I have always driven in my European vacations, but this time I took advise from many Fodorites and decided to take trains in Italy. Then I realized that it would be great if I can sip wine while enjoying long train rides. but I've never heard anyone doing that. Is it allowed? What do you think?

Jim Of course it is allowed. You are in Europe. They usually come thru the trains selling (among other things) beer. Enjoy!

And a great way to make new friends - - offering is not at all inappropriate. <BR> <BR>It is indeed one of the really GREAT things about train travel (this from someone who rarely takes trains) - - wine, bread, cheese - - no driving fatigue - - oh, why am I so difficult to convert, huh? <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

And you can pack your own, too! You know how we have individual juice-in-a-box? They have the same, but wine-in-a-box.

Melissa, we call wine in a box "Chateau Migraine" ...

Fodors <BR> <BR>Whenever I take trains across the continent (such as next month) I pack a folding corkscrew and a few plastic mugs. I then visit grocers in each country before I entrain. As everybody has said, a good opening to conversation. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines <BR> <BR>

Jim: The Italians do not only trink on the trains, they also love to eat. I was most surprised somethimes what they all take with them. A real picinic on the train. <BR>Florence, bonjour: Did you ever taste the red "Dôle des Monts" (sp?) on Swiss trains? It's rather good quality. Santé!

Sorry, please read "picnic"

Bonjour Ursula, <BR>Swiss trains have a very good selection of local wines, red or white, but the food isn't that great. Better take a picnic, and the ubiquitous Swiss army knife.

Some of my best European travel memories involve sipping wine on trains! We had a wonderful bread, cheese, chocolate and wine picnic on the train from Chamonix to Martigny, and polished off two bottles (with the aid of friendly seatmates) between Koblenz and Amsterdam. We'd stop at the shops just before getting on the train and put together an array of goodies. Don't forget a couple of plastic cups and a Swiss Army knife!

Jim.. <BR> <BR>We're talking Europe here - not California ! Thankfully the thought police have'nt taken over yet. In some carriages you can even smoke - shock, horror!

Many Italian families take the making of lunch on the train: bread, wine, olives, salami, fruit. It is perfectly normal and accepted. In general, Italians routinely drink with their food (or after dinner) because it adds to the enjoyment of food. Generally they do not drink to get high, and don't usually drink on an empty stomach. Drinking to excess is frowned upon, drunkenness uncommon, and drinking a little wine with the meal is just such a normal wholesome thing that there's no reson for anyone to view it as something that should be forbidden.

In the post above I meant drink wine. (But you knew that, right?)