The Ontario chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS), a national, nonprofit association that funds educational programs and competitions for the country’s sommelier community, announced its Best Ontario Sommelier Competition 2026 (BOSC26), taking place on Nov. 16 at the TIFF Lightbox in Toronto, Ont.
The sommelier theory and closed practical examination will be held live earlier that day at Toronto’s Vintage Conservatory. The ticketed evening event kicks off at 3:00 p.m. with a gala reception and evening graze by O&B Hospitality, followed by the not-to-be-missed live sommelier skills competition, judged by a panel of international wine experts.
The evening’s walk-around wine tasting features an array of compelling international and local wines, plus a fundraising silent auction and a 50/50 raffle with prizes. The winners’ announcement and celebration toast will close the event at 9:00 p.m. The BOSC26 competition, now held under ASI competition regulations, challenges sommeliers with a series of skill-testing scenarios, including blind tasting and service components.
Last year’s BOSC winner, Christian Perreault Hamel, co-founder of Pelican Wines Import and a CAPS board member, is this year’s event’s technical director. A roster of award-winning Ontario competitors are in the waiting room, polishing their skills and showmanship for this year’s stage. The BOSC26 grand winner will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy courtesy of Masi Agricola and move ahead to the 2027 Best Sommelier of Canada competition. The national winner then competes in the ASI Worlds competition.
“BOSC26 promises to be another thrilling event, with a retooled agenda designed to appeal to the sommelier community, the industry and wine lovers, with an action-packed day of high-stakes competition, camaraderie and celebration,” said Hamel.
“We are thrilled to present a terrific lineup of globally respected talent, competitors, judges, sponsors and donors, with heartfelt thanks to all, including our CAPS board members and students who volunteer to stage what will undoubtedly be the event of the year,” said Jen Wood, CAPS Ontario president. “Don’t miss it!”
Tickets are available online at capsontario.ca. Early bird tickets are $70 for CAPS members and $90 for non-members. Regular tickets are $85 for members and $105 for non-members. Follow CAPS Ontario on Instagram for updates and additional information.
