Southern California's "Backcountry Wine Train" is set to resume operations this fall, offering passengers a 90-minute journey through the scenic highlands of eastern San Diego County. The restored vintage train aims to evoke a sense of the Old West while providing passengers with a curated tasting experience.
The experience includes an individual charcuterie plate and a six-glass wine tasting flight, with selections curated by a sommelier and featuring local Southern California wineries. Passengers will also have the opportunity to interact with sommelier Lisa Redwine and enjoy macarons from a San Diego bakery.
The train accommodates individuals aged 21 and older. For those who do not consume alcohol, a non-drinker ticket offers a tasting flight of handcrafted, nonalcoholic beverages. Ticket prices vary, with premium class at $100 per person, offering a ride in a restored 1920s train car at tables for up to four guests. First-class tickets are priced at $150 per person and include an additional glass of sparkling wine or nonalcoholic cider, with options for two- or four-person tables. First-class passengers also gain access to an open-air platform and a parlor area.
The most exclusive option, the "VIP on the Robert Peary," allows booking of the train's VIP presidential passenger car for up to eight guests at $250 per person. This package includes personalized tableside service from a sommelier.
The Backcountry Wine Train is scheduled for two departures on October 4th, at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Both departures originate from the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo, located 50 miles east of San Diego. The museum is dedicated to preserving classic train travel history and houses over 100 pieces of historic railroad equipment.