On Saturday, (Oct. 5^th) my wife Gabby treated me to a “First Class” date with a ride on the Washington Wine Express!  This wine train is operated by the Mt. Rainier Railroad and departs from a very small town called Elbe, Washington.  Elbe’s population was a whopping 29 in 2010!   Beautiful and picturesque, this 3-hour train ride provided a ton of opportunities to experience some amazing views.  The train traveled through thick forested areas with mountain streams and crossed the upper Nisqually River.  35 minutes later we arrived at a Railroad & Logging Museum in Mineral, Washington.  Participants were then guided through a tour of some Washington State railroad & logging history.  After this, we were fed a hearty (catered) meal with live music, all while drinking some really good wines!  After 2 hours of food, music and wine, we boarded the Washington Wine Express and headed back to Elbe.

Pacific Northwest wineries supporting this event included Dunham Cellars, Jones of Washington, Gordon Family Estate, Portlandia Vintners, and J. Bookwalter Winery.  As a bonus, we had the opportunity to meet and chat with Vicki and Jeff Gordon!  The diverse array of wines provided folks with something for every palate.  Some of my personal favorites included the 2016 Trutina Red Blend (Dunham Cellars); the 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Jones of Washington); the 2014 Syrah (Gordon Family Estate) and the 2016 Reader Merlot (J. Bookwalter).

I highly recommend the Washington Wine Express experience for people who enjoy great views and good times with friends & family.  In addition, people who enjoy historical sites, live music, good food and great wine will also benefit nicely!!!  I mean….who wouldn’t??  Cheers!!