The Vancouver Bailliage Advances Wine Education

One of the core values of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is the pursuit of education in food, wine, and hospitality. In Vancouver, members have always embraced this spirit of learning, deepening their appreciation of the culinary and hospitality arts and enhancing the experience of Chaîne events.

Last year, several members encouraged the executive to organize a wine education program for our Bailliage. After reviewing several options, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) program was selected. WSET’s reputation for excellence, its international recognition, and its popularity among sommeliers and wine professionals in Vancouver made it a natural choice.

In Fall 2024, the Vancouver Bailliage proudly launched its first WSET Level 1 Award in Wines program, with 17 members and guests enrolled. Building on that success, the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines followed in early 2025, attracting the same number — though not necessarily the same participants.

Participation and enthusiasm exceeded expectations. Chaîne members volunteered to organize and manage the events. LaSalle College generously provided the classroom facilities, while Vancouver Community College contributed students who provided food preparation and wine service.

The curriculum emphasized understanding the characteristics of major grape varieties, important wine-producing regions, production methods, wine styles, and an introduction to wine and food pairing.

Thanks to collaboration with WSET educators, we were able to customize the program to place additional emphasis on wine tasting. A highlight was the exceptional variety of wines we sampled. From classic Old-World regions — including some beautifully aged reds — to emerging New-World producers, the lineup was both comprehensive and inspiring.

We could not have had a better presenter than Tim Ellison. Knowledgeable, credible, and entertaining, he encouraged thoughtful questions and lively discussions throughout each session. The program was well-paced and engaging, with thoughtfully selected food offerings that enhanced the tasting experience.
The camaraderie among participants was exceptional. After completing the final exam, we gathered in the kitchen to toast our shared experience — and to make sure none of the wonderful wines went to waste! It was a fitting and memorable celebration of a new beginning into the world of wine.

The Vancouver Bailliage is proud to continue the Chaîne’s tradition of promoting education as an integral part of our mission. This initiative deepened our members’ knowledge and appreciation of wine, strengthened the bonds of friendship within our group, and set the stage for even more enriching experiences to come. The WSET events also provided an opportunity to engage and support young chefs and sommeliers in our area, with three students sponsored by the Bailliage.

Our sincere thanks go to all who participated, organized, and contributed to making this initiative a resounding success. It is a vivid example of how the global values and interests of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs come to life locally — with enthusiasm, collaboration, and a shared passion for good food, wine, and camaraderie. 

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