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’s 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’s newest businesses.
“It’s been two years since we’ve opened and still feels very surreal,” Breier, the co-owner of Abandoned Rail Brewing, said while looking at the view her customers are treated to — vineyards, orchards and mountains.
Situated on the KVR Trail, the brewery’s selection of German beers was inspired by Breier’s 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’s about more than just the beer.
Along with the business’ strong contingent of cyclists and scooter riders, it wouldn’t 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’s always something happening at Abandoned Rail and Breier wouldn’t want it any other way.
“We 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,” she said.
“I do like how there are different areas to be, whether you have kids or dogs and just want to relax.”
When it comes to selling beer and merchandise and letting people know about its “surreal” view, the brewery has thrived.
But it’s also shown resiliency since opening in 2021.
From pandemic-related restrictions to wildfires, Breier says she’s confident the brewery will continue to stay strong – even in the toughest of times.
Originally from Scarborough, Ont., the business owner also expressed pride in being part of Penticton’s beer scene.
“Everyone is so supportive and it’s incredible, especially being the new kids in town,” Breier said.
“These two years have gone by so fast.”
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