This Wine Tasting Train Near Nashville Is Valentine’s Day Perfection 🍷🚂

A Valentine’s Day That Feels Special

The Wine Tasting Train is not a dinner reservation squeezed between other plans. It’s a full-day experience designed to slow things down and make the celebration feel like an occasion rather than an obligation.

You board a restored, mid-century passenger train in Nashville and settle into your reserved seat before the train departs for Watertown. Winery staff move through each car hosting guided tastings, and every guest receives a complimentary wine glass upon boarding. Additional wine is also available for purchase throughout the ride, which means there’s no awkward one-sip moment and no pressure to rush the experience.

Photo Courtsey of Tennessee Central Railway Museum

A live band roams the train, adding just enough ambiance without turning the whole thing into a concert. The atmosphere lands somewhere between old-school elegance and relaxed Southern charm, which is exactly what makes it work so well for Valentine’s Day.

The Route, the Wine, and the Watertown Stop

The train runs round-trip from Nashville to Watertown and back, with a mid-day stop that’s meant to be enjoyed, not rushed through.

When you arrive in Watertown, you have time to stretch your legs, grab lunch at a local restaurant, and browse the shops around the town square before heading back to the train. It’s relaxed and easy, with just enough structure to keep the day flowing while still giving you space to wander and enjoy yourselves.

Back onboard, DelMonaco Winery staff move through each car hosting wine tastings, and if you find a favorite, bottles are available for purchase during the ride. Tastings and a complimentary wine glass are included with your ticket, which makes the whole experience feel welcoming and festive rather than transactional.

Photo Courtsey of Tennessee Central Railway Museum

Seating Options, From Cozy to Over-the-Top

Tickets for the Wine Tasting Train are available in three seating categories, all of which are reserved in advance.

• Coach Seating ($90) offers classic passenger-car seating for the full round-trip journey between Nashville and Watertown. This is the most affordable option and still includes wine tastings and a complimentary wine glass.

• Premier Coach Seating ($130) provides seating in a premium coach car. Like all ticket types, it includes hosted wine tastings in every car and a complimentary wine glass.

• Dome Seating Seating ($180) places you in a glass-enclosed dome car with elevated seating and panoramic views of the countryside. With limited availability, dome seats tend to sell out quickly.

All ticket types include wine tastings hosted by DelMonaco Winery staff and a complimentary wine glass. Food, beer, wine, and snacks are available for purchase in the dining car. All seats are reserved, all cars are climate-controlled, and restrooms are available onboard. Comfort is clearly part of the design here.

Photo Courtsey of Tennessee Central Railway Museum

More Dates to Know

The Valentine’s Wine Tasting Train kicks off the 2026 season on February 14, followed by a Mardi Gras–themed excursion on February 28. If you want to delay Valentine’s Day, celebrate twice, or swap wine for intrigue, the Murder Mystery Train runs on March 14, with another Wine Tasting Train on March 21.

From there, the spring schedule continues with seasonal favorites like the Easter Bunny Train on April 4, the Spring Yard Sale Train on April 11, and another Wine Tasting Train on April 25. Additional themed excursions roll out throughout the year, including Mother’s Day wine tastings, train robberies, fall foliage rides, Oktoberfest, and holiday Santa Express trains, all along the scenic Nashville–Watertown route aboard restored vintage railcars.

What to Know Before You Book

Wine tasting excursions are 21-and-over, and valid ID is required. Tickets include wine tastings and a complimentary wine glass, while food, beer, wine, and snacks are available for purchase in the dining car.

Outside food and drinks are not permitted onboard. Parking at the museum is free, tickets are non-refundable, and Valentine’s Day trips are especially popular, so booking early is strongly recommended.

Photo Courtsey of Tennessee Central Railway Museum

Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be flashy or overplanned to be memorable. Sometimes the best version involves a train ticket, a wine glass, and nowhere else you’re supposed to be. And if February fills up fast, March is waiting with a little mystery onboard.

FAQ: Wine Tasting Train Near Nashville

Is this trip actually romantic, or is it just wine on a train?


It’s genuinely romantic in a low-pressure way. The pacing, scenery, and vintage setting do most of the work.

Do we need to dress up for the train?


There’s no formal dress code, but many couples treat it as a chance to dress nicely. Think date-night polished rather than formal.

Is this a good choice if we don’t know much about wine?


Absolutely. The tastings are approachable and social, focused on enjoyment rather than expertise.

How long does the full experience last?


The excursion runs about six hours from departure to return, including the Watertown stop.

Will this sell out?


Yes. Valentine’s Day wine tasting trips are among the museum’s most popular excursions and often sell out in advance.

Other questions? Check the FAQ page for the Tennessee Central Railway Museum.