Three railroad cars fitted with all conveniences; a vintage locomotive; an exclusive trip for 150 passengers through ancient flavors and modern plasma screens—this is Winestation, Italy’s own wine train for those who love to travel in search of ancient vines or the wines of the future.

Launched in 2007, Winestation was created by Giovanni Negri with the help of Roberto Cipresso and a group of friends. For now, Winestation will thread the hills of Tuscany up to Montalcino. But it is our desire to replicate this extraordinary adventure in Piedmont and in a myriad other excellent Italian wine territories.

The train departs from Siena and threads through wheat fields, hills dotted with castles, and the desertic, clay landscape of the Sienese “crete.” It then slowly cuts through marvelous Val d’Orcia, taking in vistas and panoramas unknown to those who travel by car.

It’s also possible to start the journey from Rome, heading north along the Tyrrhenian coast, up to Argentario and Grossetto and then cutting through the unpolluted Amiata landscape to Montalcino.

Traveling on this train means tasting ancient wines and foods; participating in cooking classes; plunging head first into Caucasian nectars; understanding Dionysian rites; or discovering the secrets of Burgundy. But it also means spending time with fun and like-minded people.