Essex County Sourdough Championship
Hosted by Sour & Salt
A blind-judged competition celebrating the craft of naturally leavened sourdough bread.
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Location: WindsorEats Food Hall
Time: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Bakers will compete in the championship category while spectators can observe the judging, explore the competing loaves, and participate in the People’s Choice tasting. Tickets and competitor entry links can be found at the bottom of this page.
Overview
The Essex County Sourdough Championship is a community event celebrating the craft of naturally leavened bread. Home bakers are invited to submit their best sourdough loaf to be evaluated through a blind judging by a panel of judges.
Spectators are welcome to attend, observe the judging process, explore the competing loaves, and take part in the People’s Choice tasting category featuring sourdough-based baked goods.
The event brings together bakers, bread enthusiasts, and the community for an afternoon celebrating fermentation, craftsmanship, and great bread.
Championship Entry Requirements
Our 15 competitor spots have now been filled. We still have a limited number of People’s Choice spots available for sourdough-based baked goods.
Competitors entering the championship category must follow these guidelines:
• Each baker may submit one loaf only
• Loaves must be naturally leavened sourdough (no commercial yeast)
• Loaves must be a classic country-style sourdough
• No inclusions (no olives, cheese, seeds, herbs, etc.)
• Finished loaf weight should be approximately 700g-900g
• Entries must not include markings intended to identify the baker (ie. decorative scoring)
Championship entries are limited to 15 competitors and are filled on a first-come basis.
Peoples Choice Category
The People’s Choice category allows bakers to submit sourdough-based baked goods for spectators to sample and vote on.
Examples may include:
• sourdough scones
• sourdough waffles
• sourdough cookies
• sourdough pastries
Entries are limited to 15 participants and are filled on a first-come basis.
Judging
Championship loaves will be evaluated through a blind judging process, meaning the judges will not know the identity of the baker while scoring.
Loaves will be assessed based on:
• Crust and bake quality
• Crumb structure
• Fermentation and flavor
• Overall craftsmanship
This blind process ensures fairness and keeps the focus entirely on the bread.
Event Schedule
10:30 – 11:30 AM
Competitor loaf drop-off and check-in
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Blind judging by the panel of judges
12:30 PM
Doors open for spectators
Guests can view the championship loaves, observe judging, explore the People’s Choice entries.
1:30 PM
Awards ceremony
Championship winners and the People’s Choice winner will be announced.
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Community mingle
Following the awards ceremony, guests can mingle, sample remaining People’s Choice entries, and connect with fellow sourdough bakers and enthusiasts.
Tickets
Enter the Championship & Spectator Tickets
Submit your entry into our Sourdough Championship or Peoples Choice Category. Attend the event, watch the judging, and participate in the People’s Choice tasting and voting:
Questions or More Information
You can contact us at:
Email: orders@sourandsalt.ca
We’ll be happy to help.
Sour & Salt 