Grant Bronconnier doesn香蕉视频直播檛 just know his tannins from his terroir 香蕉视频直播� he香蕉视频直播檚 also Canada香蕉视频直播檚 top young sommelier.
The Kelowna wine expert recently took first place at the prestigious Cha卯ne des R么tisseurs Canadian National Young Sommelier Competition, earning an all-expense paid trip to Geneva, Switzerland to represent Canada on the international stage.
Bronconnier, who works at Tantalus Vineyards, rose to the top in a two-day showdown in Calgary, edging out finalists from Montreal, Toronto, and Winnipeg. The competition tested everything from theory and blind tastings to spirits knowledge and polished service skills.
For his win, Bronconnier was awarded the Roger Baekeland Memorial Trophy, a $1,000 cash prize, and a first-place medal. He will compete against the best young sommeliers from around the globe this September in Geneva, where he香蕉视频直播檒l test his skills internationally.
A graduate of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Bronconnier holds double diplomas in business and culinary arts. It was there that he discovered a love for wine. He completed Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Levels 1-3 and Red Seal Chef certification in just six months, and will receive his WSET Diploma at a graduation ceremony in London, England.
Bronconnier credits his mentor Bram Bolwijn, experience manager at Iconic Wines of BC, for playing a key role in his growth. Over the past three years, he香蕉视频直播檚 found a home at Tantalus Vineyards, where he香蕉视频直播檚 deepened his understanding of viticulture, hospitality, and the intricacies of Okanagan wine.
The International Young Sommeliers Competition takes place from Sept. 10-14 in Geneva, Switzlerland.
