We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of our agency and VQA partners in the attached catalogue for extending such generous support to CAPS Ontario members during COVID-19. 

THANK YOU! 

Enjoy incredible savings on these featured wine purchases for a limited time, while quantities last. 

Participating agents and wineries are listed in alphabetical order. 

Don’t miss out on these special offers!

Register or renew your CAPS Ontario membership ($75/year) today. Visit our website or email us  for questions or details. 

Cheers to your good health! 

CAPS Ontario Board of Directors 

CLICK TO ACCESS CATALOGUE

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This video takes a look a the key issues and what stakeholders in the wine industry are doing about climate change. The video will set up a panel on Tasting Climate Change at the Vancouver International Wine Festival next week – but we have an exclusive sneak preview for you today!

Vancouver International Wine Festival

Event Details:

February 26

9:30 am – 11:45 am PST

VCC West, Meeting Room 118

1055 Canada Place
Vancouver, BC Canada + Google Map

$40 BUY TICKET

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Benefiting the firefighters, wildlife and reforestation efforts in Australia.

About this Event

Join Wines of Australia, Lifford Wine & Spirits, Terroni, Cumbrae’s, Stock TC, Barberian’s Steak House, The Royal Hotel of Picton, Chabrol, Profile Wine Group, The Vine Agency, Von Terra Wine, Negociants International, Nicholas Pearce Wines plus other fine food and wine purveyors for a walk-around food and wine party to benefit the Volunteer Firefighters, Wildlife & Reforestation efforts in Australia. Read more here.

Date And Time

Tue, 18 February 2020

6:30 PM – 9:00 PM EST

Location

Terroni, Secondo

57A Adelaide Street East

Second Floor (stairs only)

Toronto, ON M5C 1K6

Get more event info here.

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Dear CAPS Member,

Our association’s success is dependent upon the contribution of our members. We are seeking dedicated, energetic and committed members in good standing to join the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) Board of Directors to assist in the growth and development of the organization.

Nominations are now being accepted for 2020-21 year. Currently there are several seats on the 12-person board and you will be asked to vote in a new member at the Annual General Meeting currently planned for March 9th, 2020. In addition, you will be asked to vote on re-election of the current board members.

If you are interested in becoming a Board Member or would like to nominate someone for consideration, please download and complete this form ‘CAPS Nomination Form 2020‘ and submit via email by 6:00pm EST, February 9th, 2020 to Gary Killops, Chair, Nominations Committee using subject line: CAPS 2020-21 Nomination Form.

Each member may nominate one candidate. The candidate requirements are listed below. The time commitment for participation on the Board vary by portfolio and range from ten to fifty hours per month, including committee involvement and attendance at all Board meetings held throughout the year. The nominations will be vetted by the nominations committee and qualified candidates’ profiles will be posted prior to the AGM.

Requirements of Nominators: Members in good standing.

Requirements of Nominated Candidates: candidates put forward for nomination must:

• Be members in good standing (2019/20 paid membership)
• Be available to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors, a maximum of two absences per year is permitted with reason.
• Have a working knowledge of CAPS Ontario.
• Be available to work on at least one committee.
• Work to build linkages and partnerships for the benefit of CAPS.
• Represent a segment of CAPS’ membership.
• Preference will be given to those who have demonstrated a history of involvement within CAPS, through either committee work, program delivery or other CAPS activities.

Please note, a board motion was passed to amend the bylaws in 2018. The amendment permits three positions on the board to be available to those who may be from other professions, have expertise in areas other than Sommelierie, who have expertise that is deemed beneficial and who can make a contribution to the Board and the Association. If you feel you can contribute but have never worked as a sommelier or have been certified as such, then please be sure to include information about your wine related experiences.

Thank you for your interest and willingness to help continue to build CAPS and the profession of Sommelier within the industry. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or Lynn Abernethy, President.

