Ranked as “One of the Best Places to Go” by Frommers in 2017, Nashville is a Tennessee destination that offers something for every visitor. It’s a music lover's paradise featuring a seemingly endless amount of live music venues, and performances 365 days a year, earning it the nickname of the Music City. Everyone from families to couples will love Nashville’s world-class attractions like the Parthenon re-creation in Centennial Park, the Country Music Hall of Fame, Lane Motor Museum, and more.
Wine on the Rails is a one-of-a-kind wine sampling experience entering its second year, and it will take place June 10th, launching from the Tennessee Central Railway Museum and traveling to the Del Monaco Winery. Passengers will travel aboard a restored 1950’s passenger train for a half-hour trip, where they will be able to sample wines, purchase snacks, and listen to live music. Upon arriving at the winery, attendees can further sample wines, buy lunch, take tours of the winery, listen to more live music, and interact with fellow wine enthusiasts. Organizers encourage participants to dress up in vintage 1950’s garb, and all attendees will receive a souvenir wine glass. We got the chance to interview Jason Galaz, a representative of the event, to learn more about this unique wine sampling opportunity.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
JG: This is the second year for Wine on the Rails.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
JG: Last year we had a good turnout, and we expect between 400-500 this year.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
JG: Adults need to be over 21 to ride, but we see adults 35 to 55 with a mix of more women to men.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
JG: It's a vintage 1950's train that rides in style to wine events.
RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.
JG: We begin wine tastings aboard the train on the way to the winery. We have two or three live bands playing in the aisles of each car on the way home with swing dancers.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
JG: Yes, local celebrities and TV personalities have been known to ride.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
JG: The winery offers a variety of meal options, and there will be snacks on the train.
RAL: What is the environment like?
JG: The restored 1950’s passenger train car provides a unique setting for our event, and the Tennessee terrain along the train route to the winery is breathtaking. The Del Monaco Winery offers a lush and relaxing setting for tasting wines and learning about the winemaking process. It’s a fun and relaxing environment, with many of the attendees dressed up in vintage clothing.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
JG: Nashville features a variety of lodging options from high-end resorts to B&B’s. No matter your budget or group size you’ll have multiple lodging options at your fingertips.
RAL: Is there maybe one place in particular that guests have been flocking to since the event started?
JG: Many times people will stay downtown and take advantage of the vibrant nightlife.
RAL: What does the event mean to the community?
JG: It’s a unique way for people to gather, taste wine, eat food, and meet interesting new people.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JG: Wine On The Rails gives you the chance to ride in style and comfort aboard an original 1950's streamliner to wine events in Tennessee. Vintage attire is encouraged but not required.
For more information about Wine on the Rails, please visit the event website.