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Always something 㽶Ƶֱbrewing㽶Ƶֱ at Penticton㽶Ƶֱs Abandoned Rail

This story is part of the Western News㽶Ƶֱ Women Who Dare feature
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Nicole Breier is the co-owner of Abandoned Rail Brewing. (Contributed)

Included in the Friday, April 26, print edition of the Penticton Western News is our Women Who Dare feature, where we highlight South Okanagan women who are making a difference in the community and business world. Below is a profile of Nicole Breier.

On any given spring or summer day, dozens of cyclists can be seen peddling up the Kettle Valley Rail Trail before stopping at Abandoned Rail Brewing in Penticton.

It㽶Ƶֱs become a tradition for some and a popular tourist idea for others.

Either way, no matter how you get there or who you bring, Nicole Breier knows something special is brewing at one of Penticton㽶Ƶֱs newest businesses.

㽶ƵֱIt㽶Ƶֱs been two years since we㽶Ƶֱve opened and still feels very surreal,㽶Ƶֱ Breier, the co-owner of Abandoned Rail Brewing, said while looking at the view her customers are treated to 㽶Ƶֱ vineyards, orchards and mountains.

Situated on the KVR Trail, the brewery㽶Ƶֱs selection of German beers was inspired by Breier㽶Ƶֱs husband, Scott, and his childhood friend Peter Schulz, who went to school in Berlin to become a brewmaster.

When it comes to creating vibrancy at a brewery, though, Breier says it㽶Ƶֱs about more than just the beer.

Along with the business㽶Ƶֱ strong contingent of cyclists and scooter riders, it wouldn㽶Ƶֱt be odd to see up to 30 dogs inside and outside the brewery.

Games like ping-pong and curling are also just a few of the activities people have been seen playing on a seasonal basis at the location.

Not to mention, the selection of classic board games that are ready to be played all the time, while people engage in coffee tastings and order gourmet pizzas.

There㽶Ƶֱs always something happening at Abandoned Rail and Breier wouldn㽶Ƶֱt want it any other way.

㽶ƵֱWe like to keep it lively as much as we can and offer people something new to do but we also want people to be able to sit down with a beer and have a conversation,㽶Ƶֱ she said.

㽶ƵֱI do like how there are different areas to be, whether you have kids or dogs and just want to relax.㽶Ƶֱ

When it comes to selling beer and merchandise and letting people know about its 㽶Ƶֱsurreal㽶Ƶֱ view, the brewery has thrived.

But it㽶Ƶֱs also shown resiliency since opening in 2021.

From pandemic-related restrictions to wildfires, Breier says she㽶Ƶֱs confident the brewery will continue to stay strong 㽶Ƶֱ even in the toughest of times.

Originally from Scarborough, Ont., the business owner also expressed pride in being part of Penticton㽶Ƶֱs beer scene.

㽶ƵֱEveryone is so supportive and it㽶Ƶֱs incredible, especially being the new kids in town,㽶Ƶֱ Breier said.

㽶ƵֱThese two years have gone by so fast.㽶Ƶֱ



About the Author: Logan Lockhart

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