Yours truly,

Gary Killops

Gary Killops,
Chair, Nomination Committee
Board of Directors, Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, Ontario Chapter

Download CAPS nomination form: CAPS Nomination Form 2020

The post CAPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR 2020-21 appeared first on Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers | Ontario Chapter.

VISION

To promote trust between mentors and students while fostering a safe environment for all individuals to grow professionally and personally in the hospitality industry.

VALUES

Safety

Professional and Personal Development

Trust

SCOPE

The ROSEMUND Charter is a living document created to benefit beverage professionals in the stagiaire phase of their career. Further, as the hospitality industry is a dynamic one, this Charter will look to grow and increase its positive impact in tandem with the trade.

PILLARS OF ACTION

Professional Attire

Commitment

A stagiaire may be required to wear formal attire that may include a suit, jacket, neck tie, and closed toe dress shoes. Grooming may include tying long hair back, lack of nail polish, minimal make-up, and a clean professional appearance. Women may not be asked, or required, to wear a skirt, tight or low-cut clothing, or an elevated heel.

Purpose

This Charter encourages all individuals to dress in a professional manner, with clothing that is both comfortable and appropriate for the position. Walking in footwear with an elevated heel (i.e., high heels) has been shown to significantly reduce ankle muscle movement as well as balance control. High heels have also been shown to result in musculoskeletal injury, particularly ankle and foot sprains and strains. Wearing footwear in the workplace that is appropriate for the work being performed will help to prevent injuries from slipping and falling. In addition, skirts and tight clothing reduce mobility in a profession that requires a full range of motion.

 Safe Passage

Commitment

A stagiaire is responsible for their transportation to and from their placement. However, if a student is asked to stay past 10:30pm a cab chit, or paid ride share from the work placement to their home is required.

Purpose

Being required to work hours beyond dinner beverage service is not part of the core curriculum of CAPS. Safety of stagiaires to their home is imperative. These individuals are unpaid during this component of their education — and as such are already under financial pressure. Many cannot afford to purchase a cab home, and must rely on walking, bicycling, or public transportation. These means of transportation can be unsafe late at night and put stagiaires in a vulnerable situation which can lead to a compromising situation and erosion of their personal safety.

Responsible Social Interactions

Commitment

During the hours of the stagiaire program the mentor/employer cannot socialize with students outside of the workplace or outside of work hours.

Purpose

The relationship between stagiaires and mentors is a trusted one that needs to be safeguarded. Keeping interactions professional during the time of study is necessary as the unequal power balance can create a perceived obligation for the student to attend social events they may or may not feel comfortable attending. Further to this point, limiting interactions to on-premise ones helps to eliminate the possibility of a mentor taking advantage of the power imbalance.

Right of Refusal of Service

Commitment

A stagiaire has the right to refuse service to any individuals who infringe on their personal safety, security or well-being (be that physical, mental, and/or emotional).

Purpose

Safety and security is paramount in creating an optimal environment for personal and professional development. No stagiaire should be subjected to a situation in which their personal safety, or security is compromised. This includes physical, mental, and emotional abuse from patrons.

Complaints Procedures

CAPS supports all students in their endeavor to pursue a safe learning and working environment. Students are encouraged to report any and all incidents that may infringe on the commitments set out in this Charter. Reporting is confidential and students will be provided with an alternate suitable placement. Any hours completed by the student will be honoured, and the student will not be required to obtain sign off, or to have any further interaction with their previous mentor. Please email president.on@sommelierscanada.ca and your concern will be addressed in a timely manner.

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Both preliminary exams will be at 1:00pm. The Ottawa preliminary exam will be held at the renovated Sommelier Lab at Algonquin College, 1385 Woodroffe Avenue. The Toronto preliminary exam will be at George Brown College, 215 King St East, 2nd floor. 

The top five will move on to the final competition.  Entrants must be members of CAPS Ontario, in good standing. Finalists will be notified by April 1, 2019.

