Grape Train Escape
Wine-Tasting Tours during a Saturday Evening Train Ride Dates and Wine Regions are listed below
Verde Canyon Railroad has long been a venue for viticulture appreciation. Since 1990 train passengers have enjoyed raising a toast to the Arizona wilderness from well-appointed rail cars, harkening back to a time when relaxing travel by train was recognized as a hallmark of sophistication and class. In 2002 raising that toast became a highly-requested event called the Grape Train Escape. Going in to its 22nd year, this great grape celebration has spanned the planet – Italian, Chilean, Spanish, German and French wines have been served to thousands of awe-inspired train passengers.
*Please note that there are two different ticket options on Saturday night runs so tickets purchased for the Grape Train Escape cannot sit with Starlight/Moonlight passengers. Services are provided in different cars.
5:30 p.m. Every Saturday Night May 11 through September 14
Offered during the 5:30 p.m. Saturday Starlight and Moonlight Trains May through September, a number of the train cars are dedicated to The Grape Train Escape event. Regional purveyors of fine Arizona wines as well as worldwide vintners showcase their award-winning vintages on the rails. Wine tasting coupled with harmonizing appetizers takes one back to a time when relaxing train travel was recognized as a hallmark of sophistication.
Featured wines may change without prior notice.
May 11 – Wines of South America: Chile
We are kicking off our summertime Grape Train Escapes with some of South America’s diverse wines from the wine-growing region of Chile, where the country’s narrow east-west valleys are cooled by breezy currents from the Pacific Ocean. Chilean wines span many varietals, from sparkling to crisp, refreshing whites, and bold world-class reds.
May 25 – Wines of Europe: France
Get onboard Verde Canyon Railroad where your tastebuds will scream “Bon Voyage!” on their way across the Atlantic. Wine was introduced to France by the Etruscans in the years leading up to the Roman Empire incursion more than 2,600 years ago. Producing more fine wine than any other country, French wines are defined by classic varietals with nuanced flavors.
June 1 – Wines of Washington State
We’re bringing the Pacific Northwest right into the Heart of Arizona aboard the Grape Train Escape. A vast temperature swing between daytime highs and nighttime lows and a slow cooling harvest season create Washington’s distinctive wine style. Well-known for blends rather than varietals, innovative technologies and Washington’s pristine natural environment continue to enhance these composed, flavorful wines.
June 8 – Wines from Down Under: Australia and New Zealand
Say “G’day” to the best wines from down under aboard this week’s Grape Train Escape. A strong ocean influence coupled with a warm climate characterize this region known for bright, fruity wines with citrus and fresh herbal notes. Wines made from sweeter grapes that are aged naturally produce a full-bodied taste with elegant and complex flavors.
June 15 – Arizona Wines
This week features incredible wines that are grown right in our own backyard. Arizona’s three major wine-growing regions – Sonoita, Wilcox and Verde Valley – produce superb wines that dare to be shared. The lush Verde Valley, with its sandy soil and abundant sunshine, invites wine enthusiasts to experience wines shaped in a region rich in history and beauty. Savor these award-winning varietals, as well as up-and-coming wines already being celebrated.
June 22 – Mystery Wines
This Verde Canyon Railroad ride features a culmination of the various wines served throughout the Grape Train Escape season. We invite your tastebuds to travel with us to destinations sure to please every wine lover’s palate, with a sensory vacation for casual wine drinkers and connoisseurs alike.
June 29 – Wines of South America: Argentina
Join us for a wine-tasting journey of history, passion and adventure. Spanish immigrants brought wine to Argentina in 1556 A.D., where the unique high altitude of its wine regions and dry climate make for ideal vine-growing conditions. With intense colors and expressive floral aromas, the smooth mouthfeel of these wines is known to contain flavors of cherry or berry.
July 6 – Wines of Europe: Italy
Say “Ciao Bella” to your new favorite wines when the Grape Train Escape features some of the best from Italy. Grown in the country’s warmer and drier climate, these soft, fruity wines are full of rich flavors with hints of classic Mediterranean citrus. With over 355 indigenous vines, a focus on the fruit crafted in the winemaking process characterizes Italian wines, making them widely loved and enjoyed.
