Jonathan Norton photo

Congratulations to Christina Hartigan, who, as of this summer, is one step closer to membership in the rarified club that is the Court of Master Sommeliers.

The Wildebeest wine director became an Advanced Sommelier after passing the challenging examination this July in Phoenix. Hartigan joins B.C.’s six other Advanced Sommeliers: Sean Nelson of Hawksworth; Mark Shipway of the Lifford Wine Import Agency; Robert Stelmachuk at Mott 32; Shane Taylor of Top Table Group; Alistair Veen of Tap Restaurant in South Surrey; and wine importer Andrés Villegas.

The Master Sommelier diploma is the highest distinction a professional can attain in fine wine and beverage service. Since the first successful Master Sommelier examination was held in the UK in 1969, only 165 professionals have earned the title as part of the Americas chapter. So far, no Master Sommeliers call Western Canada home, but Canada has five: three in Ontario and two in Quebec. 

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.