We would like to congratulate Pier-Alexis Soulière, winner of the Best Sommelier of Canada 2020 Competition, organized by the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) Canada.

CAPS Canada stages this prestigious competition every three years as part of its mandate to promote the profession through organization and participating in provincial, national and international sommelier competitions. Not only does this competition award the title of Best Sommelier of Canada, it also determines who will represent CAPS at the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) Best Sommelier of the World contest, to be held next in Paris, France, in 2023.

ASI international competitions include contenders from 58 member associations, who are rigorously evaluated on both their theoretical knowledge and practical skills. In selecting representatives to compete in international competitions, CAPS adheres to the ASI competition guidelines, including the requirement that candidates compete in two languages.  All CAPS Canada competition contenders sign an agreement to abide by the ASI guidelines prior to participating in the competition. This practice is intended to ensure fairness for all participants and to respect the efforts of our members, associates and partners.

Regarding this year’s Best Sommelier of Canada competition, one of the three finalists refused to compete in their second language, in disagreement with the ASI Guidelines. The CAPS Canada board has chosen finalist Matthew Landry from BC and the fourth place finalist Hugo Duschene from Quebec to compete at the Best Sommelier of the Americas to be held in February, 2022. The third place finalist retains their placement and prizes.

We would like to thank Wine Growers BC and the rest of our sponsors for making the competition a
success. In service to our membership, a huge amount of expense and volunteer work goes into the organization of this event every three years.  The competition portion alone requires more than 500 volunteer hours. Thank-you to everyone involved for their time, skills and hard work.

CAPS is a national, independent, non-profit organization for sommeliers, wine service professionals, hospitality workers and wine enthusiasts alike.

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For further information please contact:

Domer Rafael, CAPS Canada President, CAPSCanadaPres@gmail.com

Caroline Leblanc, CAPS Canada VP, President ACSP/CAPS Quebec, president@acsp.quebec

Mark Taylor, CAPS British Columbia President, info@bc.sommelierscanada.ca

Sean Dolenuck, CAPS Manitoba President, ManitobaCAPS@gmail.com

Lynn Abernethy, CAPS Canada Secretary, CAPS Ontario President, president.on@sommelierscanada.ca

Paul Doucette, CAPS Atlantic President, president@atlantic.sommelierscanada.ca

En Français: Caroline LeBlanc, CAPS Canada VP, President ACSP/CAPS Quebec, president@acsp.quebec

According to competition organizer Mark DeWolf, National President of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS), “It was another stellar performance by local vintners. Year in and year out, the bar continues to be raised. At the top end our best wines are reaching quality levels on par with the best in the country, and in the case of Traditional Method sparkling wines, they equal of some of the world’s best.”

The annual awards hosted by CAPS Atlantic brings together several of the region’s top sommeliers and other wine experts to judge the wines in a blind format. Judges are given only basic information, including the varietal (grape) used to make the wines, the vintage and in the case of Tidal Bay, the parameters of the style.

According to DeWolf, “Traditional Method sparkling wines continue to prove to be the province’s best wines, but Riesling and Tidal Bay were also top candidates. Red wines, while not receiving the top scores, were strong, with the quality of production this year very high. I was glad to see a red wine from New Brunswick achieve a top score, as it proves quality wine production is possible throughout the Maritimes. We also can’t forget fruit wines. We had some very solid results from the likes of Magnetic Hill in New Brunswick and Lunenburg County Winery on Nova Scotia’s South Shore.”

Instead of awarding multiple awards in each category, the Atlantic Canadian Wine Awards only recognizes the top wine in each, making the award of Best of Class a truly prestigious title. The Annapolis Valley’s Lightfoot & Wolfville, which practices organic and biodynamic viticulture, took home the title of Winery of the Year for the third consecutive year. Joining them on the top of the podium for title of Wine of the Year was Blomidon Estate Winery. A unanimous decision by the judging panel bestowed the competition’s top award of Wine of the Year and Best of Class Traditional Method Sparkling Wine to both the 2014 Lightfoot & Wolfville Blanc de Blanc Brut and the 2011 Blomidon Estate Brut Reserve. Both wines are crafted from 100 per cent Chardonnay, made using the Traditional Method, and aged on their lees for years. DeWolf describes Nova Scotia Traditional Method sparkling wines “as having an enviable ability to deliver vibrant fruit flavours, back-end richness and a certain nerve and verve that is almost unparalleled in the sparkling wine world. Year in and year out these wines show themselves as our province’s best.”

