2020 BC Sommelier Finals Recognize Toptable Group’s Wine Director, Leagh Barkley

The GOODS from Toptable Group

Vancouver, BC | The Sixth Annual Best Sommelier of BC competition came to an exciting and intense finish as the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) announced its 2020 winner this week at Rogers Arena. Out of a grouping of 15 contestants, Campagnolo’s Peter Van de Reep was awarded the coveted title of BC Sommelier of the Year. Peter now goes on to the Canadian finals that will be held in the Okanagan this fall.

The CAPS BC Sommelier title is determined by a comprehensive skill set competition that includes a written exam and a hands-on practical test that pits three finalists against each other to determine their knowledge on a number of wine-related topics. The competitors are challenged on their know-how about sparkling wine service, red wine decanting, food and wine pairings, menu writing as well as blind tastings of cocktails, red, and white wines. For this year’s competition, the distinguished panel of judges included Barbara Philip, Sebastien Le Goff, and Jason Yamasaki, who crowned Peter from Campagnolo Main as the 2020 BC Sommelier of the Year, with Gooseneck Hospitality’s Christina Hartigan as the first runner-up, and Leagh Barkley taking an admirable third place for the second year in a row.

“I am humbled to have had the opportunity to compete in this competition amongst so many highly regarded industry colleagues and to be recognized as one of BC’s finalists,” says Leagh. “Congrats to all the competitors who bring their expertise and passion for wine to each and every service for the sheer enjoyment of their guests.”

Once again, Toptable Group was well represented in the mix with Daewhan Lim (CinCin Ristorante + Bar), Michael Littleford (CinCin Ristorante + Bar), Calen Macdonald (Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar), Perdy Sawyers (Il Caminetto), and Christopher Edens (Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar) also vying for the province’s top title.

“To have these dedicated professionals represent many of our restaurants exemplifies the industry’s commitment and passion to hospitality and what differentiates Toptable Group from a service perspective,” says President Michael Doyle. “This talent allows us to deliver a level of dining experience to our guests that sets Toptable Group apart and becomes a core pillar of who we are. Congratulations to all the 2020 competitors!”

Wins for Toptable Group in the past have included: Shane Taylor, Wine Director at CinCin Ristorante + Bar winning the 2017 BC Sommelier of the Year, Samantha Rahn, former Wine Director at Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar, taking home the title in 2013 while Owen Knowlton, Restaurant and Wine Director at the former West Restaurant, earned the accolade in 2011.