A Kelowna resident is 鈥榞rape鈥� at tasting wine.

Maxwell Brayer was crowned Canada鈥檚 Top Young Sommelier at a competition on the first weekend of March, winning the opportunity to take his prestigious pallet across the pond.

In October, Brayer will represent Canada at the Cha卯ne des R么tisseurs International Young Sommelier Competition in Lisbon, Portugal.

On his all-expenses paid trip to Portugal, Brayer will tour wineries to further his education before swirling his glass in hopes of becoming a top oenophile.

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He is a member of the Okanagan chapter of the Cha卯ne des R么tisseurs, which is an international Association of Gastronomy. The organization plans events like fine dining, polo and wine pairing evenings.

One of the Cha卯ne鈥檚 principles is to promote the enjoyment, knowledge and understanding of fine wines and crafted beverages.

鈥淭he International Young Sommeliers Competition promotes the expertise of the young wine and spirit professional,鈥� said the Okanagan chapter of the Cha卯ne des R么tisseurs in a press release after Brayer鈥檚 national success.

鈥淚t also offers the young sommelier an opportunity to present their skills and 鈥榮avoir-faire鈥� under highly competitive, intense testing conditions.鈥�

Brayer is currently completing his Wine and Spirit Education Trust Diploma in 鈥榳ine鈥�. He credits his success to his mentor Bram Bolwijn, from Iconic Wines of BC.

To learn more visit the

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