Top Awards:

Winery of the Year – Lightfoot & Wolfville

Wine of the Year (tie) - 2014 Lightfoot & Wolfville Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut (tie)

Wine of the Year (tie) – 2011 Blomidon Estate Brut Reserve

Tidal Bay of the Year (tie) – 2018 Domaine de Grand Pré Tidal Bay

Tidal Bay of the Year (tie) -2018 Lightfoot & Wolfville Tidal Bay (tie)

White Wine of the Year – 2018 Domaine de Grand Pré Riesling

Red Wine of the Year – 2016 Lightfoot & Wolfville Ancienne Pinot Noir

Dessert Wine of the Year – 2016 Lightfoot & Wolfville Terroir Series Vidal Icewine

Other Awards:

Best of Class Traditional Method Sparkling Wine (tie) – 2014 Lightfoot & Wolfville Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut

Best of Class Traditional Method Sparkling Wine (tie) – 2011 Blomidon Estate Brut Reserve (tie)

Best of Class Non-Traditional Sparkling Wine – 2017 Luckett Vineyards Phone Box Fizz

Best of Class Tidal Bay – 2018 Domaine de Grand Pré Tidal Bay (tie)
Best of Class Tidal Bay – 2018 Lightfoot & Wolfville Tidal Bay (tie)

Best of Class White Single Hybrid – 2018 Gaspereau Vineyards Muscat

Best of Class White Single Vinifera – 2018 Domaine de Grand Pré Riesling

Best of Class White Blend – 2017 Gaspereau Vineyards White Rock

Best of Class Red Blend – NV Luckett Vineyards Old Bill

Best of Class Single Hybrid – 2017 Magnetic Hill Mascaret

Best of Class Red Single Vinifera – 2016 Lightfoot & Wolfville Ancienne Pinot Noir

Best of Class Rose – 2018 Mercator Vineyards Compass Rosé

Best of Class Dessert Wine – 2016 Lightfoot & Wolfville Terroir Series Vidal Icewine

Best of Class Fruit Wine (blue fruit) – NV Magnetic Hill Bay of Fundy Blue

Best of Class Fruit Wine (red fruit) – NV Magnetic Hill Mystique

Best of Class Fruit Wine (overall) - NV Magnetic Hill Bay of Fundy Blue

Best of Class Natural & Orange Wines – 2017 Lightfoot & Wolfville Small Lots Skin Ferment Vidal

The ‘Master of Port’ is a prestigious title awarded to professional sommeliers who are presently working in the hospitality industry and who have displayed expert knowledge in the area of Port associated with wine production, Douro Demarcated Region, history, brands, years and harvests, pairings and moments of consumption and service. The ‘Master of Port’ holder becomes an ambassador of the ‘Port’ brand and thus, is recognized by the industry as a specialist and a representative of the excellence that makes Port one of the best wines in the world.   The title ‘Master of Port’ is awarded to an individual who ranks first in a competition that is made up of theoretical and practical tests before a jury of recognized and respected individuals, and by the Port sector in Portugal.

The Intituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto, I.P. (IVDP,I.P.)’s decision to offer a competition in Canada demonstrates two ‘firsts’. It is the first time it will be offered in Canada, and the first time it will be offered in a country outside of France.   To-date, Le SYNDICAT des GRANDES MARQUES de PORTO (S.G.M.P.) et L’UNION de la SOMMELLERIE FRANÇAISE (U.D.S.F.) in France have been the only group to work with the IVDP, I.P. to offer the ‘Master of Port’ competition, with professionals from France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg able to compete. The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers / L’Association Canadienne des Sommeliers Professionels (CAPS/ACSP) is honoured to have been invited to work with the IVDP, I.P. in delivering a national competition here in Canada, in offering professional development opportunities to its members, and in the promotion of both Port wines and sommellerie across Canada.

After a preliminary on-line competition, 10 CAPS sommeliers won the right to compete in a quarter-final round held in Porto, Portugal. After days of intensive learning and competitions, 5 competitors have moved on to the semi-final and final rounds. The semi-final and final will be held in Toronto, in 2019. The initiative represents a important step forward for CAPS.

Congratulations to the 5 dedicated individuals representing Canada at this prestigious event.
Christina Hartigan (CAPS – British Columbia Chapter)
Leagh Barkley (CAPS – British Columbia Chapter)
Andrea Eby (CAPS – Manitoba)
Jose Luis Fernandez (CAPS – Ontario)
Gabrielle Plastre (CAPS /L’ACSP – Quebec)

Details of the 2019 competition will be available soon.

