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.
It91Ƶs 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 Penticton91Ƶs newest businesses.
91ƵIt91Ƶs been two years since we91Ƶve opened and still feels very surreal,91Ƶ Breier, the co-owner of Abandoned Rail Brewing, said while looking at the view her customers are treated to 91Ƶ vineyards, orchards and mountains.
Situated on the KVR Trail, the brewery91Ƶs selection of German beers was inspired by Breier91Ƶs 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 it91Ƶs about more than just the beer.
Along with the business91Ƶ strong contingent of cyclists and scooter riders, it wouldn91Ƶt 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.
There91Ƶs always something happening at Abandoned Rail and Breier wouldn91Ƶt want it any other way.
91ƵWe 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,91Ƶ she said.
91ƵI do like how there are different areas to be, whether you have kids or dogs and just want to relax.91Ƶ
When it comes to selling beer and merchandise and letting people know about its 91Ƶsurreal91Ƶ view, the brewery has thrived.
But it91Ƶs also shown resiliency since opening in 2021.
From pandemic-related restrictions to wildfires, Breier says she91Ƶs confident the brewery will continue to stay strong 91Ƶ even in the toughest of times.
Originally from Scarborough, Ont., the business owner also expressed pride in being part of Penticton91Ƶs beer scene.
91ƵEveryone is so supportive and it91Ƶs incredible, especially being the new kids in town,91Ƶ Breier said.
91ƵThese two years have gone by so fast.91Ƶ