VANCOUVER — Matthew Landry from The Stable House Bistro has been named 2019 B.C. Sommelier of the Year, beating out 11 other candidates to claim the title.
Wildebeest Restaurant’s Christina Hartigan was named the competition’s first runner-up — achieving the highest blind-tasting score in the history of the competition — and Il Caminetto’s Leagh Barkley took third place.
The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) B.C. Sommelier-of-the-Year title is determined by a comprehensive skill-set competition that includes a written exam and a hands-on practical test that pits three finalists against each other to determine their knowledge on a number of wine-related topics. The competitors are challenged on their know-how about sparkling-wine service, red-wine decanting, food and wine pairings, menu writing, as well as blind tastings of cocktails, red and white wines.
To be eligible to compete, contestants must be accredited members of CAPS B.C. and earn at least 50 per cent of their income from hospitality employment as a sommelier.
“It has been a long road leading up to this day and so rewarding to be acknowledged amongst my passionate peers and colleagues,” says Barkley. “I am thrilled to reconnect with my roots and be a part of this incredibly talented community. I feel very fortunate to share what I love with so many people and hopefully inspire others about the world of wine.”