This past weekend a selection of the region’s best sommeliers put their palates and noses to the test in an effort to determine the best wines of Atlantic Canada. The annual competition is hosted by the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers and managed by With Zest, a local event and tour business operated by The Chronicle Herald’s own Mark DeWolf, who also happens to be the national president of The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers.

The competition has been previously been held in Halifax, but this year the decision was made to move the competition to Wolfville, in the heart of Annapolis Valley wine country. According to competition organizer Mark DeWolf, national president of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS), “our decision to move the annual competition from Halifax to wine country reflects our desire to remind ourselves that great wines are reflections of their place. Judging the wines, surrounded by vines and nearby views of the Minas Basin, part of the Bay of Fundy — the ecological key of Nova Scotia’s terroir — made this connection of the wines to their place more palpable.”

Instead of awarding multiple awards in each category, the Atlantic Wine Awards only recognizes the top wine in each, making the award of Best of Class a truly prestigious title.

Of the overall quality of the wines, DeWolf says, “Every year we see the bar raised higher. This year was no exception. This is a testimony to the efforts of our local wineries to push themselves to be better. At the top end, particularly in categories such as Traditional Method Sparkling Wines, Dessert Wines and White Vitis Vinifera, we were thrilled to taste wines that deserve national, even international, praise. The quality of our very best wines in categories such as Traditional Method Sparkling Wine is on par with the best in the country.”

The Annapolis Valley’s Lightfoot & Wolfville, which practices organic and biodynamic viticulture, took a number of the top awards including, Winery of the Year, Wine of the Year and Best of Class Sparkling Wine for their 2013 Lightfoot & Wolfville Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut. The ambitious 100 per cent Chardonnay, made using the traditional method, was aged on its lees for three years. DeWolf describes it as “boasting an enviable balance of autolytic richness and snappy, flavour enlivening-acidity that defines the Nova Scotia TM style.”

Of the recognition

Winery of the Year — Lightfoot & Wolfville

Wine of the Year — 2013 Lightfoot & Wolfville Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut Late Disgorged

Best of Class White Wine — 2015 Lightfoot & Wolfville L’Ancienne Chardonnay

Best of Class Tidal Bay — 2017 Domaine de Grand Pré Tidal Bay
Best of Class Red Wine — 2017 Lightfoot & Wolfville Kekfrankos
Best of Class Sparkling Wine — 2013 Lightfoot & Wolfville Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut Late Disgorged

Other Awards:

Best of Class Non-Traditional Sparkling — 2016 Planters Ridge Elevation
Best of Class White Single Varietal, Vitis Vinifera — 2015 Lightfoot & Wolfville L’Ancienne Chardonnay
Best of Class White Single Varietal, Hybrid — 2017 Avondale Sky Muscat
Best of Class White Blend — 2017 Planters Ridge Quintessence White
Best of Class Rosé — 2017 Lightfoot & Wolfville Rosé
Best of Class Red Single Varietal, Vitis Vinifera — 2017 Lightfoot & Wolfville Kekfrankos
Best of Class Red Single Varietal, Hybrid — 2015 Domaine de Grand Pre Vintner’s Reserve Leon Millot
Best of Class Fruit Wine — NV Lunenburg County Winery Birchtown Blackcurrant
Best of Class Dessert Wine — NV Avondale Sky Martock Late Harvest Vidal

Twenty competitors from across the Americas came to Canada in search of the prestigious title of the Best of the Americas. It was a tension filled week, as the competitors partook in theory and practical examinations that challenged both their knowledge and ability to perform calmly under relentless pressure. The top twenty were narrowed to a final eight, announced at a superlative Wines of Ontario dinner featuring a broad range of that province’s best served alongside the robust cuisine of Au Pied du Cochon Cabane au Sucre. Both Canadian competitors, Pier-Alexis Soulière and 2017 Best Sommelier of Canada winner Carl Villeneuve-LePage, cracked the top 8. Heading to the next stage with Soulière and Villeneuve-LePage were two competitors from Argentina, and one competitor each from Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru.

The semi-final round was similarly full of excitement and tension. Judges commented on the remarkable level of the competitors, noting in particular the rise in quality amongst the South American contingent. Heading towards the final, there was no clear indication that Canada would have a competitor competing in the finals.

