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Board a restored vintage train in Calera for the NOLA SECOND LINE EXPRESS: six Ozan wines, frozen rum daiquiris, and NOLA-inspired cuisine rolled into a lively afternoon tasting through vineyard rows. Advance booking is recommended for this select-Saturday event.
Board a restored vintage train in Calera for the NOLA SECOND LINE EXPRESS: six Ozan wines, frozen rum daiquiris, and NOLA-inspired cuisine rolled into a lively afternoon tasting through vineyard rows. Advance booking is recommended for this select-Saturday event.
Book with Ozan Vineyard & Winery
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
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Operated by Ozan Vineyard & Winery · Calera, Alabama
On select Saturdays at 3:00 pm in Calera, Alabama, the NOLA SECOND LINE EXPRESS converts a short afternoon into a moving celebration of music, food and wine. Guests board a vintage train that threads through Ozan Vineyard rows and rolling pastureland, clacking past oak stands and small creeks as the conductor whistles a welcome. The trip pairs six Ozan wines with frozen rum daiquiris and New Orleans-style dishes for a lively tasting that feels more like a private fête than a standard wine tour.
The departure point is in Calera, a short drive south of Birmingham, where the station platform hums with pre-ride excitement—local hosts load platters of NOLA-inspired cuisine while sommeliers pour flights. The centerpiece is the train itself: restored cars that retain brass fittings and varnished wood, offering both booth seating for groups and open windows for photos. As the train moves through neat vines and gently undulating fields, guides narrate the vineyard’s farming practices and the story behind each Ozan wine poured at the tasting tables.
Key features of the experience are the vintage train, the vineyard landscape, the NOLA Second Line music and brass-led parade elements, and a tasting of six Ozan wines paired with Creole and Cajun-influenced plates. The event emphasizes conviviality: expect lively music, communal tables, and frozen daiquiris that nod to New Orleans flavor. For those interested in local context, the 'second line' references a New Orleans parade tradition—joyous brass bands, improvised dancing, and a rolling party atmosphere—that gives the ride its name and rhythm.
Practical details make this a great option for visitors seeking a social, low-impact outdoor outing in central Alabama. The train is a seasonal, event-style booking; dress comfortably for mild outdoor temperatures and bring a light layer for breezy carriages. The vineyard setting features low-slope rows and hardwood fringes typical of the area; look for native oaks and patches of spring wildflowers in season.
Why book it? The NOLA SECOND LINE EXPRESS combines tactile history, regional flavors, and mobile sightseeing into one curated afternoon—perfect for couples, small groups, and anyone wanting a spirited alternative to a traditional tasting room. It’s a standout in the Calera outdoor recreation scene because it turns the terrain itself into part of the program: the movement of the train frames each pour, each bite, and every brass note into a short, memorable journey through Alabama’s wine country.
Advance reservations are recommended; the excursion operates select Saturdays at 3:00 pm and often fills quickly. Expect a relaxed pace, not strenuous activity. Arrange local transport if staying in Birmingham. Carry a reusable water bottle, savor responsibly, and leave time to browse any vineyard shop or grab a final glass at the platform after the train returns.
Plan for about 2–3 hours from check-in to return, including tasting and onboard music.
Children can ride but must be supervised; wine tasting requires legal drinking age and ID for tasters.
Accessibility varies by car; contact the operator in advance to confirm boarding assistance and accessible seating.
Outside alcohol is not permitted; check with hosts about outside food—most guests are served NOLA-inspired plates provided on the train.
Notify the booking team ahead of time with specific allergies so hosts can accommodate or advise on menu options.
Reserve tickets online through the provided booking link; payment is typically collected at time of booking.
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