Montreal’s Top Sommelier Triumphs in Prestigious Continental Competition, Securing a Spot at the 2026 World Championship
SONOMA – Joris Garcia, a distinguished ASI Gold Diploma recipient and sommelier at Montreal’s renowned Le Club Chasse et Pêche, has been awarded the prestigious title of ASI Best Sommelier of the Americas 2025. His victory came at the esteemed continental competition held in Sonoma, California, organized by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) in collaboration with BUSA. The event gathered the finest sommeliers from across North and South America, testing their expertise in beverage knowledge, tasting skills, service execution, and composure under pressure.
For Garcia, this moment represents the culmination of over a decade of relentless dedication and rigorous training. Reflecting on his triumph, he shared, “When my name was announced, I felt an overwhelming mix of happiness, relief, and shock. At that instant, all I could think about was my newborn child, my girlfriend, my family, and all those who supported me throughout my journey.”
A Journey of Persistence and Growth
Garcia’s ascent to the top has been defined by perseverance. Having competed three times before securing victory in Quebec’s provincial contests, he finally clinched the title of Best Sommelier of Canada, earning the privilege to represent his country at the Americas competition. He attributes his success to both technical preparation and mental resilience. “I had incredible support from mentors and friends in Montreal and Toronto,” he noted. “Additionally, I worked with a sports coach to strengthen my mental endurance, which proved to be a game-changer.”
The competition itself was a formidable challenge, spanning multiple days and featuring an intense schedule filled with theoretical assessments, practical tests, winery visits, masterclasses, and social engagements. Competitors had to demonstrate expertise across a diverse array of beverages, including not only wine but also sake, spirits, tea, and beer.
“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that these competitions extend beyond just wine knowledge,” Garcia explained. “I devoted considerable time to improving my expertise in beverages I was less confident about, like sake and spirits, and that investment truly paid off.”
The ASI Bootcamp Experience and Camaraderie
Garcia also credits his time at the ASI Bootcamp in Malaysia as instrumental in his development. Training alongside top sommeliers from around the world provided invaluable exposure. “Being surrounded by individuals who push you to be better and learning to present confidently in front of Masters of Wine and former world champions was an unparalleled preparation experience,” he said.
Despite the fierce competition, Garcia emphasized the camaraderie among competitors. “At the end of the day, it’s not about defeating one another. It’s about being your best self at the right moment. You are ultimately competing against the judges and your own nerves, not just the other candidates.”
Looking Ahead: ASI Best Sommelier of the World 2026
With this monumental win, Garcia has secured his place in the upcoming ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World 2026, where he will represent Canada on the global stage. While he plans to take a brief respite to cherish time with his family, his focus remains steadfast. “This victory is just the beginning. After a short break, it will be back to rigorous training and study,” he affirmed.
As he prepares for the world championship, Garcia stands as an inspiration for aspiring sommeliers, demonstrating that persistence, knowledge, and resilience are the keys to achieving greatness in the world of wine and beyond.
