The Best Sommelier of Canada Contest and SOMM U November 13-15, 2023, Halifax, Nova Scotia

About the Event

The Best Sommelier of Canada Contest is a prestigious event that brings together the top sommeliers from across Canada to compete for the title of Best Sommelier of Canada. The contest is held every three years and is organized by the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS).

This year’s event will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from November 13-15, 2023.

In addition to the competition, the event will also feature SOMM U, a three-day educational program that will offer sommeliers from across Canada the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the industry.

What to Expect

The Best Sommelier of Canada Contest is a rigorous competition that will test the contestants’ knowledge of wine, food, and service. The contestants will undergo a series of challenges, including blind tasting sessions, wine service examinations, and food and wine pairing competitions.

The winner of the contest will be crowned the Best Sommelier of Canada and will represent Canada at the ASI Best Sommelier of the Americas 2025 contest and ASI Best Sommelier of the World contest in 2026.

SOMM U

SOMM U is a new initiative by CAPS that seeks to provide Canadian sommeliers with diverse educational experiences. The program will offer a variety of masterclasses, seminars, and tastings on a wide range of topics, including:

• A Master of Wine led blind tasting session
• Regional investigations of Spain’s Rioja DOCa

Meeting of the Wine Minds

Several leading sommeliers will act as both judges and seminar providers at the event. The Technical Committee will be led by Veronique Rivest, a well-known wine personality, writer and founder of Tasting Climate Change. Other visitors and speakers include Clare Tooley, Master of Wine, William Wouters, President of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, Michael Tremblay Sake Samurai, Adrian Caravello, Magdalena Kaiser, James Peden and many others.

A Gourmet Gathering in Halifax

Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is a vibrant city that blends the charm of a historic maritime port with a contemporary, cosmopolitan feel. Renowned for its warm hospitality and thriving culinary scene, Halifax is the perfect host for the Best Sommelier of Canada Contest and SOMM U. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the city offers breathtaking views and a distinct maritime atmosphere that will enchant contestants and visitors alike.

A Cultural and Culinary Experience

The contest in Halifax promises to be an extraordinary experience for both sommeliers and spectators. Besides the intense competition, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage, wine country and immerse themselves in Atlantic Canada’s renowned gastronomy. Featured events during the week include a New Zealand Wine reception, Taste of France dinner which matches local foods with French wines and a highly anticipated gala dinner event, where the Best Sommelier of Canada will be announced. At the gala, prestigious wines from near and far will be served with a welcome reception featuring VQA Wines of Ontario.

Join Us at the Best Sommelier of Canada Contest and SOMM U

As wine enthusiasts and industry professionals gear up for this much-anticipated event, CAPS invites sommeliers, wine press, and wine lovers from across Canada and beyond to witness the excitement of the Best Sommelier of Canada Contest and SOMM U in Halifax. This is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of wine and other beverages, learning from the best in the field, and discover the remarkable talents that define the Canadian sommelier community.

For media inquiries, press registration, and event details, please visit the official contest website at www.sommu.ca.

Follow the contest updates on social media using the hashtag #BestSommCanada2023 #SOMMU

About CAPS

The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the sommelier profession in Canada. It provides education, training, and certification programs for sommeliers and aims to elevate the level of Sommellerie across the country.

Press Room

Watch the final (Nov 15, 2:30 EST)

Best Sommelier of Canada Contest & SOMM U