CAPS ANNOUNCES BEST SOMMELIER OF CANADA 2023 and Launches SOMM U (University)
Presented by Vins du Val de Loire
Nova Scotia Welcomes Canada’s Best Sommeliers
CAPS Atlantic is proud host the prestigious Best Sommelier of Canada Contest presented by Loire Valley Wines November 13th to 15th, 2023 in Halifax Nova Scotia!
The Best Sommelier of Canada Contest is a highly anticipated tri-annual event that draws the top sommeliers from all corners of the country. The contest will be a showcase of the extraordinary skills and expertise of sommeliers who dedicate their lives to learning about, and serving, various beverages. To make the final competition, contestants must be a current or past champion of one of CAPS’ six regional chapter contests.
Introducing SOMM U: educating Canadian sommeliers
SOMM U is a new initiative by CAPS, which seeks to provide Canadian sommeliers with diverse educational experiences ranging from Master Classes on regions such as the Loire Valley, introduction to other beverages including sake, a Master of Wine led blind tasting session and more. Event organizer, and former CAPS National President, Mark DeWolf, says “the contest and university aims to promote the culture of Sommellerie whilst also recognizing the skills of the top sommeliers in the country. The competitors will undergo a rigorous series of challenges that will put their knowledge, tasting abilities, and service skills to the test. From blind tasting sessions to theoretical examinations, contestants will demonstrate their mastery of the world of beverages and the delicate art of food and drink pairing.”
Meeting of the Wine Minds
Several leading sommeliers will act as both judges and seminar providers at the event, with Quebec’s Veronique Rivest acting as lead judge, alongside well-known wine personality, writer and founder of Tasting Climate Change, Michelle Bouffard and Jennifer Huether, one of only five Canadians to hold the title of Master Sommelier. Other visitors include Clare Tooley, Master of Wine, William Wouters, President of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, Michael Tremblay Sake Samurai 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 including a 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.
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, learn ingfrom 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 #LoireValleyWines
Contact Information
Best Sommelier of Canada Contest & SOMM U
Email: markdewolf@asi.info
Phone: 902-219-1454
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS - REGISTER NOW!
Nov 13-15 Deluxe All-Inclusive Package with Hotel (4 nights), Single Occupancy: $1595.00+tax
*includes 4 nights hotel (based on single occupancy*) at downtown Halifax hotel, all events including Annapolis Valley winery tour (Nov 13), Wines of New Zealand Welcome Reception (Nov 13), 2 wine tickets bar des sommeliers (Nov 13), full-day of Master Classes (Nov 14, 15) including walk-around lunch, Wines of France Dinner (Nov 14), 2 wine tickets bar des sommeliers (Nov 14), Best Somm of Canada Viewing and Gala Dinner (Nov 15), 2 wine tickets bar des sommeliers (Nov 15) *double-occupancy rate of $1295.00+tax per person
Nov 13-15 All-Inclusive Package without Hotel $695.00+taxall events including Annapolis Valley winery tour (Nov 13), Wines of New Zealand Welcome Reception (Nov 13), 2 wine tickets bar des sommeliers (Nov 13), full-day of Master Classes (Nov 14, 15) including walk-around lunch, Wines of France Dinner (Nov 14), 2 wine tickets bar des sommeliers (Nov 14), Best Somm of Canada Viewing and Gala Dinner (Nov 15), 2 wine tickets bar des sommeliers (Nov 15)
Event : Prestige Annapolis Valley Wine Tour Presented by Benjamin Bridge and Lightfoot & Wolfville
Cost: $85.00+tax
Date : Nov 13
Time : 1 :00-7:00
Location: Departs from Prince George Hotel
Bus to Annapolis Valley, departure 1:00 Prince George Hotel
Visits, tastings at Lightfoot & Wolfville and Benjamin Bridge
Return transportation to Halifax.
Nov 13 Welcome Reception Presented by New Zealand Wine Growers: $75.00+tax
Date : Nov 13
Time : 7:30-9:30
Location: TBD
Includes tastings of various premier New Zealand wines and bites to match
SOMM U & Best Sommelier of Canada Final at NSCC:
Cost: $395.00+tax
Date: Nov 14-15 Time: 8:30-6:00
Location: NSCC (Nova Scotia Community College), 21 Woodlawn Rd., Dartmouth
Includes: Transportation to and from Prince George Hotel, 11+ Master Classes/service training and tastings, 2 Walk-around lunches with exclusive wines, Auditorium viewing of Best Sommelier of Canada finale, Opportunity to win a Somm U scholarship courtesy of Boisset USA (Value $3500.00), Opportunity to become a CAPS Somm U graduate
Wines of France Dining Event at Cable Wharf Presented by Vins du Val de Loire
Cost: $95.00+tax (includes gratuity)
Date: Nov 14
Time: 7:30-9:30
Location: Cable Wharf Restaurant, 1751 Lower Water St.
Includes:
Evening of food and wine, featuring local flavours and French wines.
Best Sommelier of Canada Gala Dinner
Cost: $150+tax (includes gratuity)
Date: Nov 15
Time: 7:30-10:30pm
Location: Prince George Hotel, 1725 Market St.
Includes:
Reception, announcement of the winner of Best Sommelier of Canada 2023, four course meal including premium sake and wines paired with each course.
