Home » National Parks » Experience Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: All Aboard the Uncorked Wine Adventure

If you’re craving a blend of Southern charm and a splash of indulgence, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad delivers an unforgettable adventure. Among its many themed excursions, the Uncorked Wine adventure stands out as a must-try for wine lovers like us. Climb aboard this unique journey through the misty valleys and rugged gorges of Western North Carolina. On this experience we sipped regional wines, that pair perfectly with the rhythmic chug of a historic train. Here’s your guide to making the most of this one-of-a-kind outing—Experience Great Smoky Mountains Railroad at its finest.

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A maroon , Great Smoky Mountains Rail train engine parked on a gravel track surrounded by trees.
Credit: K. Vigo-Campbell

Know Before You Go on a Great Smoky Mountains Adventure: Seating & Excursions

Seating Options
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR) offers three classes to suit your comfort and style:

  1. First-Class Seating: For ultimate luxury, the adult only First-Class car boasts assigned dining-room seating with plenty of leg room. The passengers here enjoy a top-of-the-line experience with large window view in a climate controlled car. Private attendants serve the included meal. A souvenir travel mug with free refills.
  2. Crown Class Seating: Assigned seating in a climate controlled car with large picture windows. Each passenger over 2 years receives a souvenir tumbler with free refills.
  3. Coach Seating: If you want something a bit more laid-back but still want to experience the breathtaking views, Coach Seating is best. Coach plus is dining style and Coach Class is conventional forward facing. No A/C.
  4. Open-Air (Gondola) Cars: For the adventurous souls who desire to breathe the crisp mountain air and enjoy the scenery with a clear view of the landscape, the open-air cars are the ideal option. Though they lack the comfortable seating of First-Class, Crown or Coach, the open-air car is perfect for photo taking and being one with nature.
a lush hillside densely covered with green vegetation in the Great Smoky Mountains. Various shades of green from trees and shrubs blanket the landscape, with some rocky outcrops visible where the foliage is less dense. The majority of the terrain is carpeted with kudzu, a climbing vine, signified by its sprawling growth pattern. Dense forest continues in the background, with trees stretching upwards.
Hillside in the Great Smoky Mountains covered with dense green vegetation and kudzu.

Year Round Excursions Offered

The railroad offers some great options for exploring the scenic beauty of the region! The Nantahala Gorge Excursion takes passengers through the breathtaking Nantahala Gorge, famous for its ride along the Nantahala River and through the Nantahala Gorge. It’s a leisurely 4.5 hour trip covering about 44-miles round-trip.

A wooden and metal bridge over the Nantahala river under a bright blue sky with trees nearby.

The Tuckasegee Excursion is a captivating four-hour round-trip journey from Bryson City to Dillsboro, spanning 32 miles. Along the way, marvel at the impressive Cowee Tunnel, measuring 836 feet, and glimpse the renowned movie set from “The Fugitive” starring Harrison Ford. Enjoy a delightful 80-minute stopover in the charming, historic Town of Dillsboro.

You're off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting so get your way. Dr Suess
Blue wooden train Depot building labeled "BRYSON" with a triangular roof and American flag.

Specialty Train Excursions

They also offer special themed excursions or events during certain seasons, like holiday tours or fall foliage rides

  • The Mountain Beer Run: (adults-only tasting ride) is the Nantahala Gorge Excursion with a brew twist.
  • THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride: A Christmas special ride from Bryson City to the North Pole 1.25 hrs.
  • Uncorked Wine Experience (spring and fall): Luxury ride through the Nantahala Gorge Excursion with wine!
  • Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train: An Easter treat departs from Bryson City to a scenic Easter themed destination. A real treat for the kids!
  • Spirits of the Rail (spring and fall): flavorful journey sampling three Bourbon paired with a unique meal in Western North Carolina.
  • For tickets and schedules, visit the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s official website.
a scenic landscape as seen from a Great Smoky Mountains train window, evident by the frame visible on the left side. The foreground features lush green vegetation, with a patchwork of different shades of green, possibly comprising grass and small bushes. Beyond this, a river or large body of water stretches from the right side of the image to near the center, lined by a rocky shoreline. Adjacent to the water, a train track runs parallel, partly obscured by foliage. In the background, a hill densely covered with trees extends from the left to the center, under a vivid blue sky scattered with a few white clouds.
Credit: K. Vigo-Campbell

Our Great Smoky Mountains Rail Journey

Our Uncorked Wine adventure begins in Bryson City Depot, where the vintage diesel locomotive awaits. We settle into our All-Adult First-Class car waiting for the train to depart. The trip is over 4.5 hours, as we traverse 44-miles of pristine wilderness, crossing the iconic Fontana Lake Trestle and carving through the dramatic Nantahala Gorge. At the train turnaround, there is a one-hour break at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.

Note: The Uncorked Wine Experience is only available in First Class. Arrive 60+ minutes early for check-in and boarding. Don’t forget your ID—wine tastings are for guests 21+.

A misty Nantahala river flows through a dense green forest with a wooden fence in the background.

Exceptional Service on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Uncorked Wine Tour

The first-class carriage of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Uncorked Wine Tour is comfortable and elegant. Elegant hardwood paneling, plush carpet, and an attractive bar provide a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Despite having only moderate cushioning, the comfortable seats arranged around small tables are perfect for couples or small groups. We were fortunate to have a pleasant couple to share the experience with. Their engaging company contributed to our enjoyment.

The Nantahala river flowing through a forested landscape with buildings on the left and right, featuring green roofs and signage about trout.

