About Sommelier Sarah
My name is Sarah Goddard and I am a certified sommelier, wine writer and wine consultant living in Toronto, Canada. In 2007, I left a career as an elementary school teacher to pursue my passion for wine. In 2008, I graduated from the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers‘ Certified Sommelier program at George Brown College, where I received the Sommelier Scholarship from the International Wine and Food Foundation of Canada. I have since gone on to become a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers. I am still a Licensed Ontario Teacher and a member of the Ontario College of Teachers.
I hold the WSET Diploma which I passed with Merit in 2011, and I’m an Associate of the Institute of Wines and Spirits (AIWS).
Much to my surprise, I placed a very respectable 3rd in The Wine Tasting Challenge in 2008 (presented by the Renaissance Project) in the professional round. They say it’s one of the largest wine tasting challenges in North America.
I currently work as Assistant Sommelier at 1800 Degrees, a restaurant specializing in steaks and fresh seafood, and I’m an instructor with the Independent Wine Education Guild and the Humber College School of Hospitality, Recreation, & Tourism. In addition to this blog, I write articles about wine for publications such as Food and Drink, Drinks, and Cottage Life.
I am currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers- Ontario Chapter.
You can follow me on Facebook and on Twitter @sommeliersarah.
Hi Sarah. I’m doing some informative reading while Kas is working away… she’s such a dedicated worker bee…
Hey Gord,
Thanks for visiting my blog. I can see you’re working hard too! Let me know if you have any beverage related questions.
Sarah
Hi Sars:
I recently tried the Mill St Brewery Tankhouse Ale – you know me & ales! It is worth trying as a GTA-based (Distillery District) local brewery beer. Let me know what you think. I’m so glad you haven’t forgotten that very important beverage – beer!
Kas
Hi Kas,
I have tried the Tankhouse Ale and enjoyed it very much. Mill St Brewery also has a brew pub in the Distillery District where you can try lots of their beer. You’ll have to check it out sometime when you’re in T.O.
Sarah
Hello there Ms Sommelier Sarah–What a lovely picture of yourself on this site! Have you tasted any exceptional sparklers lately? As you know, they are my favourite! Thanks! K.
Congratulations Sarah on your achievements and this great site as we found out all about you and this site from a wonderful surprise visit from your darling sister.
Keep up the great work you are doing
Hi Sarah!
Finally visited your blog, and it’s fantastic!! Great work!
Hope things are going well at the restaurant too.
See you at the next tasting!
Hey Sarah,
Great site very informative. There’s so much information it may take me a while to get through all of it. So far my favorite is decanting Champagne. I’ll be back to read some more, see you tomorrow.
Hi Lexx,
So glad you checked my blog out and that you like it!! I’ll see you soon.
Sarah
Wow! You have quite the list of accomplishments!
Hi Sommelier Sarah,
MANY congratulations on your election to the Board of CAPS, an honour which I’m sure is only bestowed upon select sommeliers! I especially liked your blog section including your favourite wine quotes. On the subject of Champagnes, of which I am a fan, can you recommend a reasonably priced champagne, as well as a good and available substitute sparkling wine for summer entertaining?
Best wishes,
A fan
Hello Fan (I know who you are!)
It’s been a long time. If you’re interested in sparkling wine, Ontario makes some great ones. Have you ever tried Henry of Pelham’s Cuvee Catharine? It’s made in the traditional method just like Champagne and is very good. They also have a rose version. I think it’s around $29. Chateau des Charmes, also from Niagara also makes a good traditional method sparkler. If you ever see 13th Street sparkling wine then you have to try it. I don’t think it’s available at the LCBO but if you’re ever out Niagara way then you should try to stop in at that winery and give it a taste. Delicious!
Maybe we should get together for a bottle of bubbly!
Sarah
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Hello Sarah!
We’ve seen your wine blog and would like to invite you to write a post about Argentine Malbec and participate in our Blogger of the Month contest. You will have the chance to win a free trip to Argentina! Here is a link for more info http://www.winesofargentina.org/en/bloggerofthemonth
Looking forward to reading your blog post!
Thanks!
Wines of Argentina tea
We’ve seen your wine blog and would like to invite you to write a post about Argentine Torrontes and participate in our Blogger of the Month contest. You will have the chance to win a free trip to Argentina! Here is a link for more info http://www.winesofargentina.org/en/bloggerofthemonth
Looking forward to reading your blog post!
Thanks!
Wines of Argentina team
Hi Sarah! I am also a teacher, who is studying to be a certified Sommelier. I would love to ask you a few questions about your change in careers if you are up for it.
Hi,
Send me an email me at sarah@simply-sommelier.com and I will try to give you some helpful information.
Cheers!
Sarah