Thank you to all accredited food and beverage industry persons who attendedd the Trade Tasting of British Columbia wines Thursday July 21, 2011 1:30-4:00pm. Stay tuned for 2012's Taste Trade Tasting Thursday July 19th...
Congratulations to our first ever Taste industry award winners! The 2012 competition will open early in the year and close at the end of April 2012. Stay tuned for details.!
Taste's new awards for 2011 have been an outstanding success! Put in place to recognize outstanding industry leaders and establishments who show dedication and integrity to our local industry on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Winners were announced at the Trade Tasting Thursday July 21st, 2011.
Taste 2011 Sommelier of the Year Award sponsored by Mission Hill
***CONTRATULATIONS TO JACQUES LACOSTE***
This competition will recognize the Sommelier of the Year and is open to all certified sommeliers working in a restaurant on Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands. Certified means you must have graduated from ISG III (Diploma) or WSET 4 (or educational equivalent).
Entries are accepted until May 13, 2011 and should be e-mailed to info@VictoriaTaste.com or mailed to:
#1-356 Simcoe Street, Victoria, BC, V8V 1L1
For queries, e-mail Kathy McAree directly at info@VictoriaTaste.com
Applications will be accepted via email to Taste and should be in pdf format:
- a letter of reference from a respected member of the wine community
- copies of your current wine list and food menu
- proof of educational experience
Receipt of your submission will be confirmed by email. There is currently no fee to enter.
The judging panel:
- Gary Hynes, Editor, EAT Magazine
- Sharon McLean, writer, WSET educator, Sommelier, Master of Wine student
- Pamela Sanderson, Sommelier, ISG educator
- DJ Kearney, Sommelier Instructor, wine consultant, journalist
- Mark Shipway, WSET instructor, The International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Vancouver department head
All award winners will be announced on July 21, 2011 at the Trade Tasting which kicks off Taste: Victoria's Festival of Food and Wine and will also be listed on the Taste website. Courtesy of Mission Hill, the winner will receive round trip airfare and a unique two night stay for two at Mission Hill's magnificent guesthouse overlooking Lake Okanagan. The luxury accommodations include continental breakfast and well-appointed rooms with all the modern amenities in an elegant setting. At Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, the Sommelier of the Year will partake in a Legacy Tour and Tasting Experience with Mission Hill's Sommelier which includes a tasting of premium Library and Estate wines.
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EAT Presents the Taste Wine List Awards 2011...
...to recognize three establishments on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands that have cultivated a successful wine program that reflects their menu, restaurant size and clientele.
Best Overall Wine Program ***CONGRATULATIONS TO ZAMBRI'S***
The grand prize is for the most exceptional wine list on the islands! This list offers a fabulous selection of quality producers that complements the menu in price, size and style. The wine program must be innovative and promote wine knowledge and appreciation through by the glass offerings, seasonal features and wine dinners. The restaurant must also demonstrate a strong commitment to staff education and is expected to have qualified wine professionals on staff.
Best Showcase of Island Wines ***CONGRATULATIONS TO BUTCHART GARDEN'S DINING ROOM RESTAURANT***
This award recognizes the list that best showcases the wines of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. We are looking for a diversity of producers, styles and price points – and innovative pairing with the restaurant’s menu. A commitment to staff training must be an integral part of educating diners and building awareness and appreciation of local wines.
Most Diner Friendly Wine Menu ***CONGRATULATIONS TO ZAMBRI'S***
This wine list is approachable and easy for diners to understand. It has an innovative design that complements the restaurant’s theme, clear organization and no-nonsense descriptions. Well trained staff that can answer questions is the final step in ensuring diners can feel confident about making their wine selection.
Entry Guidelines
Participating restaurants must be located on Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands and be open to the public as of the program's deadline on April 30, 2011. The following materials are required for entry into the program:
- Your current wine list. (The submitted wine list must be an exact copy of what is currently available in your restaurant.)
- Your current dinner menu.
- A one-page cover letter on your restaurant letterhead describing the size of the restaurant, your target clientele, your staff training program, storage conditions, inventory, pricing, features, flights, wine dinners and any other information you feel is relevant to your wine program. Please include the name of your accredited sommelier(s) and their school of accreditation. This cover letter must include a phone, fax number and e-mail.
Receipt of your submission will be confirmed by email. There is currently no fee to enter.
The judging panel:
- Tim Pawsey, writer, www.hiredbelly.com
- John Schreiner, author, www.johnschreiner.blogspot.com
- Treve Ring, EAT Magazine DRINK writer and Sommelier, www.treve.ca
All award winners will be announced on July 21st, 2011 at the Trade Tasting which kicks off Taste: Victoria’s Festival of Food and Wine and will also be listed on the Taste website. Winners will be listed in the next available issue of Eat Magazine with the top points winner being awarded an advertisement in EAT Magazine.
Entries are accepted until April 30, 2011 and should be e-mailed to info@VictoriaTaste.com or mailed to:
#1-356 Simcoe Street, Victoria, BC, V8V 1L1
For queries, e-mail Kathy McAree directly at info@VictoriaTaste.com
Proceeds from Taste go to a wonderful organization with great vision for our future local food scene:
Taste extends appreciation to its sponsors:
Taste: Victoria's Festival of Food and Wine is produced by Travel With Taste Tours Ltd.
