Verde Canyon Railroad’s Uncorked at the Depot

Verde Canyon Railroad’s Uncorked at the Depot is an exciting new event every day the train runs May 3rd – 26th.

It’s said that “April showers bring May flowers” and in Arizona this means cactus and yucca blooms fill the high desert with an intoxicating bouquet much like the rich bouquet of sumptuous wines. During the fifth month, Verde Canyon Railroad visitors can sip, swirl, and savor a selection of fine wines prior to an amazing train adventure through the glory of a wildly scenic red rock, riparian Arizona canyon. The senses are fulfilled by a full range of colors, nose, notes and lingering finishes paired with the perfect complement: Springtime in Arizona.

Since 2002, Verde Canyon Railroad has offered the famed Grape Train Escape with wine tasting onboard select Saturday evening rides throughout the summer season. The Railroad is gearing up for another great summer Grape Train Escape series, but first, the love of great wine spills over with wine tasting at the depot. Vino season in the Verde Valley will kick off on April 30, 2022, with the acclaimed Verde Valley Wine Fest in Cottonwood, Arizona, followed by corks popping every day on Verde Canyon Railroad’s patio for an entire month.

Arizona’s Verde Valley is a well-regarded wine region and was recently validated with a coveted AVA designation confirming it an American Viticulture Area. Growing from that same vine, Verde Canyon Railroad’s renowned Grape Train Escape, now in its 21st year, is an immensely popular seasonal event celebrating wine tasting under glorious summer starlight. As that grapevine unfurls, Uncorked at the Depot is a natural expansion of enthusiasm for great wine. Both the Grape Train Escape and Uncorked events celebrate fine grape blends that span the planet – Italy, France, Chile and Argentina, as well as local vintages from Arizona’s Verde Valley wine country.

Beginning at 11:00 a.m., two hours prior to the train’s departure, guests may sample a selection of wines served at the outdoor beverage bar. From daring to delicate, a wide variety of wines, ranging from the boldest reds to the sweetest rosés , the zestiest blancs and everything in between, will be available by the taste AND by the glass. Depot festivity tickets may be pre-purchased to include wine tasting, lunch and a souvenir logo wine tumbler.

The celebration continues to flow aboard the train with an assortment of fine wines sold by the bottle. A purchase of Uncorked tasting tickets entitles passengers to a 20% discount off any bottles purchased to take home after the train ride.

Springtime means the Verde Canyon is in bloom, eaglets are taking flight, and the chasm radiates a new seasonal awakening.

A sampling of fine wines ahead of the journey adds to this rich sensory experience. Uncorked at the Depot is just one more reason to ride during a glorious season.

If not participating with the Uncorked at the Depot wine festival, standard train fares are available.