The Best Sommelier in B.C. is from Vancouver's Chambar

Cheers to Jason Yamasaki. The Chambar somm has just been named the “Best Sommelier in B.C.” and will next represent the province for the national title.

The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) in partnership with Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) declared Yamasaki the best of the BC sommeliers November 3, following a grueling session of written theory and blind tasting exams. The top three scorers were Yamasaki, Unsworth Vineyard’s Chris Turyk, and CinCin’s Shane Taylor.

A round of Sommelierie testing that included sparkling and decantation service, food and wine pairing, wine list correction, and the verbal blind tasting of five beverages found Yamasaki the victor.

Jason Yamasaki’s post-win photo (Media release)

Yamasaki will be honoured at the 2015 Vancouver International Wine Festival for his accomplishment, and will represent British Columbia in the “Best Sommelier in Canada” competition in Ontario in the spring of 2015. If he wins there, it’s on to the world competition.

In the meantime, you’ll find Yamasaki pouring at Chambar at the restaurant’s new Beatty Street location. “Infectiously energized by every minutia of the dining experience, Jason takes immense pride in sharing the many pleasures of the table with Chambar’s guests,” says his Chambar bio. A toast of congrats, sir!

Featured image: Wine pouring via Shutterstock