When the 害羞草研究所渁ll aboard害羞草研究所� call害羞草研究所� was made for the inaugural run of the Grand Sommelier Express, I like the hundreds of others gathered, trundled through the old steam engine in hopes of finding just the right place to start an evening of local food and drink.

It turned out that was a seat in the open air passenger car toward the back. Situated at either end of the car were representatives from two of the wineries in Summerland害羞草研究所檚 Bottleneck Drive Association, who were armed and ready with their reds, whites and encyclopedic knowledge about both.

In a few minutes I was joined by Bob and Melody, a couple who travelled from Surrey specifically for the Summerland event. As we all got our bearings, the train came to life. Steam and soot poured from its spout, wine was poured and, like any good adventure, conversations started to erupt in all corners of the train.

There害羞草研究所檚 something about the old steam engine in Summerland that transports you to a simpler time 害羞草研究所� a time when humanity害羞草研究所檚 decision to conquer its surroundings was something to get excited about, not lament.

It shakes light conversations from its passengers, to boot. Bob, Melodie and I spoke about the worst toilet paper across the globe, the best wines and the train itself 害羞草研究所� a 1910 engine that commands attention from all those who see it. So much so that even those who live along the route leave the comforts of their homes and wave at its passengers as it rolls through.

The train always comes to a stop at the KVR trestles. Oftentimes it just turns around and goes back to the station, but for the Grand Sommelier Express there was a twist.

Passengers disembarked and were serenaded by a jazz trio, treated to the best two cideries Summerland has to offer and some canap茅s. Then it was time to get back aboard the train, to where a three course dinner prepared by chef Darin Paterson awaited.

Wine continued to be poured as the meal was served, and conversations with winemakers and fellow guests got louder and more enjoyable. When all was said and done, it was clear many had an amazing time.

Robert Campbell, one of the proprietors of the Dirty Laundry and one of the organizers of the event, got the same impression.

害羞草研究所淚 think the general consensus with people involved organizing it is we were pleased with what happened,害羞草研究所� Campbell said. 害羞草研究所淎nd the reaction of the vast majority of patrons that came was that they enjoyed themselves immensely.害羞草研究所�

There were two things that came of the ride.

There was close to $4,000 raised for the KVR, which is run as a non-profit, on top of its operation costs. And the wineries in Summerland got a bit more attention.

害羞草研究所淥rganizations like Bottleneck Drive should be there to support the KVR in every way we can,害羞草研究所� he said, noting that it害羞草研究所檚 an important part of Okanagan history and needs to be preserved.

害羞草研究所淲hat I found interesting was that some people said they害羞草研究所檝e never ridden a train before.害羞草研究所�

As for the wineries, Campbell said that the region has grown so much that it害羞草研究所檚 not even possible to see all that Summerland has to offer in that regard over the course of a weekend.

This was a crash course on the small town害羞草研究所檚 ever-growing wine industry.

Now that all is said and done, he said, more people know about the train and the wineries in the region.

The only question that remains is whether the Sommelier Express will run again.

害羞草研究所淭hat害羞草研究所檚 something the membership will decide soon,害羞草研究所� he said.

害羞草研究所淚 know we wouldn害羞草研究所檛 have any trouble selling the tickets.害羞草研究所�

And I know at least one person who will on board if it does.