[Summerland, BC] One of Summerland’s most popular events returns in 2026 and tickets are selling fast!
Presented by Bottleneck Drive, the Grand Sommelier Express, Canada’s only train, wine and food tasting, returns June 19 & 20, 2026.
This journey back in time on a historic steam locomotive offers breathtaking views and a taste of the finest selections from Summerland’s Bottleneck Drive.
Imagine sipping on exquisite wines, ciders, craft beer, and spirits as you travel through the picturesque Okanagan countryside. This two-hour scenic train journey is more than just a ride; it’s an immersive afternoon event filled with exceptional drinks, gourmet bites, and live music.
New and returning visitors are saving their spot for an unforgettable adventure and a must-try experience for wine and cider enthusiasts. So gather your friends, hop aboard, and let the adventure begin!
People posing with the Grand Sommelier Express | Photo by Best Ever Guide
The Experience
Begin your journey with a welcome reception featuring delectable appetizers, a curated selection of Summerland’s finest wines, ciders, craft beers, and spirits, plus live music.
On board, winery representatives will offer you tastings of the region’s top beverages.
After returning to the station, enjoy a sweet treat and a visit to The Vault Liquor Merchants’ on-site store, where you can purchase your favourite wines, ciders, craft beers and premium spirits to enjoy later.
And the fun does not end there! Save your ticket and keep the good times pouring!
Your ticket e-receipt becomes an All-Access Pass for complimentary tastings at participating Bottleneck Drive establishments from June 18 to 22, 2026, so you can continue the flavour adventure right in the tasting rooms.
Grand Sommelier Express Details
Location: Historic Kettle Valley Railway Depot, Summerland, BC
Dates:
Friday, June 19, 2026
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $169 per person + GST & fees
Includes:
Scenic return steam train ride with assigned seating
Wine, cider, craft beer, and spirits tastings
Gourmet appetizers & dessert
A scenic stop at a trestle bridge
Live music
All-Access Pass – visit participating Bottleneck Drive establishments from June 18-22, 2026 and receive a complimentary tasting by showing your event ticket’s e-receipt.
Make a Weekend of It!
Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa has a select number of VIP ticket packages that pair Grand Sommelier Express tickets with a VIP shuttle and relaxing two night stay at Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa.
This ticket package makes your experience effortless with door to door shuttle service, light refreshments before departure and a bottle of the resort’s private label wine to enjoy in your suite. Details and tickets for this package here.
About Bottleneck Drive
Bottleneck Drive is a collection of 20 wineries, cideries, distilleries, and breweries located in the central Okanagan Valley in Summerland, BC.
The region is known for its award-winning products, as well as its stunning natural scenery and small-town hospitality. Leave the city bustle behind as you explore three distinct touring routes each designed to help you get to a handful of places to taste and enjoy while you also discover the hidden back roads of the area. Leaving Highway 97 by turning right or left takes you past lakefront parks, orchards and vineyards, down quaint country roads or along Main Street shops and restaurants.
Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and special events throughout the year, and discover the special small-town charm that sets Summerland as one of the friendliest places in the Okanagan Valley, while exploring the best of what the region has to offer.