North Carolina is known for its breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains and its lush pine tree forests. Drinking a glass of wine almost seems like a prerequisite for taking in the idyllic scenery. Fortunately, the Uncorked line on the Smoky Mountain railroad is offering a train ride that combines scenery with wine.
The wine tasting leaves from the Bryson City station, and passengers can take either Tuckasegee or Nantahala Gorge routes. On the Uncorked lines, patrons ride in first class cars and enjoy opulence reminiscent of an era when rail travel was an expensive and novel method of transportation. Passengers can enjoy four samples of hand-selected wines courtesy of Lees at the Depot along with a mouthwatering number of food options. There’s a smorgasbord of cheeses including Havarti and Gouda. The hors d’oeuvres are followed by a salad and a fresh surf and turf entrée. This main dish features baked salmon with Dijon mustard and tender beef slices topped with a port wine reduction. A carrot soufflé and mashed potatoes make a hearty side to soak up that wine.
And if you’re a novice wine drinker, not to fear. A guide narrates your experience, explaining the aromas, flavors, and origins of each wine, as well as why they pair well with a particular cheese. The guide also offers a crash course (perhaps a poor choice of words) on wine regions, grapes, and the wine industry in North Carolina. The wine is served in take-home stemless glasses (remember, patrons are on a moving train).
If the idea of a wine train sounds familiar, it’s likely because of the Napa Valley Wine Train. Now people who live on the East Coast don’t need to travel across the country to have their own wine train experience.
The Uncorked wine tasting begins November 11th, 2017 and runs through December 31st 2017. Tickets go for $119.00 a person, which is a pretty great deal considering the offerings. We recommend buying tickets sooner rather than later, as they sell out quickly.
