For the first time ever, oenophiles, vintners, other wine industry, and friends from all across Canada will descend upon Vancouver to find out who is Best Sommelier of Canada.
Presented by the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers the day long competition takes place at Rogers Arena starting at 9am on September 5, 2017. The live competition is open to industry and public, and finds the top three sommeliers from across the country testing their skills against each other to who will be uncorked as #BestSommCanada. Preliminary, closed-door competitions the day prior will select the top three from the regional winners;
British Columbia
Shane Taylor, wine director, Cin Cin Ristorante + Bar
Alistair Veen, chef & owner, Tap Restaurant
Jason Yamasaki, group sommelier, Joey Wine Group
The Prairies
Domar Rafael, food & beverage manager, The Manitoba Club
Ontario
Emily Pearce Bibona, sommelier, The York Club
Steven Robinson, sommelier, Atelier Restaurant
Quebec
Carl LePage Villeneuve, sommelier, Restaurant Toque
Pier Alexis Souliere, sommelier, Manresa Restaurant
Atlantic Canada
Lesley Quinn, sommelier, Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar
Lunch for all guests will follow the Live Competition then the day continues with educational and interesting sponsor seminars from Nova Scotia’s Benjamin Bridge and Wines of Ontario
Dinner, at Victoria Chinese Restaurant will be preceded by a cocktail reception sponsored by Lifford Wines and Spirits and presented by the Canadian Professional Bartenders Association. The Best Sommelier of Canada winner will be announced later in the evening. The Grand Prize will be presented to the winner by Gallo along with other prizes, including: trips to Argentina, flights around the world presented by the Vancouver International Wine Festival, a special trip arranged by Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, premium wines, spirits, fine Crystal from Nova Scotian Crystal, and more.
Winner of Best Sommelier of Canada earns the right to compete in Best Sommelier of The Americas in hopes of competing at Best Sommelier of the World.
Tickets and a full schedule are bc.sommelierscanada.ca/events