The Mid-Hants Railway, also known as the Watercress Line, in Hampshire, is introducing a new venture on Friday, 25 July with The Wine Line – Wine Tasting Train.

Especially for wine lovers, the Wine Tasting Train is a wine-tasting journey through the Hampshire countryside. While travelling on a steam train and sampling expertly curated wines, an artisan charcuterie board, a cheese course, and dessert, guests can enjoy a unique evening in elegant First-Class dining splendour.

The Watercress Line has teamed up with independent wine merchant The Naked Grape and Hampshire winery Penn Croft to guide guests through a selection of three premium still wines and two sparkling wines while they travel in comfort.

The experience starts at Alresford Station, where guests will be welcomed with a complimentary drink before enjoying an evening of wine tasting, expert talks, and scenic travel behind a vintage steam engine. To complement their tasting experience, a specially prepared menu will be served to guests during the journey.

Alongside the wine tasting, there is the menu, including sliced focaccia with olive oil & balsamic vinegar. The Charcuterie Boards include: a selection of cured mortadella, salami, and chorizo; olives, grilled artichokes, sliced Cornish Yarg, fennel seed breadsticks, pickled onions, pickled heritage carrots, and cornichons. The cheese course includes Cornish Yarg. Dorset Blue Vinny Tunworth, Rosary Goats Cheese, all served with Alresford Watercress, salsa verde, red onion chutney, grapes, and crackers. Dessert is chocolate mousse with raspberry cream.

Penn Croft Winery was founded by Simon Porter, who had spent 20 years in sustainable agriculture, and film-maker Malcolm Walker, who had interviewed some of the world’s most pioneering winemakers. They shared a vision to create a planet-friendly winery using sustainably grown grapes combined with biodiverse viticulture.

They planted their first vineyard in 2019, on the western slopes of the North Downs, which has the perfect conditions for producing sustainable wine. In early 2020, work started converting two rusty old barns into a fully operational winery, which was achieved in just eight months, being open for business by September that year.

Although The Wine Train is intended for adults, earlier this year, the Watercress Line held several events popular with children, including a Thomas the Tank Engine adventure and a visit from the Easter Bunny.