In the world of wine, a tasting flight is sometimes used to describe a selection of wines for tasters to sample and compare. Well, in New Zealand, one company has taken that to new heights by making it a literal reality.
Booze trains (and now planes too) are a growing attraction for drinks lovers like you and me to experience local drinks on the tracks or in the skies. Far removed from the usual hectic, cramped stress of transport, these idyllic odysseys are sprouting up all over, so here’s a rundown of a few you might want to check out!
UK
Real Ale Train - Watercress Line Dining
Chugging through the Hampshire countryside is the Real Ale Train. Departing from Alton Station near Farnham along the Watercress Line to Alresford, breweries from the surrounding areas will be on the menu with pints reasonably priced at £4, or half pints for £2.
Every ticket comes with a complimentary pint to kick things off, and you can buy individual tickets for £20 or secure a charming six-seat compartment for £150.
The Real Ale Trait also stops by the West Country Buffet where you can feast on chilli, burgers, curry and more before washing it down with more great local brews.
Check out the website for the release of new dates because they sell out quickly!
Keith & Dufftown Railway
North East of the Cairngorms in Scotland, the Keith & Dufftown railway is one of the most Northerly preserved railways in the country, as well as being one of the longest and gloriously scenic. Ten miles of line awaits between Dufftown and Keith, passing the Glenfiddich viaduct, mountain scenery, Loch Park, Drummuir Castle…and that’s not even half the journey!
Various events are held on board, such as the Whisky Train in Spring trying specialist drams from the many distilleries in the area. There’s also the Emerald Isle Express for £40 per person offering ‘whisky’ as you travel through the land of ‘whisky’.
Events come and go, but the same stunning route remains so it should definitely be on your radar if you’re looking to explore this part of Scotland.
Explore their website for any new events and to book and to see the train in action check out Episode 2 of The Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky on Amazon Prime.
East Lancashire Railway – Rail Ale Trail
East Lancashire Railway’s Rail Ale Trail takes you onboard one of their beautiful heritage steam or diesel trains and through the lush valleys and quaint villages, guiding you through the history and heritage of the area and delving into surrounding area’s brewing traditions.
Whilst you’ll enjoy a local bottle of ale on the train, this experience involves more guided tours to traditional pubs in the Irwell Valley and a hearty pub lunch.
The tours all begin at Bury Bolton Street Station, but from there they vary. Some involve short walks, others almost hikes. The price looks to be set at £59.50 regardless though so explore their website for more information! Journey goers rave about it once it’s finished so you’ll have to be quick.
It’s worth mentioning that they also have gin nights and wine nights occasionally too if that’s more your thing!
Other Rail Ale Trails
Rail Ale Trails are massively popular and available all over it seems, and whilst they do often provide some local ale on board, they are more focused on visiting pubs along the way. Here are some Rail Ale Trails that might be nearby you:
Churnet Railway, Staffordshire
Devon & Cornwall’s numerous trails
Great Central Railway, Loughborough
Spa Valley RaSpa Valley Railway, the High Wealdlway, the High Weald
INTERNATIONAL
Invivo Air – Cloud Wine
The image at the top of this article is of the world’s first winery airline! That’s the promise of Invivo Air, who not only produce their own wine in New Zealand but have created a flight from Auckland to Queenstown to try them on.
30 guests tasted over 16 wines whilst cruising at 18,000ft, as well as a vineyard tour with winemakers’ dinner and overnight stay at the 5-star lakeside Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa. That’s a lot packed in! Celebrity wines like Graham Norton’s and Sarah Jessica Parker’s are nestled amongst Invivo’s own and New Zealand’s finest, with the cabin even decorated with hanging vines.
Ahead of the launch, the founder said: “Invivo Air is the world’s first winery airline and we’re looking forward to guiding our guests through the ultimate wine lovers experience – both at 18,000ft in our winery in the sky and also on terra firma at one of our beautiful Central Otago vineyards.”
Otago is known for its award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Pinot Noir, and it’s not just fine wine but fine food included. Guests will dine at the Botswana Butchery, a new five-star seafood joint that has opened exclusively for Invivo Air. Local New Zealand cuisine such as fresh oysters, whitebait, lumina lamb and salmon are all on the menu.
At the time of writing, there has only been one flight but more domestic flights are on the horizon as well as international availability. To experience Cloud Wine, go to their website for further details on pricing.
Wine Train, Napa Valley – Legacy Experience
A legacy is handed down over time, through family and tradition. And lots and lots of wine. Charles Krug. V. Sattui. The legacy of these Italian families represents a combined winemaking history of more than 200 years. And some very fine vintages. Some say this is where it all began. And this is where your journey begins
America has some amazing wine trains on offer but one of the best-known ones is the simply named Wine Train. Their legacy experience provides a 6-hour adventure through the iconic Napa Valley, with a 3-hour train ride departing in the morning. After a welcome glass of sparkling wine, your first tasting occurs onboard the open-air car by your onboard Maitre’D at the legendary Napa Valley welcome sign.
After this, you have a four-course meal inspired by the stunning surroundings and a further 2 hours of tasting at Charles Krug and V.Sattui Winery, exploring 7 prestigious blends. Finally, it’s back on the train which is an attraction in itself with plush velvet, gleaming brass, smooth marble and a dreamy vintage aesthetic. What a way to explore one of the world’s most important wine regions!
Unsurprisingly, this is pricier than most wine trains and tickets vary around $500, but as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it looks amazing. See what’s in store for yourself on their website!
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train – Bourbon Excursion
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is two beautifully restored 1940s dining cars pulled through Kentucky by two 1950s locomotives. Departing from Bardstown which just so happens to have been named the Most Beautiful Small Town in America numerous times, the breathtaking Kentucky countryside awaits. The Jim Beam distillery, Jesse James’ safe house, and the Jackson Hollow Trestle in Bernehim Forest for starters.
During these two-and-a-half hours of exploration, a gourmet four-course dinner is served. On top of this, master distillers guide guests on a journey through bourbon history, pairing select liquids with your meals. Everything is included on this 32-mile roundtrip so if you’re a bourbon lover and want to visit its home, $127 doesn’t sound too bad, right?
For more details on the Bourbon Excursion, visit here.