We absolutely love travelling, and we have to admit, one of our favourite ways to get around is by train. It’s reliable, relaxing, and conveniently drops you right in the heart of the city. There’s no faffing about with baggage limits (yes, you can bring that extra bottle or two), and you can sit back with your friends, chatting, snacking, maybe even sipping a little wine, almost like being in your own rolling restaurant.
There’s also something undeniably romantic about train travel, especially when the journey winds through vineyards and ends with a glass in hand. Across Europe, wine lovers are ditching the car keys and embracing the rails, discovering that train journeys offer a slower, greener, and far more scenic way to explore the continent’s most iconic wine regions.
From the sparkling cellars of Champagne to the dramatic hillsides of the Douro, vineyard-hopping by train is where sustainability meets pure indulgence. Today, we’re sharing a few of the most picturesque rail-friendly wine routes, that we would like to also try soon, perfect for a weekend getaway or an extended adventure. Let’s hop on!
Champagne by Eurostar
Start your adventure in style by boarding the Eurostar from London to Paris. From there, a quick connection takes you to Reims or Épernay, heartland of Champagne. Visit iconic maisons like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot, or seek out smaller producers tucked between the vines. With frequent trains, it’s easy to sip bubbly without worrying about who’s driving.
Rheingau from Frankfurt
Germany’s Rheingau region, famed for its crisp Rieslings and riverside vineyards, is just under an hour from Frankfurt by train. Board a local service and enjoy the scenic ride along the Rhine, passing castles and hilltop villages. Stop in Rüdesheim or Eltville for tastings with a view. It’s an ideal day trip, or a weekend escape, from the city.
Alsace Wine Route by TER
For picture-perfect wine villages and aromatic whites, head to Alsace. Take a TER regional train from Strasbourg to charming spots like Colmar, Ribeauvillé, or Obernai. You’ll find colourful timber-framed houses, cellar doors on cobbled streets, and some of France’s most unique varietals, including Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris.
Douro Valley by Train from Porto
Portugal’s Douro Valley is one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world, and the train from Porto to Peso da Régua is a destination in itself. Winding alongside the Douro River, this scenic route reveals terraced vineyards clinging to steep hillsides. Hop off for Port tastings and explore quintas nestled in the valley.
There you have it, now we are very tempted to take one of these trips. Travelling by train not only reduces your carbon footprint, it also enhances your wine experience. No traffic jams, no designated driver, just the joy of discovery at every stop. So next time you plan a wine holiday, consider letting Europe’s railways lead the way. A glass in hand, countryside rolling by, it’s vineyard-hopping, the slow and soulful way.