CAPS Ontario hosted an unforgettable evening at Toronto’s Bovine Wine Club, celebrating excellence in sommelier craft
The Ontario chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) has officially crowned Christian Perreault Hamel as the year’s ‘Best Ontario Sommelier’. The prestigious competition, held at the newly opened Bovine Wine Club in Toronto, brought together some of the province’s most talented sommeliers for a dynamic showcase of skill, knowledge, and precision.
Hamel, the wine director at Harbour Sixty Toronto and co-founder of Pelican Wines Import, secured the top spot, earning a coveted trip to Mendoza, Argentina, courtesy of Catena Zapata. His victory also grants him a place in the Best Sommelier of Canada competition, set to take place in Winnipeg in 2026. From there, the national champion will have the opportunity to compete on the world stage at the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) contest in 2026.
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“It’s slowly sinking in that I’ve won this prestigious title from CAPS,” said Hamel. “I’ve spent years looking up to past winners, following their careers, and drawing inspiration from their journeys. This experience reminds me of the importance of mentorship and paying it forward, just as so many professionals before me have done.”
Matthew Landry, sommelier at Restaurant Pearl Morissette and founder of Tannin Management, took second place, while Junxing (James) Li, restaurant manager and lead sommelier at Enigma Yorkville, finished third. Rounding out the top four was sommelier Christophe Reitz.
Christian Perreault Hamel is the year’s ‘Best Ontario Sommelier’.
A distinguished panel of judges oversaw the competition, including 2019 winner José Luis Fernández, Master Sommelier and 2021 Best Sommelier of Canada Pier-Alexis Soulière, and SOMM Factory wine educator Nabilah Rawji. The event was emceed by CAPS Ontario acting president Jennifer Wood.
“For me, the competition is about more than just the title,” added Hamel. “It’s an opportunity to demonstrate the dedication, preparation, and passion that define our craft. Through performances like these, we can bring greater appreciation to what sommeliers do and encourage more meaningful engagement between diners and their wine professionals.”
A celebration of wine and hospitality
The competition was more than a contest—it was a full-scale celebration of Ontario’s vibrant sommelier and wine community. Hosted by CAPS Ontario and sponsored by the Sake Institute of Ontario (SIO), the event featured a series of rigorous skill-based challenges, including blind tastings, theoretical knowledge assessments, and live service tests.
The finalists, from left to right: Christian Perreault Hamel, Junxing (James) Li, Matthew Landry, and Christophe Reitz. (Photo by YYZEvents)
A sold-out audience of industry professionals, wine lovers, and sake enthusiasts gathered for the occasion, enjoying walk-around tastings, educational sessions, and immersive experiences throughout the day. One of the highlights was a Sake Masterclass led by renowned Sake Samurai and sommelier Michael Tremblay. Attendees also had the chance to explore premium wine and sake selections poured by Nicholas Pearce Wines, Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits, and the SIO.
The evening culminated in a showstopping multi-course sushi and beef dinner, curated by executive chefs Eugene Na and Sean Blomeley of Liberty Entertainment Group’s Blue Bovine Steak and Sushi House. The meal was expertly paired with an exquisite lineup of sakes, offering guests a memorable gastronomic experience.
Supporting the sommelier community
The event also served as a vital fundraiser for CAPS Ontario, supporting its ongoing educational programs and industry initiatives. A silent auction featured a curated selection of coveted items, including Zalto stemware, wine education courses, and rare vintages from esteemed wineries. Contributions from sponsors such as Académie du Vin, The Durand, Code-38, Wine With Jimmy, Buyers + Cellars, Corkscrew Imports, Social Herbivore, Bachelder Wines, The Vine Agency, Black Bank Hill Winery, North 42 Degrees Winery and On Seven Winery helped ensure the event’s success. Competition stemware was provided by Zalto Glassware.
Christian Perreault Hamel during competition. (Photo by YYZEvents)
“The competition was fierce, and the finalists delivered an outstanding performance that kept the audience captivated,” said CAPS Ontario’s Jennifer Wood. “Christian’s win is well deserved, and we extend our congratulations to all competitors. Their dedication to the craft is a testament to the thriving wine and hospitality industry in Ontario. We’re grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, and board members for making this event possible.”
With the Best Ontario Sommelier Competition now concluded, anticipation builds for the next chapter in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates as Ontario’s best sommeliers continue to push the boundaries of excellence on the national and international stage.
VineRoutes is an official media partner of CAPS Ontario.
– With files from Susan Willemsen