As the gala day unfolded anticipation of the final eight became nearly unbearable as an unforeseen delay of the ASI delegation led to the final contest starting an hour after its scheduled time. Finally, ASI President Andres Rosberg came to the podium at the front of the stage at the Marie-Gérin-Lajoie Theatre at UQAM to announce the finalists. Rosberg eliminated competitor by competitor. Finally, it was down to four. And when Rosberg announced the Mexican candidate, the crowd roared in realization that the final 3 competitors included both Canadians, along with Argentina’s top sommelier, Martin Bruno.

Best Sommelier of the World 2007, Andreas Larsson, presided over the finals which tasked the competitors to complete a number of tasks including: Champagne service, creation of an Old Fashioned cocktail, service of a magnum of Sancerre, a wine list correction, a blind tasting of spirits and various blind wine tasting exercises. After more than 3-hours of competition, there was no clear winner.

Finally Roseberg emerged from behind the curtains to announce the winner. Carl-Villeneuve LePage was announced as second runner-up, leaving only Pier-Alexis Soulière and Martin Bruno.

And the winner is Pier-Alexis Soulière ….

Pier-Alexis will represent the Americas at the 2019 ASI Contest of the Best Sommelier of the World in Belgium.

The complete list of sommeliers that competed at the ASI & APAS Contest of the Best Sommelier of the Americas are:

Mr. Martin Bruno (Argentina)
Ms. Valeria Gamper (Argentina)
Mr. Diego Arrebola (Brazil)
Mr. Paulo Limarque (Brazil)
Mr. Carl Villeneuve Lepage (Canada)
Mr. Pier-Alexis Soulière (Canada)
Mr. Gonzalo Troncoso (Chile)
Ms. Misato Inaoka (Chile)
Mr. Andres Villegas Green (Columbia)
Mr. Juan David Quintero (Colombia)
Mr. Dario Rosario Mejía (Dominican Republic)
Mr. Federico Díaz Macias (Dominican Republic)
Mr. Luis Antonio Morones López (Mexico)
Mr. Steve Ayón Espitia (Mexico)
Mr. Simon Zalimben (Paraguay)
Mr. Christian Mezger (Paraguay)
Mr. Gerardo Joseph Ruiz Acosta (Peru)
Mr. Diego Vásquez Luque (Peru)
Mr. Federico De Moura (Uruguay)
Mr. Pablo Rodriguez (Uruguay)

CAPS: Can we credit the new ownership for all the changes at Fontanafredda?

Roberto: Certainly when Oscar Farinetti and Luca Baffigo Filangieri, two entrepreneurs from Alba, acquired the business it helped a lot. They are Piedmontese and very well known for promoting the character of Piedmont. But credit should also be given to winemaker Danilo Drocco who started with the company in 1999. Danilo was a young winemaker then, who had previously worked at Prunotto (Antinori).  Danilo had the knowledge of how to produce great wines even if not producing it at a small winery, like the majority of Barolo producers. He showed us you can make wine in an artisanal way even if you are big.

 At this time, we also began working in the vineyards. In 1999 we started the conversion of our vineyards to sustainability. During the last decade under the ownership of the bank, they introduced new management with experience operating wineries. This gave us the possibility to change some of our processes.

In 2011 we created Vino Libero, a certification that recognizes us wineries for not using chemical fertilizers and herbicides and also reduces the quantity of sulfite additions. Step by step we’re moving towards organic certification, which we will be from the 2018 vintage onward. Not only is this a commitment to our own estate, we are working actively with our growers. Barolo, and Piedmont in general, is very fragmented, and made up of many small growers. As the largest private buyer of grapes – we work with 500 farmers – it is our social responsibility to support them to work in a more sustainable way.  Our goals with sustainability and organic viticulture is not simply for our own vineyards but a project for the entire region.
This comes with great investment. We provide our growers monthly support from our agronomist but also support them financially in this transition.
 
CAPS: In the context of Barolo Fontanafredda is certainly known for its value pricing. How can you maintain this in the face of rising grape costs?

Roberto: It is challenging, especially in a market like Canada where you don’t have the opportunity to manage price issues in a flexible way. Consider the price of Nebbiolo grapes have increased by 60 per cent in the last 4 years, which means when we release our 2014 Barolos it will mark the first vintage since the dramatic increase in cost. Also, in order to support our farmers’ transition to sustainable agriculture we are paying them 25 per cent more to reward their investment and give them incentive to change. This does impact margins.  That said, we need to think of the general success of our wine in the medium to long term. We can’t be too reactionary with respect to price changes in the short term even if we will definitely have to reposition our Barolo to a more profitable level.

