The Tennessee Wine Train: What to Expect + Where to Eat in Watertown
I finally made it to the Tennessee wine train—and it was such a fun experience, I had to share it here.
This is one of those events I’ve heard about for years, and when my sister and her husband invited us to join them for their wedding anniversary, my husband and I were all in. Neither of us had done it before, so it was the perfect excuse for a first-time adventure together—and it did not disappoint.
The Ride Experience
This trip is hosted by the Tennessee Central Railway Museum, which offers several themed train rides throughout the year. For this excursion, the Tennessee wine train departs from Nashville and travels through Lebanon before making its way to Watertown, TN.
You get to see parts of Middle Tennessee you wouldn’t usually take in from the highway—small towns, quiet stretches of countryside, and a slower pace that makes the whole ride feel like a break from the usual. The vintage railcars add a nostalgic charm, and the onboard atmosphere was lively from the start.
Our conductor kept things light and funny—you could tell he genuinely enjoyed his job. There were also live musicians walking through the train cars playing music, which added a fun, relaxed vibe to the whole experience.
Wine Tasting Onboard
Boarding begins at 9 AM, and the doors close promptly at 10 AM—so don’t be late. Once the train departs, the wine tasting starts pretty quickly, usually within the first 30 minutes. And yes, it does feel early for wine, so I highly recommend eating a solid breakfast before you arrive. While there is a small café on board, the snack options are very limited.
The team from DelMonaco Winery brought the wine directly to our seats. Our tasting guide was friendly, upbeat, and really knew her stuff. We sampled about 13 different wines, and she gave us a short description of each one as she poured. The tasting was casual and fun—not too formal or stuffy.
This all happens during the first part of the trip, from Nashville to Watertown. It’s a seated tasting, paced well so you can enjoy each pour without feeling rushed. When we arrived in Watertown, they gave us the option to purchase any of the wines we liked—which I definitely recommend.
What to Expect in Watertown
The Tennessee wine train stops in Watertown for two hours, giving you time to eat, shop, and explore. Just a heads-up—everyone gets off the train hungry, so it’s a good idea to plan your lunch spot in advance.
We ended up eating at Depot Junction Café, a classic diner-style restaurant right near the train stop. It was convenient, casual, and had just what we needed after the ride in.
Other guests recommended Casa Amigos Mexican Grill if you’re in the mood for tacos and margaritas. The Adopted Farmhouse Special-Teas also came up—a sweet little spot known for its tea, sandwiches, and cozy atmosphere.
One guest mentioned Three Forks Marketplace as a great option that was less crowded, with fried chicken he said was well worth it. That one’s on my list for next time.
After Lunch: Wine Barn + Ride Back
After lunch, we made our way to the DelMonaco Winery Barn, where we bought a bottle to take home and grabbed a wine slushy—which was the perfect treat before boarding the train again.
The ride back was more relaxed. Since the wine tasting was done, everyone settled in a bit more. We listened to the music, chatted, and just enjoyed the moment. It was a peaceful end to a really memorable outing.
A Fun Day Trip Worth Trying
The Tennessee Wine train is such a great day trip idea, especially if you’re looking for something different. It’s ideal for couples or small groups—we saw everything from date days to birthdays and girls’ trips. There’s something about being on a train, sipping wine, and visiting a small town that makes the whole day feel like a little getaway.
And if wine isn’t your thing, the Tennessee Central Railway offers other themed rides throughout the year—fall foliage tours, murder mysteries, and even the North Pole Express during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
This was one of the most fun local experiences I’ve had in a while. From the ride to the wine to the town stop, the Tennessee wine train makes for a perfect mini getaway. If you’re thinking about it, go ahead and book it—and don’t forget to plan your lunch spot before the train pulls in.
If you’ve been or plan to go soon, let me know what you thought. And if you have other fun day trips around Middle Tennessee, I’m always open to new adventures to share with you here on Nashville Fab Living.
