As the temperatures dip, our thoughts are turning to good wine. If you fancy the thrill of a high-stakes wine competition without any of the pressure — and the chance to taste some excellent bottles along the way — this contest is for you.
On November 16, some of Ontario's top sommeliers will put their knowledge to the test at the Best Ontario Sommelier Competition 2026 (#BOSC2026) at TIFF Lightbox, and we're giving one lucky reader the chance to catch the action.
Hosted by the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) Ontario, the annual competition sees wine professionals go head-to-head in a series of challenges, from blind tastings to wine service, for a shot at being named the province's best sommelier.
The event brings together some serious wine talent. Last year's winner, Christian Perreault Hamel, returns as technical director, while an expert judging panel features renowned sommeliers Véronique Rivest, Toni Weber and Carl Villeneuve Lepage. Vinequity founder Beverly Crandon takes on emcee duties.
It's not all about the competition, though. Guests can sip their way through a walk-around tasting of local and international wines, tuck into bites and browse a silent auction. The event wraps up with the winner's announcement and a celebratory toast.
We're giving away two tickets to the event, plus a bottle of premium sake courtesy of BOSC's platinum sponsor, the Sake Institute of Ontario to the value of $250. Enter the question below for your chance to win.
The question is: Where will the Best Ontario Sommelier Competition (#BOSC26), hosted by the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) Ontario, take place?
Contest closes: 9th November 2026
By entering the contest, it is deemed that the entrant accepts the terms and conditions stated below.
No purchase necessary.
Prize cannot be exchanged for cash equivalent.
Prize is not transferable.
One entry per person, no bulk or third-party entries, unless the rules of the contest state so.
No responsibility can be taken for any lost or delayed entries.
Winner must be 19 years of age or over and live in Ontario.
The winner will be chosen at random and will be notified by email.
The winner will need to confirm acceptance within 24 hours of being notified. If the winner does not confirm acceptance within this timeframe, another contest entrant will be chosen at random.
