after dark. If I decide to do the ride again I will not do the wine taste.
Review provided by Viator