This event, currently in its third year, is unique in Vancouver in giving sommeliers & wine professionals a chance to compete against each other for the coveted Puddifoot Award. Entry to the competition is completely FREE with no one formal education style being preferred over another thus ensuring a completely level playing field.

The competition consists of 2 parts: a blind tasting of 3 wines with 3 questions asked per wine & a menu matching question where competitors are asked to select wines to pair with a menu and explain reasons for their choices.

The competition is judged by three experienced experts all from different sectors of the wine industry and chaired by one judge from the school. The winner is presented with the Puddifoot Award (an engraved glass trophy, a Riedel carafe & a bottle of Vintage Port) by Mr John Puddifoot and a Trade Super Pass at the 5th Annual Awards Lunch on Friday, February 29th.

2008 Winner of the Puddifoot Sommelier Challenge:

Chris Giroux from Bacchus at the Wedgewood Hotel

Previous Challenge winners:

2005    Pamela Cohen (International Sommelier Guild)

2006    Kimberley Hall (Fairmont Waterfront)