A winemaker’s thoughts on sommelier competitions
On October 19, 2021, Wines of British Columbia and CAPS will work in tandem to host “Canada’s Top Sommelier” competition, which has attracted competitors from all over the country.
Leading up to the event, Harper’s Trail and their head winemaker, Sébastien Hotte, will participate as a member winery in a masterclass for the competitors. Hosted by Wines of BC, Sébastien will share what makes the micro climate of Kamloops so unique.
I had a chance to speak with Sébastien recently, where we discussed his past career as a sommelier, what he hopes to impart on the competitors, his thoughts on competing, and how he thinks the Canadian wine industry could improve.
LM: You used to work as a sommelier. Did you ever have interest in competing? Why or why not?
SH: Indeed - my career started as a sommelier and actually prior to being fully versed in the restaurant management/sommelier side, I participated in competitions - one local and one provincial. It was great experience and definitely humbled me. It made me realize I didn’t know as much as I thought did. I was for sure a know-it all.
LM: How do you think the competitors will benefit from a bootcamp ?
SH: I believe the bootcamp will benefit the competitors greatly for understanding our region, the terroir, soils and climate as well as getting a feel for the people we are. I cannot tell you how much Canadian content will be in the competition, but I would hope that our country is well represented.
LM: You'll have quite the impressive audience for the bootcamp - what do you hope to share with them? What are some ideas and philosophies you hope to drive home ?
SH: If anything, I would like for them to remember who we are, and what we represent. For us at Harper’s Trail, our current attention is on our farming practices with a special focus towards our organic certification. In addition, we believe in building relationships with our local agricultural community in ways that we can better our eco-system. Working with ranchers, apiculturists and promoting better biodiversity management within our network. We are constantly evolving and trying to better ourselves in all aspects of our farm.
LM: What's been most surprising about working in Kamloops? How would you describe the style/notable characteristics of the area?
SH: The Kamloops area and its land have great potential and so do the soils. Our vineyard has limestone in it which was a welcomed surprise to me. I think of it as the Wild Wild West with so much to offer. All it takes is a dreamer. The wines are bright and expressive, which directly correlate to our climate. Light and vibrant!
LM: Do you ever miss working as a somm? Besides the most glaring differences, what else can you share about the distinctions between working as a somm vs a winemaker?
SH: I will be honest, I will always miss working as a sommelier. I started my career in the restaurant industry and it will forever be a part of me. The camaraderie that’s built within that industry is unique and forever lasting, the wines I was able to experience due to my role were just exquisite. That said, It was not all flowers. But - I am happy with my career path. I still get to "work the floor”, but, instead of sharing another person’s story, I now get to make my own and share it with our guests.
LM: Who are some important voices in the Canadian wine industry right now? What demographic, or region do you hope to reach specifically?
SH: My opinion in regards to the current voices of our industry has changed greatly since becoming a winemaker. I find myself not reading about wine or people’s opinion of them anymore, instead spending a greater deal of my time doing personal research and building my own opinions. Furthermore, farming and winemaking techniques are way more important to me than any writer or Instagram blogger’s view on a wine they were paid to promote. That being said, I do read SILK + COUPE all the time, as I like seeing real opinions and emotions - it’s refreshing.
LM: How would you improve the functionality of the Canadian wine industry?
SH: Easiest question ever! Change the taxation and shipping laws in between provinces, and fully change the VQA system. VQA should only operate in regards to the provenance of the grapes and not an arbitrary tasting panel or grape cultivar - and I say that as one of the judges.
LM: Is there anything in the works for you that we should be excited about?
SH: I am definitely looking to continue pursuing my personal projects within the Sebastien Laurent brand, and hoping to share some of these ideas in the near future.
Follow Sébastien Hotte here, and tune in to Canada’s Top Sommelier competition October 19 via live stream here.
