KELOWNA’S GRANT BRONCONNIER IS CANADA’S TOP YOUNG SOMMELIER
Grant’s next stop is the International Young Sommelier Competition
in Geneva Switzerland this September!
Four candidates selected in regional competitions from across Canada – Gabriella Desbiens-Richard (Montreal); Junxing (James) Li (Toronto); Paige Jasper (Winnipeg) and Grant Bronconnier (Kelowna) – recently competed in Calgary at the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Canadian National Young Sommelier Competition, testing their wine theory, knowledge of spirits and other alcoholic beverages, practical service, and tasting abilities. At the end of an intense two days, Kelowna resident Grant Bronconnier stood out above the rest taking top honours. As the Canadian National winner, Grant received the 1st place medal, the Roger Baekeland Memorial Award trophy and a $1000.00 Cash Prize, His victory also qualified him for an all-expenses paid journey to Geneva Switzerland to vie for the title of Top Young Sommelier at the prestigious International Chaine des Rôtisseurs Young Sommelier Competition. While in Geneva, Grant and the other national winners from around the world will take time out from the competition to tour classic wineries and take in the distinct culture.
Junxing (James) Li of Toronto took the 2nd place medal and a $500.00 Cash Prize while 3rd Place and a
$250.00 Cash Prize went to Gabriella Desbiens-Richard of Montreal.
Grant has completed his WSET Diploma in Wine and credits some of his success to mentor Bram Bolwijn,
Experience Manager at Iconic Wines of BC. Grant graduated in 2019 from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology with double diplomas in business and culinary arts. It was during his time there that he discovered his passion for wine. Within just six months, Grant achieved WSET levels 1, 2, and 3, along with his Red Seal Chef certification. Most recently, he earned his WSET Diploma and will soon attend his graduation in London, England. Following his education, Grant moved to the heart of the Okanagan Valley to begin working hospitality in the wine industry. His past three years have been spent at Tantalus Vineyards, where he has immersed himself in all things winemaking and viticulture.
About the Competition
One of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs’ principles is to promote the enjoyment, knowledge and understanding of fine wines and crafted beverages for the professional and amateur enthusiast. A clear goal is to provide help, encouragement and support for the young professionals who will be the best sommeliers of the future. The International Young Sommeliers Competition promotes the expertise of the young wine and spirit professional encouraging mastery of wine and spirit knowledge. It also offers the young sommelier an opportunity to present their skills and “savoir faire”; under highly competitive, intense testing conditions.
About La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
With nearly 21,000 members, the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an International Association of Gastronomy now established in over 75 countries bringing together enthusiasts who share the same values of quality, fine dining, the encouragement of the culinary arts and the pleasures of the table. The distinctive character of our association is to bring together amateurs and professionals, from all over the world, whether they are hoteliers, restaurateurs, executive chefs or sommeliers, in the appreciation of fine cuisine.
For more information on the society in Canada and internationally, please visit the website at canada.chainedesrotisseurs.com.
