About this event
Cottonwood/Clarkdale Verde Valley Train & Wine Tasting Event
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026
We will take a scenic drive north on the Beeline (SR87), through Payson, Pine, Camp Verde and into Cottonwood/Clarkdale.
The Verde Canyon Railroad offers a lovely wilderness excursion into an area of extreme natural beauty, following the curves of the Verde River, 20 miles up through a red rock canyon. It is full of unusual geology, abundant wildlife, lush greenery, and Native-American ruins, on vintage rails aboard vintage train cars.
There is something wonderful to be seen each season, and the train runs year-round. The route starts at our depot in Clarkdale, AZ and ventures 20 miles to the historic ranch town of Perkinsville. At Perkinsville the engines disconnect, come around on a sidetrack and reconnect at the back (now front) of the train to power us back home to Clarkdale. En route we pass vintage trestles, travel through a 734-foot tunnel and tour beautiful red rock canyon scenery and the riparian curves of the Verde River. The trip is fully narrated, and the narration is interspersed with fun railroad tunes of every genre.
The train has all the same comfortable living room-style accommodations, featuring overstuffed chairs and loveseats, complimentary appetizers, and a complimentary glass of champagne or sparkling cider upon boarding. Each person receives their own complimentary charcuterie box at their seat, featuring gourmet cheeses and meats, crackers, fruit, and brownie bites.
MSR Registration Cost: $165 per person (tax included) which includes:
- Lunch at the Red Rooster in Cottonwood (Salad, Sandwiches, Chips, and Jeanne's famous Wine Glass Cookies) - We have dined there several times in the past and the food is great !!
- Round Trip 4 hour train ride
- Complimentary glass of Champagne or Sparkling Cider
- Charcuterie Box at your seat on the Train:
- Red Hatch Chili cheddar cheese
- Dill Havarti cheese
- Gouda cheese
- Pepperoni
- Salami
- Buffalo Chicken
- Grapes and or/ dried apricots (varies seasonally)
- Brownie bites
- Crackers
- Mustard
Here’s how to sign up:
- Go on MSR and register: https://azpca.motorsportreg.com/events/verde-valley-train-wine-event-cottonwood-clarkdale-pca-arizona-107623
- Call the Taawaki Inn in Clarkdale and select your room choice (tell them you are with the Porsche Club)
Call the Taawaki Inn directly. 928-365-9668
Discounted Room Prices (Includes Continental Breakfast):
- King No Smoking - $225
- King No Smoking - Premium View - $225
- Queen (two beds) - $225
After the Train Ride, Dinner on your own
