The Moonlit Wine Train On The Texas State Railroad Will Give You An Evening To Remember

Whether you're a locomotive enthusiast or not, there's one train ride in Texas that simply can't be passed up. The iconic Texas State Railroad is hosting a moonlit excursion known as "Wines in the Pines," which leads you on a magical nighttime journey through the Piney Woods region, complete with local wine, appetizers, and dessert. The ride takes place on select Friday evenings, and tickets sell out fast, so don't waste any time booking your trip!

Taking passengers on a 40-mile journey through the East Texas Piney Woods, the Texas State Railroad offers the very best of locomotive history and breathtaking scenic views.

Most excursions depart from the Palestine depot, which is located on Park Road 70.

In addition to the standard, daily trip between the quaint towns of Rusk and Palestine, an array of themed rides are held throughout the year.

The most popular of them all is the Polar Express, named after the iconic Christmas film. Like a storybook, the event follows the plotline of the movie from beginning to end, guaranteeing everlasting holiday memories for all.

Bring along your special someone and enjoy a little romance on the rails with "Wines in the Pines," an adults-only, nighttime ride that features local wine from Red 55 Winery in Lindale.

The 4-hour trip begins at 6 p.m. and kicks off with a wine tasting and expertly paired appetizers.

Upon arrival at the Rusk depot, you'll disembark the train and eat dinner underneath a blanket of stars.

The return trip is guided entirely by moonlight, the ethereal glow beaming in through the large windows in each rail car.

En route back to Palestine, you can sip on a full glass of your favorite blend, along with decadent desserts to end the night on a sweet note.

All of the wines you sampled will be available for purchase, so you'll have the opportunity to bring home a little peace of your experience.

You'll have the option of booking tickets for First Class, the Upper Dome Car, a Presidential Car, or even the privately-chartered Caboose, so you get to choose your level of luxury.

No matter where you sit, everyone receives a Texas State Railroad wine glass as a memento for spending your evening on the rails.

Address: 789 Park Road 70, Palestine, TX 75801.

Call (855) 632-7729 with any questions you may have.

Ticket prices vary based on the class you'd like to sit in. Visit the Texas State Railroad website for more information and/or to book a ride, and go here for Facebook.

Have you ever taken the Wines in the Pines train ride on the Texas State Railroad? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments section below. Don't forget to check out our previous article for more about the daily ride from Palestine to Rusk and back!