July 13- California Wines
With world-class wines right next door to Arizona, this Grape Train Escape features a selection of California’s best. With long growing seasons of warm days and cool nights, where the sun shines year-round, the state’s grape-growing regions yield more than 17 million gallons of wine each year. The warm weather creates sugary grapes that produce sweet wines low in acidity but bold in flavor.
July 20 – Wines from Down Under: Australia and New Zealand
Say “G’day” to the best wines from down under aboard this week’s Grape Train Escape. A strong ocean influence coupled with a warm climate characterize this region known for bright, fruity wines with citrus and fresh herbal notes. Wines made from sweeter grapes that are aged naturally produce a full-bodied taste with elegant and complex flavors.
July 27 – Arizona Wines
This week features incredible wines that are grown right in our own backyard. Arizona’s three major wine-growing regions – Sonoita, Wilcox and Verde Valley – produce superb wines that dare to be shared. The lush Verde Valley, with its sandy soil and abundant sunshine, invites wine enthusiasts to experience wines shaped in a region rich in history and beauty. Savor these award-winning varietals, as well as up-and-coming wines already being celebrated.
August 3 – Mystery Wines
This Verde Canyon Railroad ride features a culmination of the various wines served throughout the Grape Train Escape season. We invite your tastebuds to travel with us to destinations sure to please every wine lover’s palate, with a sensory vacation for casual wine drinkers and connoisseurs alike.
August 10 – Wines of South America: Argentina
Join us for a wine-tasting journey of history, passion and adventure. Spanish immigrants brought wine to Argentina in 1556 A.D., where the unique high altitude of its wine regions and dry climate make for ideal vine-growing conditions. With intense colors and expressive floral aromas, the smooth mouthfeel of these wines is known to contain flavors of cherry or berry.
August 17 – Wines of Europe: Spain
Say “Ole!” to an adventure of culture and history in every sip of Spanish wine sure to stir the soul. Winemaking in Spain dates back at least 3,000 years, when the art of turning grapes into wine was reserved only for priests who produced the luscious liquid for sacrament and religious celebrations. Using classic vinification techniques that have been passed on through generations, these Old World wines are heavier with fresh, balanced flavors.
August 24 – Wines of Oregon State
Sip Oregon’s finest wines among Arizona’s grandest views on this week’s Grape Train Escape. In a valley with a variety of soils sheltered from extreme weather, the very cool climate in Oregon ripens grapes slowly while building character in the fruit. The process produces nuanced, subtle wines that are high in acidity with intense colors and spicy aromas.
August 31- Wines from Down Under: Australia and New Zealand
Say “G’day” to the best wines from down under aboard this week’s Grape Train Escape. A strong ocean influence coupled with a warm climate characterize this region known for bright, fruity wines with citrus and fresh herbal notes. Wines made from sweeter grapes that are aged naturally produce a full-bodied taste with elegant and complex flavors.
September 7 – Arizona Wines
This week features incredible wines that are grown right in our own backyard. Arizona’s three major wine-growing regions – Sonoita, Wilcox and Verde Valley – produce superb wines that dare to be shared. The lush Verde Valley, with its sandy soil and abundant sunshine, invites wine enthusiasts to experience wines shaped in a region rich in history and beauty. Savor these award-winning varietals, as well as up-and-coming wines already being celebrated.
September 14 – Mystery Wines
This Verde Canyon Railroad ride features a culmination of the various wines served throughout the Grape Train Escape season. We invite your tastebuds to travel with us to destinations sure to please every wine lover’s palate, with a sensory vacation for casual wine drinkers and connoisseurs alike.
A Sensory Adventure
Savoring wine while soaking in the scenery of the Southwest has rapidly become world-famous here in Arizona’s Verde Valley, and it is quickly gaining notoriety as one of the finest regions for grape growing. In addition, it is a region where the appreciation of these varietals becomes more enjoyable while basking in high desert beauty.
During the Saturday Starlight Tours, passengers experience a spectacular blend of light and color in the canyon ranging from bright daytime to rich sunset, from twinkly twilight to magnificent moonglow. Paired with an award-winning wine in hand, any Grape Train Escape will contribute to a sensory adventure suitable for every palate.
What to Expect with Your Wine
- Luxurious style and attentive beverage service right to your seat
- Abundant appetizers that will pair perfectly with wine selections
- Adjoining 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
- Information is made available so you can find where to purchase a bottle of your favorite wines following the ride
