L’Abattoir head sommelier Andrew Forsyth is the 2025 CAPS Best Sommelier of BC. Supplied photo

L’Abattoir’s head sommelier Andrew Forsyth has won the title of Best Sommelier of BC at the annual competition hosted by the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS).

Each year, British Columbia’s top sommeliers gather to compete in this rigorous test of skill, knowledge, and composure under pressure. The competition begins with a gruelling theory exam, designed to challenge even the most seasoned professionals. The top three scorers advance to the live portion of the competition that takes place in front of an audience of industry peers and judges with a series of service challenges. Tasks this year included precise cocktail creation, table-side wine decanting, and a series of rapid-fire blind tastings—each requiring a flawless balance of technical expertise and hospitality finesse.

“I’m incredibly honoured to have won, but even more grateful to have competed alongside so many talented sommeliers, including my colleague Olivia Delisle. It was inspiring to share this experience with her and the wider sommelier community and I’m looking forward to celebrating this achievement with my team and our guests,” says Andrew Forsyth of the competition’s outcome.

Forsyth, who has competed in the past, demonstrated exceptional knowledge and poise throughout the event, ultimately securing first place in this prestigious competition. L’Abattoir’s commitment to outstanding wine service has also been recognized at the Platinum level at the Wine Program Excellence Awards since 2018 at the Vancouver International Wine Festival. These recognitions, paired with Forsyth’s achievement yesterday, further demonstrates L’Abattoir’s dedication to being a leader in British Columbia’s hospitality industry.

“We are incredibly proud of Andrew’s achievement,” said Lee Cooper, owner and chef at L’Abattoir. “His passion for wine has always been evident in his work, and this recognition only reinforces the exceptional talent he brings to our team and our guests every day.”

Congratulations to Andrew Forsyth and all of this year’s competitors for their outstanding performances, which continue to elevate British Columbia’s wine culture and hospitality industry.

Vitis Magazine

Vitis is is an indispensable seasonal guide for vintners, sommeliers and weekend imbibers alike that is dedicated to British Columbia’s rapidly evolving wine culture.