It’s also our responsibility to get new drinkers to try Barolo. Hence we also developed a worldwide campaign called “Fontanafredda Barolo Week.” We wanted to create a format, in order to expand the audience of Barolo to a newer generation. We needed to this because the traditional Barolo consumer is getting older, particularly in North America. We want to give this classic wine style meaning to younger audience. To do this we had recognize these new consumers can’t afford to buy a bottle of Barolo at restaurant. We’ve made it a priority to work the restaurateurs to make it more affordable to offer Barolo by the glass. We need to give the young consumer a chance to try it. 

CAPS: Are there other ways to increase profitability?

Roberto: What we have done is expand a little bit of our operations outside of the Langhe, working in other territories like Monferrato and Asti. The focus here in the Langhe and Alba region is not on the mainstream, but on the premium and ultra-premium price points.

It’s important to give other regions like these within Piedmont their own style and profile. A great example is the Alta (meaning higher) Langa. This region has become very interesting for white wine and metodo classico sparkling wine production. Alta Langa in terms of soil and climate is the perfect place for sparkling wines and mineral driven white wines made using both indigenous and international varieties such as Riesling.
 
The sparkling wines are a perfect complement to Barolo. The wines are made mostly from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and due to the Alta Langa DOCG appellation regulations which require aging on the lees for a minimum of 30 months produces wines with a strong sense of identity and authenticity and shared ethos with Barolo. It’s encouraging to see a lot of small Barolo producers now wanting to produce this style. To strengthen this philosophical connection between these wines and Barolo, for our Fontanafredda Contessa Rosa we added a little of our 1967 Barolo as the liqueur d’expedition.

CAPS: This all sounds enlightening. What other positive steps have been made to Barolo recently?
 
Roberto: An important step forward has been the recognition of the official crus under the MGA (Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive) banner.  MGA is a concept we should communicate. This is why we decided to release a wine under the MGA Fontanafredda. Fontanafredda is not only a brand and a winery but also it is an important sub-region of Serralunga; and has such it has been recognized as an official cru of Barolo. In fact, because we own the entire area it could be recognized as a monopole but we can’t say that in Italy. This concept of recognizing unique terroir in Barolo has been a great evolution in Barolo. We are proud to be the first appellation in Italy to do this.

CAPS: Can we say the conflicts within Barolo are over now that we have this ‘third wave’?

Roberto: I think we can say thankfully say this part of our history has a happy ending.

He graduated from Brock University in biochemistry and applied that knowledge to producing premium wines in the Niagara Peninsula. He embraced our severe winters and viewed them as an opportunity to produce Canadian Icewine. His commitment to the time honoured tradition of winemaking drove him to produce many award-winning wines throughout his career. But, it was the 1991 Grand Prix d’Honneur award from VinExpo, Bordeaux for his 1989 Inniskillin Vidal Icewine that became a pivotal moment in his career and in Canada’s wine history.

“Karl was truly a pioneer,” says Arterra Wines Canada president and CEO, Jay Wright. “Karl’s passion for winemaking was integral to the fabric of Inniskillin’s rich 40 plus year history, and he helped shape the Canadian wine industry as we know it today. It is because of Karl’s considerable contributions that Canada is recognized worldwide for our award-winning wines.”

“Karl’s vision to produce superior Canadian wine cannot be overstated,” says Inniskillin Niagara’s current winemaker Bruce Nicholson. “He travelled extensively to expand his knowledge and brought both old world and new world winemaking technologies and their varied applications to Canada. His long list of prestigious awards and accolades for both table wines and Icewine is a testament to his talent and dedication. Whether it was from international competitors, wine media, the wine community at large or his loyal consumers, Karl was truly respected by all.”

The runner-up sommeliers are Pier Alexis Souliere, Manresa Restaurant, Los Gatos California (from Quebec); and Steven Robinson, sommelier, Atelier Restaurant, Ottawa, Ontario.

The national competition, presented by the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) was hosted for the first time ever by the CAPS BC Chapter in Vancouver at Rogers Arena on September 5, 2017.

The three finalists were short listed after competing against six of their peers September 4 with a written exam and blind tasting; and then the following day, each was challenged with a practical examination that had them making cocktails, decanting and serving wine, and performing a live blind tasting, all as error-free as possible.

