L’Abattoir’s Andrew Forsyth Wins Best Sommelier of BC Competition

L’Abattoir’s Andrew Forsyth Wins the 2025 CAPS Best Sommelier of BC Competition

L’Abattoir is proud to announce that Head Sommelier Andrew Forsyth has won the title of Best Sommelier of BC at the annual competition hosted by the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS).

Each year, British Columbia’s top sommeliers gather to compete in this rigorous test of skill, knowledge, and composure under pressure. The competition begins with a gruelling theory exam, designed to challenge even the most seasoned professionals. The top three scorers advance to the live portion of the competition that takes place in front of an audience of industry peers and judges with a series of service challenges. Tasks this year included precise cocktail creation, table-side wine decanting, and a series of rapid-fire blind tastings—each requiring a flawless balance of technical expertise and hospitality finesse.

“I’m incredibly honoured to have won, but even more grateful to have competed alongside so many talented sommeliers, including my colleague Olivia Delisle. It was inspiring to share this experience with her and the wider sommelier community and I’m looking forward to celebrating this achievement with my team and our guests,” says Andrew Forsyth of the competition’s outcome.

Forsyth, who has competed in the past, demonstrated exceptional knowledge and poise throughout the event, ultimately securing first place in this prestigious competition. L’Abattoir’s commitment to outstanding wine service has also been recognized at the Platinum level at the Wine Program Excellence Awards since 2018 at the Vancouver International Wine Festival. These recognitions, paired with Forsyth’s achievement yesterday, further demonstrates L’Abattoir’s dedication to being a leader in British Columbia’s hospitality industry.

“We are incredibly proud of Andrew’s achievement,” said Lee Cooper, Owner and Chef at L’Abattoir. “His passion for wine has always been evident in his work, and this recognition only reinforces the exceptional talent he brings to our team and our guests every day.”

L’Abattoir congratulates Andrew Forsyth and all of this year’s competitors for their outstanding performances, which continue to elevate British Columbia’s wine culture and hospitality industry.

ABOUT L’ABATTOIR | Located in the heart of historic Gastown since 2010, L’Abattoir is situated in a refurbished 19th Century heritage brick and beam building that pays homage to its history as the site of Vancouver’s first jail in the city’s main meatpacking district. Today, the Michelin Recommended restaurant has staked its claim as one of Canada’s best restaurants with a diverse array of French-inspired West Coast cuisine focusing on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients along with an ever changing selection of classic and signature cocktails and a broad list of BC and imported wines.

Whether in its bar and lounge, elevated dining room or glass and steel accented atrium, L’Abattoir offers dinner six nights a week from 5:00pm on Tuesday to Sunday. L’Abattoir also offers a beautifully appointed Private Dining Room that is completely separate from the restaurant dining room and is available to book for lunch or dinner, seven days a week for corporate events, weddings or other celebrations or gatherings.

217 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2 | 604.568.1701 | labattoir.ca

Facebook: /labattoir | Instagram: @labattoir_van