THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Board a vintage train at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum for a two-hour round trip to Ozan Vineyard—pick muscadines, enjoy pavilion tastings, and take home bottles with a harvest discount. A perfect short escape for families, train buffs, and anyone curious about Southern sweet wines.
Board a vintage train at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum for a two-hour round trip to Ozan Vineyard—pick muscadines, enjoy pavilion tastings, and take home bottles with a harvest discount. A perfect short escape for families, train buffs, and anyone curious about Southern sweet wines.
Book with Ozan Vineyard & Winery
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Operated by Ozan Vineyard & Winery · Calera, AL
Climb aboard a vintage railcar at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (1919 9th Street, Calera AL 35040) and trade highway hum for the click of steel and the sweet, sun-warmed scent of muscadine grapes. This two-hour harvest excursion shuttles small groups along preserved track to Ozan Station, a working vineyard where red and white muscadine vines spill over trellises and a shaded pavilion hosts tastings. It’s a compact, letter-perfect Southern day trip that pairs rail history with hands-on harvest—equal parts easy outdoor motion and sensory reward.
The experience begins with check-in and a self-guided tour of the museum’s exhibits, a primer in regional rail heritage before the train slides away from the depot. Arriving at Ozan Station feels deliberately old-fashioned: the platform meets rows of low vines, and staff guide you through a welcome pour followed by U-pick time. Muscadines are thick-skinned, aromatic grapes native to the Southeast; the event highlights both red and white varieties and lets you sample the fruit before the pavilion tasting where two complimentary wine pour tickets for adults 21+ open a deeper taste profile including sweet wines and select spirits.
Why this outing stands out: the transit itself is part of the attraction. The Heart of Dixie’s short excursion transforms a simple vineyard visit into a movable vignette of place—train whistles, passing treelines, and a small community of pickers moving between rows. The pavilion is practical and convivial: a place to compare notes, package harvests, and take advantage of a 10% bottle discount before re-boarding. For families, the non-alcoholic beverage options and the harvest activity make this a multigenerational affair.
Practicalities are straightforward. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early for check-in; wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection; bring a small tote or bucket for muscadines. The outing runs about two hours with morning and early-afternoon departures, and most guests find it accessible and lightly active rather than strenuous.
This pairing of heritage rail and grape harvest is an intimate way to taste Alabama countryside without driving yourself, and it emphasizes low-impact, seasonal enjoyment. Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a wine-curious traveler, or someone looking for a friendly outside event, the Heart of Dixie to Ozan Vineyard harvest ride is a memorable, easy-to-book escape from Birmingham-area bustle.
Departures are scheduled at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM on select Saturdays; tickets are priced at $34 per adult and $24 for guests under 21, plus tax and gratuity, and include the train ride, muscadine picking, pavilion tasting, and museum self-guided access. Space fills for harvest weekends, so book in advance through the provided reservation link. If you come for the September harvest you’ll see vines heavy with fruit and a bustle of local families sharing hands-on moments.
easy.
2 hours.
Light walking and standing; suitable for most adults and older children with basic mobility
Yes—guests under 21 are welcome; non-alcoholic options are provided and a lower ticket price applies for those under 21.
The ticket includes the train round trip, a self-guided museum tour, a welcome pour, U-pick muscadines, two wine pour tickets per adult 21+, and access to the pavilion and bottle discount.
No—staff provide guidance and containers for packaging at the pavilion, though bringing a personal tote or small bucket is helpful.
Check-in and the museum have limited accessibility; vineyard rows may be uneven—contact the operator for current accessibility details before booking.
Casual, comfortable clothes with closed-toe shoes and sun protection are recommended—expect short walks through vine rows.
Weather policies can vary; check the reservation link for specific cancellation or rescheduling rules for harvest events.
The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum preserves regional rail equipment and runs short excursion service to Ozan Station, connecting local rail heritage with active agricultural traditions.
Pick only assigned clusters and follow staff guidance to avoid overharvesting; take empty packaging and trash with you and support the vineyard by buying locally produced bottles.
Ozan Vineyard & Winery is a family-friendly vineyard and producer located in Calera, Alabama. The winery offers a range of curated experiences that combine wine, scenic train excursions, and Southern hospitality. Guests can choose from wine tastings, themed train rides, outdoor lawn parties, brunch trains, and curbside pick-up for both wine and spirits. Many experiences include guided vineyard tours, multi-pour flights, and cheese plates, with some tastings including a keepsake glass. The property features unique rail-based excursions that pair historic train coach rides with vineyard tours and guided tastings. Evening events like the Summer Sunset Lawn Party blend Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, lawn games, and cocktails with sunset views. Weekend programming includes themed events such as Sips of the South and Bourbon & Brisket Saturdays. For convenience, the winery offers curbside wine and spirits pickup with promotional savings, and guests are advised to check holiday hours when ordering. Ozan Vineyard & Winery prioritizes memorable, well-organized guest experiences and clear offerings. Reservations are available for two-person tastings, full meal and tasting combinations, and special train departures that include multiple pours and shared cheese plates. The estate emphasizes hospitality and a range of beverage options, from chilled Southern wines and frozen wine slushies to whiskey-based coffee and curated spirits. As a destination in Calera, Ozan provides a distinctive blend of vineyard scenery and curated events for visitors seeking wine-focused outings. Advance reservations are recommended for popular events and private groups to secure preferred dates and ensure seating, tasting availability, and timely curbside pickup options.
Book with Ozan Vineyard & Winery