WINNER OF 2020 BEST SOMMELIER OF CANADA COMPETITION ANNOUNCED!
The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) has announced the winner of their 2020 Best Sommelier of Canada competition; a multi-day event held at the Penticton Lake Resort in Penticton, British Columbia, October 18 to 19, 2021.
After witnessing impressive efforts from all competitors, the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) in partnership with Wine Growers British Columbia (WGBC) are thrilled to announce the winning Sommelier, Pier-Alexis Soulière of Québec, founder of P-A Soulière Sélection LTD wine consulting.
Top sommeliers from across the country had their knowledge of viticulture, wine regions, producers, spirits, and beer put to the test in a theoretical exam, followed by an intensive practical competition to showcase their skills as a sommelier in front of a panel of judges. Judges of the event included the Best Sommelier of Canada Technical Committee Lead DJ Kearney, and judges Véronique Rivest (Owner/Sommelier, SOIF Bar à Vin Sommelier, Runner-up ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2013), Michelle Bouffard (Sommelier, Founder Tasting Climate Change) and Bryant Mao (Sommelier, Vancouver).
“We are delighted with the results of this contest. The depth of the field and their overall caliber demonstrates why Canadian sommeliers are regarded as some of the best in the world. While there is only one winner of the event, we are proud of all those that competed, not only at the Canadian competition, but our five regional contests as well. To be able to host this in British Columbia wine country, thanks to our partners at Wine Growers BC, made the entire event that much more special. CAPS is proud to promote and partner with all our wine producing regions in Canada. This event is a celebration of our Canadian sommeliers and our Canadian wine industry.”
-Lesley Brown, President, Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers
“Wine Growers British Columbia is thrilled to partner with the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers to host the top Sommeliers from across the country – each of the competitors are an impressive exemplification of passionate wine professionals who are committed to the values of our vibrant industry. It is truly inspiring to see such passion displayed in a competitive atmosphere such as the Best Sommelier of Canada competition. With a hearty congratulations to the winner Pier-Alexis, each participant deserves a round of applause for their dedication and accomplishments.”
-Miles Prodan, President & CEO, Wine Growers British Columbia
Pier-Alexis will go on to represent Canada at the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) Best Sommelier of the World Pier-Alexis will go on to represent Canada at the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) Best Sommelier of the World contest, to be held in Paris, France, in 2023.
WINNER BEST SOMMELIER OF CANADA COMPETITION
PIER-ALEXIS SOULIÈRE, MS, QUÉBEC
“To the competitors: you have no idea how much I look up to you guys. And I say it from the bottom of my heart, I have so much respect for professionals in this industry… thank you for inspiring me.” – Pier-Alexis Soulière, MS
Wine BC BootCamp (Oct 20-23, 2021) directly followed the Best Sommelier of Canada competition. Hosted by Wine Growers British Columbia, the competitors and judges embarked on four days of vineyard visits and wine education in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley and Thompson Valley where they tasted and celebrated the Wines of British Columbia.
Look back on the adventure through #Bootcamp 21 on social media!
Media release and images provided by Kelly Josephson, Wine Growers of British Columbia.
