Sip and Steam: The 2026 Hunterdon Wine Express Returns to New Jersey’s Scenic Countryside

As spring blossoms begin to emerge across Central New Jersey’s rolling landscapes, a much-anticipated seasonal tradition prepares to make its debut. The Hunterdon Wine Express, a premium excursion that has become a symbol of regional agritourism, will return to Old York Cellars for the 2026 season. This four-hour immersive journey combines the nostalgia of traditional rail travel with the refined pleasures of viticulture.

The Hunterdon County Economic Development & Tourism Summit recently recognised this event, naming it the 2023 Tourism Initiative of the Year. During the previous three seasons, tickets for the programme were completely sold out within days due to its immense popularity. Organisers encourage travellers to make reservations as soon as possible, as the vintage railcars’ limited capacity ensures an intimate but quickly filled guest list.

The Evolution of the Vineyard Experience

For the 2026 calendar year, a strategic shift in the itinerary has been implemented to enhance the guest experience. The journey has now commenced directly at the Old York Cellars estate in Ringoes. By beginning the day at the winery, more time is afforded to visitors to immerse themselves in the vineyard’s atmosphere, characterized by live acoustic performances and panoramic views of the Sourland Mountains.

The logistical flow of the afternoon is managed via a private shuttle service. Guests are transported from the winery to the historic Ringoes Depot, the headquarters of the Black River & Western Railroad. This railroad, which has been in continuous operation for over 160 years, provides the atmospheric backdrop for the next phase of the excursion.

Nostalgia on the Narrow Gauge

Once the transition to the Ringoes Depot is completed, passengers are boarded onto a meticulously restored train for a 40-mile round-trip journey to Flemington. As the locomotive traverses the rural vistas of Hunterdon County, a guided wine tasting is conducted on board. These sessions are led by an Old York Cellars Wine Ambassador, by whom the history of the vineyard and the nuances of each vintage are shared through professional storytelling.

The rail portion of the day is characterized by a “step back in time” aesthetic, allowing the rhythmic cadence of the tracks to complement the sensory experience of the wine. The transit between Ringoes and Flemington serves as a mobile tasting room, where the agricultural heritage of the region is celebrated through both the scenery and the glass.

Culinary Excellence at Old York Cellars

Upon the return of the shuttle to the main estate, the experience is transitioned into a sophisticated culinary showcase. Guests are greeted by Executive Chef Jose Diaz, by whom a multi-course gastronomic programme has been curated. The afternoon is initiated with a selection of artisanal charcuterie boards, which are followed by a specialized wine and chocolate pairing session.

The centrepiece of the post-train festivities is a chef-prepared lunch, served amidst the vines. Every dish is designed to harmonize with the award-winning wines produced on-site, such as their signature Cabernet Sauvignon or the unique Colobel-based blends. The estate, which consists of approximately 28 acres of preserved farmland, provides a serene environment where the remainder of the four-hour experience can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

Planning Your Excursion: Dates and Logistics

A total of 22 select dates have been announced for the 2026 season, spanning Saturdays and Sundays from late April to mid-September. To maintain the high quality of the service, each departure is strictly limited to 50 people.

Standard admission costs $125 per person; however, “prompt access” pricing of $99 is available for those who book during the early registration period. Given its location—about an hour from Philadelphia and slightly longer from Manhattan—the winery is frequently cited as a top day-trip destination for city dwellers looking for a sophisticated rural escape.

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