New luxury wine train coming to Spain in 2026

A new rail route connecting Madrid and Seville will debut in spring next year boasting vintage carriages, en suite bathrooms and onboard Spanish wine and Sherry pairings galore.

Image courtesy of Renfe

Luxury rail travel is making a comeback, and drinks-producing regions are increasingly looking for ways to tie their brands to the trend. A year ago, Napa County announced it was splurging US$11 million on three new “nearly silent and odourless” low-emission locomotives to help visitors explore the many wineries of Napa Valley.

Meanwhile, a self-service sake dispenser was installed inside Japan’s Tobu Nikko Station to take advantage of the tourists passing through the busy transport hub and encourage them to explore sake distilleries across the country.

In the UK, Grand Central train line teamed up with Sunderland’s Vaux Brewery this year to launch an exclusive beer only available onboard Grand Central train services. Called On The Rales, the hazy pale ale uses locally sourced ingredients and “celebrates the communities” that trains pass through across the North East of England.

Engine room

Now an exciting new train route is coming to Spain to help visitors traverse the country while sampling its many wines and Sherries. The newly restored Al Andalus train, originally built in 1929, will debut a new seven-day itinerary in April 2026 linking the cities of Madrid and Seville and passing through wine country in Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castilla-La Mancha.

Stops along the route include Córdoba, Cádiz, Mérida and Toledo, with planned excursions including guided walking tours, classes at artisan workshops and tastings at boutique vineyards.

Guests on the air-conditioned train, decked out with art deco detailing, polished mahogany panelling, and velvet and silk upholstery, will travel in the lap of luxury with Grand Class Rooms and Deluxe Suites boasting queen-size beds, en-suite bathrooms with showers, wardrobes, minibars, and picture windows. Free WIFI is also available throughout the train.

Better still, the dining cars will rotate menus spotlighting regional specialties as the train winds through the Spanish countryside such as oxtail stew, Jabugo ham, and manchego drizzled with local honey, paired with Spanish wines and Sherries curated by a sommelier.

Prices start from €6,600 per person and bookings can be made via Spanish train operator Renfe, which has masterminded the trip.