Don’t Let the Grand Sommelier Express Leave the Station Without You

Don’t Let the Grand Sommelier Express Leave the Station Without You

Last season my timing aligned, and I finally got to experience The Grand Sommelier Express in Summerland. While I had been on the Kettle Valley Railway heritage steam train previously, this event offered through Bottleneck Drive provides a wine and culinary adventure like no other.

This year promises to be even more spectacular as organizers enhanced a few elements adding onboard tastings of the region’s best beverages guided by sommeliers and assigned seating so you are assured of sitting with your group.

A warm and tasty greeting awaits at the station as you check into your adventure. Here, you savour exceptional wines, ciders, craft beers, and spirits from Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive while enjoying breathtaking views of Trout Creek Canyon. With sommelier-led tastings, gourmet bites, live music, and a reception to start and end the day, this two-hour journey is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the Okanagan’s renowned flavours and scenery.

Tickets are $169 per person plus GST and fees, and you can opt for June 20 or 21, 2025. A scenic return steam train ride is included with assigned seating, wine, cider, craft beers, premium spirits, appetizers, dessert reception, a scenic stop at a trestle bridge, live music, and your All-Access Pass as described. It starts at 1:30 pm and ends at 5 pm. This iconic event has limited space, so you’ll want to secure your spot now. (Note: This event is 19+ only—attendees must be 19 years or older.)

The Complimentary All-Access Pass entitles you to drop in at participating Bottleneck Drive establishments from June 19 to 23, 2025 for a quick tasting—on us! Just show your event ticket’s e-receipt and enjoy a tasting at as many locations as you’d like.

Exclusive Shopping

Take home a taste of the day’s offerings at the Martin Street Liquor Merchants’ on-site store, where you can purchase your favorite wines, ciders, craft beers, and premium spirits.

Shop at the KVR Depot

While there, check out the historic Kettle Valley Railway Depot. In addition to perusing the museum quality rail artifacts, you can shop for local products such as Summerland Sweets syrups and preserves. For those train enthusiasts on your list, you’ll find a wide array of books, puzzles, and games related to the romance of the rail.

Supersize it with the VIP Package and/or Exclusive Dinners

Extend your experience and make a full weekend of festivities with exclusive dinner events. Consider booking the VIP Package at the Summerland Waterfront Resort to include a lakeview suite, shuttle service, and more.

Choose from intriguing dinners with various themes and cuisines in locations such as Lunessence Winery & Vineyard, Lightning Rock Winery, Haywire Winery, and Pamplemousse Jus Natural Winery Inc.

For details and booking, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/summerlands-bottleneck-drive-association-6480211155

Photo opportunities at Grand Sommelier-Express- Photo credit: BestEver.Studio.
Grand Sommelier Express media tour – Photo Credit: BestEverStudio.
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Wine & Dine by Roslyne Buchanan
Roslyne Buchanan (aka Roz) Roslyne Buchanan is a regular freelance contributor to food, travel, wine, home and lifestyle magazines. Her work has appeared in Food & Wine Trails, WestJet Magazine, OpenRoad Driver, Savour, Niche, Destinations Travel Magazine, Culinaire, Impact, My Van City, and blog.hellobc.com. Based in Penticton, she enjoys spectacular views of forests, vineyards, lakes, and hills beyond and regular visits from wildlife. Enchanted by the food and beverage industry and all things culinary as well as recreational pursuits such as travel, golfing, skiing, hiking, tennis and snorkeling. For her it’s the perfect balance to pursue her passion for writing with integrity and joy to share firsthand experiences. Most of her adventures are shared with her husband, Mark and when they’re not out exploring, they are managed by a diva feline Baja. Find her personal blog at www.rozsmallfry.com, follow her on twitter @RozDB Facebook @roslynebuchanan and Instagram @markdrinksathome

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