December 12, 2024
Dear CAPS Members,
I want to thank you for your patience as we, your CAPS Ontario Board, dealt with some challenges in preparation for the Best Ontario Sommelier Competition. While postponing the event was our last resort, I'm excited to share that we've reimagined the competition into something new, fresh, and truly special.
I'm delighted to announce our outstanding finalists for this year's competition: Christian Perreault Hamel, Wine Director at Harbour Sixty Toronto and Co-founder of Pelican Wines Import; Christophe Reitz, Sommelier at the esteemed Quatrefoil Restaurant in Dundas; Matthew Landry, Sommelier at Restaurant Pearl Morissette and Founder of Tannin Management; and Junxing (James) Li, Restaurant Manager and Lead Sommelier at Enigma Yorkville.
I'm also thrilled to share exciting news, that our upcoming BOSC (#BOSC2024) competition will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the prestigious Bovine Wine Club, adjacent to the buzzy Toronto destination, Bovine Steak and Sushi House. We are honoured to announce that the Sake Institute of Ontario (SIO) is our new #BOSC2025 event sponsor, and we are offering an extraordinary lineup of events, promising an immersive experience in both wine and Sake.
The day will feature three distinct ticketed experiences:
1. An exclusive Sake Masterclass led by renowned Sake Master and Sommelier, Michael
Tremblay, for those looking to deepen their knowledge; plus, a walk-around tasting
featuring premium selections from Toronto&'s top wine and Sake agencies
2. The #BOSC2024 live competition between our finalists; and the walk-around tasting featuring premium selections from Toronto's top wine and Sake agencies
3. A curated, multi-course dinner with Sake pairing, to round out the evening
Tickets are available NOW online at https://on.sommelierscanada.ca/ and are priced as follows:
Sake Masterclass only $30, Masterclass, walk-around tasting & competition $75 and Sake pairing dinner &walk-around tasting $150.
Given the exclusive nature of our venue and the intimate format of the events, tickets will be strictly limited for each experience. I encourage you to secure your spots promptly to avoid disappointment. The caliber of the competitors, combined with our exceptional event lineup,
promises an unforgettable day of education, tasting, and celebration of our craft. This is truly an event you won't want to miss!
Cheers and Happy Holidays to all and look forward to seeing you in the new year.
Jennifer Wood
CAPS Ontario President (Interim)
Link to see more about the competitors:
https://vineroutes.com/
https://on.sommelierscanada.ca/blogs/caps-ontario-in-the-news/best-ontario-sommelier-competition-meet-the-finalists