The top CAPS Ontario #BOSC24 regional sommeliers head to final provincials January 28th in Toronto
[Edited from its original posting]
The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) Ontario is excited to announce the four finalists who will be advancing to the 2024 Best Ontario Sommelier Competition (BOSC).
Now taking place on January 28th (re-scheduled from its original date on November 12th) and set to be held at its new venue at Bovine Wine Club, within downtown Tornto’s Union Station, this prestigious event showcases the province’s top sommelier talent as they compete in a series of skill-testing scenarios, including blind tasting and service components.
The finalists moving forward are:
- Christian Perreault Hamel – Wine Director, Harbour Sixty Toronto, Co-founder, Pelican Wines Import
- Christophe Reitz – Sommelier, Quatrefoil Restaurant, Dundas
- Matthew Landry – Sommelier, Restaurant Pearl Morissette, Niagara, Founder, Tannin Management
- Junxing (James) Li – Restaurant Manager and Lead Sommelier, Enigma Yorkville, Toronto
These sommeliers were selected from a pool of competitors who took part in the preliminary exams, held simultaneously at three locations: Treadwell Cuisine in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Vintage Conservatory in Toronto, and in Greve, Chianti, Italy.
CAPS Ontario is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing wine education and promoting the sommelier profession across the country. The entry fees collected from the competition participants went toward scholarships for aspiring sommeliers in need of financial assistance, supporting CAPS’ mission to foster the growth and development of wine professionals.
Join the community of wine enthusiasts at the finals
The #BOSC25 final event is a must-attend for wine lovers, sommeliers, and professionals in the food, wine, and hospitality industries. Attendees will witness intense competition while enjoying a variety of wines and dishes in a gala setting. The winner of the Ontario competition will go on to represent the province at the Best Canadian Sommelier Competition (BCSC).
The celebrated judging panel for this year’s competition includes:
- José Luis Fernández – Winner of BOSC 2019
- Pier-Alexis Soulière, MS – Best Sommelier Canada, 2021
- Nabilah Rawji – SOMM Factory Wine Educator
Beverly Crandon, sommelier and founder of the Spring Into Spice event, will serve as the MC for the night.
Tickets and table reservations for the January 28th gala are available now, with proceeds going to support CAPS Ontario’s educational programs and community initiatives. You can purchase tickets at CAPS Ontario’s website.
A platform for growth and opportunity
CAPS Ontario is committed to providing opportunities for wine professionals to continue honing their skills and sharing their passion for wine. Jennifer Wood, sommelier and acting president of CAPS Ontario, expressed pride in the organization’s role in fostering education and supporting the community: “Our goal is to create a safe and nurturing environment for sommeliers to refine their skills and elevate their knowledge. We’re proud of all the participants and look forward to an exciting competition.”
The finalists reflect the diverse and vibrant spectrum of Ontario’s wine community. Participants come from a range of educational backgrounds, including certifications from the Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET, and CAPS. The event’s sponsors and CAPS volunteers have worked diligently to ensure a successful competition that not only highlights top talent but also advances the sense of camaraderie within the industry.
CAPS Ontario is also sponsoring six Vinequity members as part of its broader commitment to inclusivity and representation in the sommelier field. The funds raised through event sponsorships and donations will continue to support aspiring wine professionals who require financial assistance to further their careers.
The final BOSC 2024 event is a licensed gathering, open to attendees aged 19 and over. For more information on the competition, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket availability, visit CAPS Ontario’s website.