A private attendant provides dedicated service to first-class guests, ensuring that every need is met impeccably. Throughout the journey, the attentive staff is on hand to provide personalized care, answer questions, and offer recommendations, making the experience truly seamless and enjoyable. The enhanced amenities, each meticulously planned detail, created lifelong memories.

A waterfall surrounded by dense greenery with overhanging branches and leaves.

Uncorked Wine Excursion: Sip, Savor, and Soak in the Scenery

As the train floats along the gorge, a master sommelier leads us through a specially crafted flight of four local wines – clean Appalachian whites and full-bodied Southern reds. Artisanal cheeses, chocolates, or charcuterie accompanied each serving, raising our palate to the same level as the stunning views. Savor a rich Cabernet while taking in the Nantahala River’s blue rapids or celebrate with a bubbly rosé as sunbeams streak through the forest canopy.

Close-up of a wine flight with glasses filled with white and red liquids on a wooden tray.

Along the route, we indulged in a culinary experience like no other, savoring gourmet cuisine crafted by skilled onboard chefs. Rich surf and turf, artisanal cheese platters – they painstakingly crafted each course with exquisite ingredients. But the pièce de résistance was the wine – a delicious combination of regional notes, all impeccably presented. The sommelier’s selection of four premium pairings was the perfect accompaniment to the meal.

Person standing next to a maroon railway maintenance car in the rain.

Wine Tasting with a Beautiful View

As the train departs the depot, traveling along, we have panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and forests. The trip takes you along diverse landscapes – from thick misty forests to wide vistas of the Nantahala National Forest. As the train approaches the Nantahala Gorge, it runs along the riverbank as the mountains rise suddenly on both sides, with the rapids of the Nantahala River thundering below, providing an element of drama to the experience.

A railway bridge crosses a calm Fontana Lake surrounded by green trees and hills under a clear blue sky.
Credit: K. Vigo-Campbell

As we glide over the 780-foot trestle bridge, where emerald waters of Fontana Lake, our conductor, adds an extra layer of charm to the trip with his engaging historic narration. He shared fascinating stories about the railroad’s history, the wines we sampled, and the landmarks we passed along the way. One memorable tidbit was his explanation of the Kudzu plant, an invasive species that blankets much of the forest in the valley. The large panoramic windows offered unobstructed views of the stunning scenery, allowing us to capture breathtaking photos and simply soak in the natural beauty of the Smokies. Relaxing in the luxurious comfort of the first-class car, we felt completely immersed in the magic of the journey.

Flowing Nantahala river surrounded by dense greenery. The river appears turbulent, with visible whitecaps indicating swift movement over rocks. In the foreground, several thin branches and lush green leaves partially obstruct the view. The foliage is vibrant, reflecting various shades of green. The background is densely wooded, providing a natural, tranquil setting typical of a riverside environment.

Nantahala Outdoor Center Layover

As the train rumbles toward the terminus at Nantahala, we have a solid hour to explore the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) before the trip back. Pity that today a torrential rain makes it difficult to enjoy the scenic gorge.

Instead, we had inside to the NOC outfitter shop. It offers a variety of outdoor gear, from clothing and shoes to souvenirs, for your next outing. Typically, this midway point of the train tour offers stunning views of kayakers and rafters attempting to conquer the river’s rapids. With the torrential rain, though, those photo-opportune views will have to wait for another day.

Slalom gates on the Nantahala River, marked with numbered yellow signs.

The Return Trip to Bryson City Depot

Along the return journey, you’ll have the chance to see the gorge from a different perspective while chatting with friends or fellow passengers, offering a fresh perspective on the scenery. During the journey, our personal attendant was a very charming young lady who grew up in Bryson City. Her spiel included a polite push for merchandise, which includes a souvenir picture frame, a tote bag, and different size color prints. Although they are rather expensive, we purchased the packet. With the uncorked tour as a bonus, we took home a GSMR souvenir stemless wine glass. We suggest pairing this adventure with a visit to Bryson City’s quaint shops or nearby hiking trails for a full-day adventure.

Collage with a couple inside a train, a Bryson City stamp, and images of steam locomotives with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad logo.
Railroad Caboose, Bryson City

Essential Items to Bring on Your Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Adventure

For your Great Smoky Mountains Railroad adventure, pack comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes, along with sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Bring a camera or smartphone with extra batteries for photos, as the scenery is breathtaking. If your excursion does not provide a meal, it’s a good idea to carry snacks,and water. Remember any personal medications, as well as your tickets and ID. Consider packing a book, travel journal, or binoculars for added enjoyment. A light jacket or sweater will keep you comfortable in cooler mountain temperatures, and if it’s rainy season, pack an umbrella or rain jacket. Don’t forget cash or a card for tips and purchases, and perhaps a travel pillow for added comfort.

Burgundy train car labeled "Great Smoky Mountains Railroad" and "Bryson City" on tracks, with trees and a mountain in the background.

Final Thoughts Our Uncorked Experience Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

For us, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Uncorked Wine Tour was one that we will never forget. Blending first-class luxury with the stunning beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Cozy tables set the stage for spirited conversation, and we were fortunate to share the experience with a charming couple whose hospitality added to the escapade. This was no leisurely train ride but a true escape, offering breathtaking scenery, exceptional service, and a touch of elegance. By the time we left the railroad, we had full hearts, memories to treasure, and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the Smokies.

Have you been on a railroad adventure? What did you like best about your journey? Share your thoughts int he comments below. Cheers to your next journey!