Calgary | October 26–27, 2026
Where Port knowledge meets professional excellence.
Five talented wine professionals. Two days of competition. One prestigious title.
On October 26 and 27, Master of Port Canada 2026 brings five accomplished wine professionals together at Hotel Arts in Calgary for the semi-final and final stages of a competition celebrating exceptional knowledge, technical precision and a passion for Port wine.
Organized by the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto (IVDP) in partnership with the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS Canada), the competition highlights the diversity, heritage and excellence of Port while recognizing the professionals who champion it across Canada.
Meet the Competitors
Following the qualifying stages in Canada and Portugal, five wine professionals have earned their places in the 2026 semi-final. Each brings a unique background, perspective and personal connection to Port.
Alexandra Allardyce | Manitoba
Sommelier & Member Dining Manager, Manitoba Club
Based in Winnipeg, Alexandra is an accomplished sommelier and wine educator who has represented Manitoba at national competitions.
For Alexandra, Master of Port Canada is a story of perseverance. After narrowly missing advancement in the 2022 edition, she returned to Portugal in 2025 and successfully qualified for this year's semi-final.
Her appreciation of Port began with childhood stories of her British grandmother and grew into a fascination with the wine's history and traditions.
“For me, this competition is about more than winning. It's about perseverance, growth...”
Alexandre Fortin | Québec
Advanced Sommelier, CMS | Senior Sommelier, Core by Clare Smyth, London
Originally from Québec City, Alexandre has built an impressive career in hospitality, from overseeing beverage programmes in Québec to his current position at the three-Michelin-starred Core by Clare Smyth in London.
A finalist in the 2022 Master of Port Canada competition, Alexandre returns with renewed determination and an appreciation for the remarkable versatility of Port.
His fascination began with an unforgettable pairing of Stilton cheese and a Quinta do Noval Tawny Colheita 2000.
“Port wine is not a one trick pony, it is much more versatile than what people think.”
Marc Smolinski | British Columbia
Certified Sommelier, CMS | Italian Wine Scholar
With nearly two decades of experience in hospitality, Marc has overseen beverage programmes at acclaimed restaurants, including Michelin-recognized establishments.
A former finalist in the Best Sommelier of British Columbia competition, he brings a broad appreciation of wine, spirits, craft beer and the culture of hospitality.
What captivates Marc most about Port is its extraordinary history, from the dramatic journeys of the traditional barcos rabelos to the centuries of human effort that shaped the Douro Valley.
“Port is underappreciated as a food pairing.”
Nathan Hooper
Advanced Sommelier, CMS | Beverage Manager, Grill 23 & Bar, Boston
Nathan began his wine career in Niagara before developing his experience in Toronto and, more recently, Boston.
A runner-up in the 2022 Master of Port Canada competition, Nathan returns with a strong belief in the importance of terroir and precision.
His personal connection with Port began during a visit to Quinta dos Murças, where an early morning walk among the Douro vineyards left a lasting impression.
For Nathan, the wines of the Douro represent an exceptional relationship between landscape, old vines and tradition.
“Port wine is… Terroir and tradition.”
Corinne Keddie | Alberta
Wine Educator, Writer & International Wine Judge | 365 Days of Wine
Based in Calgary, Corinne is a wine educator, writer, consultant and international wine judge with extensive experience leading masterclasses, tastings and wine-focused events.
A WSET Diploma holder and certified Italian Wine Expert, she has dedicated much of her career to sharing the stories, people and traditions behind the world's great wines.
For Corinne, Master of Port Canada represents an opportunity to deepen her knowledge and continue a lifelong journey of discovery.
She is particularly passionate about challenging the idea that Port should be reserved for special occasions.
“Life is the special occasion. Port just happens to make it a little better.”
Meet the Jury
The candidates will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of four wine professionals whose combined expertise spans Port and Douro wines, professional sommellerie, wine education and international competitions.
Paulo Russell-Pinto
Wine Educator & Member of the IVDP Tasting Panel
A specialist in Port and Douro wines, Paulo Russell-Pinto brings extensive technical knowledge and international educational experience to the jury.
Through his work with the IVDP, he regularly leads professional tastings, masterclasses and educational initiatives promoting the diversity and heritage of the region's wines.
He will also lead the guided Port masterclass on October 27.
Margaux Burgess
Co-President, CAPS Alberta | Certified Sommelier & WSET Diploma Holder
Based in Edmonton, Margaux is a wine educator, entrepreneur and founder of Swirl Wine Imports, an agency specializing in artisanal European wines.
With more than 20 years of wine-industry experience and strong relationships with Portuguese producers, she brings practical expertise in wine education, importing and trade development.
As a jury member and the designated CAPS Ambassador for the event, Margaux is also helping bring the Canadian sommelier community together in Calgary.
Domer Rafael
Former National President, CAPS Canada | Head Sommelier & Food and Beverage Manager, Manitoba Club
An experienced sommelier and hospitality professional, Domer has been actively involved in the development of Canadian sommellerie through his leadership within CAPS.
Named Best Sommelier of Manitoba in 2017, he brings extensive expertise in wine service, professional competitions and hospitality management to the judging panel.
Tom Firth
Wine Writer, Consultant & International Wine Competition Judge
Based in Calgary, Tom is a respected wine writer, educator and beverage competition judge.
He is Managing Editor of Culinaire Magazine, Competition Director of the Alberta Beverage Awards and a former President of CAPS Alberta.
With extensive judging experience in Canada and internationally, Tom brings a broad perspective on wine quality, evaluation and professional excellence.
Two Days Dedicated to Port Excellence
Monday, October 26 | Semi-Final
The five competitors will undertake practical assessments testing their professional knowledge, tasting and service skills. The day concludes with jury deliberations.
Tuesday, October 27 | Final
Following the announcement of the finalists, the remaining candidates will face the final competition assessments, culminating in the selection of Master of Port Canada 2026.
The programme concludes with a guided Port masterclass, a standing wine dinner and the official winner announcement.
October 27 | An Invitation for the Wine Trade
Wine professionals are invited to discover and celebrate the extraordinary diversity of Port through two special experiences at Hotel Arts, Calgary.
4:45 PM | Guided Port Wine Masterclass
Led by Paulo Russell-Pinto, the masterclass offers an opportunity to deepen professional understanding of Port through guided tasting and expert insights.
6:00 PM | Standing Wine Dinner & Winner Announcement
An evening dedicated to Port wine, professional exchange and the celebration of Canada's next Master of Port.
Attendance is limited and subject to confirmation.
Our Partners
Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto (IVDP) • Port & Douro Wines • Wines of Portugal
CAPS Canada | OPAL
Practical Information
Location: Hotel Arts, 119 12 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta
Competition: October 26–27, 2026
Masterclass and Dinner: Tuesday, October 27, beginning at 4:45 PM
For information regarding participation in the trade programme, please contact CAPS Canada.
Master of Port Canada 2026 is organized by the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto (IVDP) in partnership with CAPS Canada, with event coordination by OPAL.