End of Summer Merritt Wine Train — Two Hours of Merritt Winery Tastings Through Western New York

GOWANDA TRAIN FIELD GUIDE

End of Summer Merritt Wine Train — Two Hours of Merritt Winery Tastings Through Western New York

A 2-hour round-trip aboard the New York & Lake Erie Railroad from Gowanda to South Dayton that pairs Merritt Winery pours and chocolates with rolling countryside views; this guide explains what to expect and who it suits.

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End of Summer Merritt Wine Train — Two Hours of Merritt Winery Tastings Through Western New York.

Duration
2 hours
Location
Gowanda
Operator
New York & Lake Erie Railroad
Category
Train
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Board in Gowanda and settle in for a relaxed, two-hour round trip through Western New York’s rolling farmland aboard the New York & Lake Erie Railroad’s Summer Wine Tasting Train, sampling Merritt Winery wines and enjoying sweet treats as the landscape drifts by.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

A scenic round trip to South Dayton

The train follows a gentle course through Western New York countryside on a 2-hour round trip, offering timeless rural views en route to South Dayton and back.

THE TASTES

Merritt Winery pours and small bites

Tastings from Merritt Winery are served aboard the train, accompanied by chocolates and a mini charcuterie snack to complement each pour.

THE OCCASION

Perfect for a date or friends’ outing

The outing is framed as an intimate, social experience—well suited to couples or groups of friends looking to celebrate the late-summer season with local wine and relaxed scenery.

What the day feels like

What the experience feels like

For two easy hours you ride, sip, and snack: wine samples from Merritt Winery are presented at intervals while the train glides through pastoral stretches between Gowanda and South Dayton, creating a measured, convivial rhythm that pairs local flavor with the landscape.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip fits (and who should look elsewhere).

1
Couples seeking a relaxed dateIdeal: the ride’s intimate tasting format and scenic setting suit a late‑summer date night or anniversary outing.
2
Groups of friendsIdeal: small groups looking for a social, low-effort tasting experience will find the format convivial and easygoing.
3
Wine and local-food enthusiastsIdeal: guests interested in regional wine will appreciate Merritt Winery samples paired with chocolates and mini charcuterie bites.
4
Families with minorsNot appropriate: the event is restricted to adults aged 21 and over.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

This is an End of Summer offering presented as a 2-hour round trip; available during the operator’s summer schedule.

What to Bring

No special equipment is required for the outing; tastings, chocolates, and a mini charcuterie snack are included as part of the experience.

Operator & Logistics

The excursion is operated by the New York & Lake Erie Railroad and runs between Gowanda and South Dayton as a round trip.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Merritt Wine Train experience?

The trip is a 2-hour round trip.

Who can participate?

This experience is for adults aged 21 and over.

What kind of tastings are included?

Tastings from Merritt Winery are served aboard, paired with chocolates and a mini charcuterie snack.

Where does the train go?

The train runs from Gowanda to South Dayton and back as a round trip.

Who operates the wine train?

The excursion is run by the New York & Lake Erie Railroad.

Are snacks included?

Yes—mini charcuterie bites and chocolates are included alongside the wine samples.