It was a high pressure, stress-inducing situation for each of the three finalists, as a capacity crowd of 150 trade and public attended to watch. Additionally, the event was live streamed, and several viewing parties took place in cities across the country.

The winning title was announced later on the evening of September 5 at Victoria Chinese Restaurant, where 150 members of the wine and food community in Vancouver attended to show their support for the profession.

Villeneuve will represent Canada at the Best Sommelier of the America’s to be held in Montreal, 2018, and has the right to compete for the chance to go to the Best Sommelier of the World competition in Belgium, 2019.

In addition to the title, Villeneuve-Lepage takes home close to $40,000 in prizes, including trips, gifts and a $10,000 cash prize.

The winners & prizes:

1st PLACE/ The Best Sommelier of Canada:
Carl Lepage-Villeneuve, Restaurant Toque!, Montreal, Quebec

Villeneuve takes home the title, as well as an armload of prizes:
• The Grand Prize, presented by E&J Gallo, includes a flight to California and visits to E&J Gallo’s finest estates
• $10,000 cash and $5,000 in wine, furnished by SAQ
• Trip to Attend To Kalon Certification at the Robert Mondavi Winery, Napa Valley, scenic hot air balloon ride over the Napa Valley, hands on vineyard education sessions, guided cycling tour through To Kalon Vineyard, and five-star accommodations.
• Trip to China for One Belt One Road International Sommelier Summit and Challenge
• Trip to the Okanagan Valley and the estates of Mission Hill, presented by Mission Hill
• Trip to Toronto for lunch with Michel Rolland, presented by ARAEX
• Personalized Vancouver Canucks jersey presented by Rogers Arena
• Five Hundred Dollars presented by Exquis
• Single Malt Glass, presented by Nova Scotian Crystal
• Inniskillin Icewine Glasses by Riedel, presented by Inniskllin, and an accompanying selection of Inniskillin’s Award-Winning Icewine

2nd PLACE:
Pier Alexis Souliere, Manresa Restaurant, CA
• Trip to Argentina Wine Country, presented by Wines of Argentina
• Trip to the Okanagan Valley and the estates of Mission Hill, presented by Mission Hill
• Five Hundred Dollars, presented by Exquis
• Personalized Vancouver Canucks jersey presented by Rogers Arena
• Single Malt Glass, presented by Nova Scotian Crystal
• Inniskillin Icewine Glasses by Riedel, presented by Inniskillin, and an accompanying selection of Inniskillin’s Award-Winning Icewine

3rd PLACE:
Steven Robinson, sommelier, Atelier Restaurant, Ottawa, Ontario
• Trip to Best Sommeliers of America’s Competition Montreal, May 2018, presented by CAPS
• Trip to the Okanagan Valley and the estates of Mission Hill, presented by Mission Hill
• Five Hundred Dollars, presented by Exquis
• Personalized Vancouver Canucks jersey presented by Rogers Arena
• Single Malt Glass, presented by Nova Scotian Crystal
• Inniskillin Icewine Glasses by Riedel, presented by Inniskllin, and an accompanying selection of Inniskillin’s Award-Winning Icewine

Wine Taster of the Day
Steven Robinson, Atelier Restaurant, Ottawa, Ontario
Wins $1,000 USD Delta Air Lines Voucher Courtesy of the Vancouver International Wine Festival

Highest Theory Score
Pier Alexis Souliere, Manresa Restaurant, CA
Wins $1,000 USD Delta Air Lines Voucher Courtesy of the Vancouver International Wine Festival

Spirit Taster of the Day
Pier Alexis Souliere, Manresa Restaurant, CA
Wins Nova Scotian Crystal Decanter and Single Malt Glasses & The Macallan Rare Cask

Best Sake and Food Pairing
TIE:
Emily Pearce Bibona, The York Club
Steven Robinson, Atelier Restaurant, Ottawa, Ontario.
Each win a magnum of Dom Perignon Rose Champagne

The Judges
Pascaline Lepeltier, Master Sommelier, New York
Véronique Rivest (2nd place at the World’s Best Sommelier competition, in 2013), Quebec
John Szabo, Master Sommelier, Ontario

All Competitors
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Shane Taylor, Wine director, Cin Cin Ristorante + Bar
Alistair Veen, Chef & owner, Tap Restaurant
Jason Yamasaki, Group sommelier, Joey Wine Group

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
Lesley Quinn, Sommelier, Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar

Photos are available on request. Please credit Scott Little.