Who are we?
The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) is a pan-Canadian association, which brings together individuals within the sommelier profession, restaurant services, and other sectors of the wine industry.
CAPS/ACSP National is currently made up of the following provincial chapters:
- The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, Atlantic Chapter based in Halifax
- The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, British Columbia Chapter based in Vancouver
- The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, Manitoba Chapter based in Winnipeg
- The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, Ontario Chapter based in Toronto
- The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, Quebec Chapter based in Montreal
- The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, Alberta Chapter based in Calgary
CAPS is affiliated with the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) headquartered in Paris and counting 65 member and 5 observer countries. Since its inception in 1989 in Quebec, CAPS/ACSP has, throughout its growth within Canada, promoted the profession, notably by its participation in the Best Sommelier of the World Competition. The presence of Canadian Sommeliers on the International scene is re-enforced by the appointment of its members to various committees of the ASI.
In support of its mission, CAPS supports events related to the wine and spirits industry, communicates on events in Canada, encourages members to network with other sommeliers and producers, merchants and consumers with the goal of knowing and promoting the wines and spirits of all countries.
Our mission
Our mission, as a not-for-profit organization, is to promote and educate the sommelier profession and foster an understanding within the Hospitality industry, and thereby consumers, across Canada and throughout the world of the role of sommelier. This includes knowledge, service, and management skills required by Canadian Sommeliers. It is also our mission to provide a forum to encourage camaraderie, ongoing professional development, and networking for our members.
Our objectives
- To promote international-level standards of performance through education and accreditation.
- To promote the profession through participation in national and international Sommelier competitions.
- To support members’ continuing education and development through ongoing professional opportunities.
- To promote and support links within and across CAPS provincial chapters and the other ASI Chapters around the world.
- To provide networking and community opportunities for Sommeliers within the food and beverage industry.