Applications will be confirmed based on the Rules and Regulations for the competition (link below). All completed applications including an up to date CV and confirmation of employment can be sent to Alexandra Evans at evansa@rogers.com for approval.  

All sommelier competitors who enter the preliminaries receive complimentary access to the daytime program of the April 14th competition and are eligible to participate in the Wine Tasting Challenge (professional category). Tickets to the gala dinner can be purchased separately. Members of the public and wine enthusiasts are also invited to compete in the amateur category.  All participants in all events must be over 19 years of age. 

Tickets and More information | A link for the competition, including the Rules and Regulations, competitor registration, CAPS membership payment and tickets for the gala dinner can be found at - https://bosc2019.eventbrite.ca  Or visit BOSC2019.ca for more information.

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The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers - Ontario Chapter, invites you to the 2019 Annual General Meeting. 

Date: Monday, March, 4, 2019

Time:  3:30 PM Registration, Meeting and Voting.

Place: George Brown College, Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts, 300 Adelaide Street East 

Sound like you? Know someone who is awesome in the CAPS community? All the information you need to apply is right here! Complete the form on the following page and submit via email by 6:00pm EST,February 24, 2019

Call for Nominations and Nomination Form 2019

Accredited Sommeliers & CAPS members in good standing ONLY are open for nomination.

All student and Associate Members welcome. 

Questions: contact Michelle Paris, Vice President, Chair, Nominations Committee vicepresident.on@sommelierscanada.com using subject line: CAPS 2019-20 Nomination

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Since October 2018, the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) Ontario has partnered with Lifford Cannabis Solutions to introduce the community to learning about cannabis in monthly events entitled the Hospitality Sessions. Held on the third Wednesday of every month, the Hospitality Sessions have proven to be a hugely successful and wonderful learning experiences. Topics have included the Cannabis Cocktails with guest speaker the Cocktail Whisperer himself; Warren Bobrow.

The next instalment will be held at Lifford Wine & Spirits (471 Jarvis Street) on February 20th to learn more about how cannabis will impact the hospitality industry.

Join us before the Restaurants Canada Show for a Session focused on infused dining and natural wine, hosted by the Grape Witches and up-and-coming Chef Charlotte Langley. This event will feature a panel of all-star Toronto chefs experimenting with infused cuisine.

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Three CAPS sommeliers – one each from Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Ontario – will win a trip to The Vancouver International Wine Festival as CAPS sommelier ambassadors. Their assignment will be to share the experience of Canada’s biggest wine event with the sommelier and wine enthusiast community. One qualified CAPS (Ontario) certified sommelier member will win a trip to Vancouver to take part in The 2019 Vancouver International Wine Festival.

To enter, we’re asking you to write a brief essay to tell us why you would be a great sommelier ambassador to go to Vancouver for the event. The winning candidates will be asked to post about the experience via our CAPS publication crubycaps.ca and our social media channels. Why are you the perfect sommelier ambassador for the challenge? What would you hope to learn and what would you contribute to the event?

Tell us about yourself and why you deserve to win. Entries should be no longer than 350 words and should be sent to communications@on.sommelierscanada.ca (Ontario only address) Deadline for entering is January 31, 2019. NOTE: Receipt of your entry assumes you have read all rules and regulations and are in agreement.

FULL RULES AND REGULATIONS: Three CAPS sommeliers (one each from Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario) will win a trip to the 2019 Vancouver International Wine Festival as sommelier ambassadors. Entrants must be certified CAPS sommelier members in good standing with valid Canadian passports. Entrants must be available to attend the 2019 Vancouver International Wine Festival (Date range is Feb 26/27 – March 2/3 2019) Entrants must write an original essay of no more than 350 words about why they would be a great sommelier ambassador to attend the event.

The winning essay will be chosen by a panel of three CAPS board members. Each winning trip includes airfare, hotel and access to Canada’s biggest wine event, the Vancouver International Wine Festival. Entrant agrees to pay transportation to and from airports, personal hotel charges (mini-bar, other hotel charges) as well as any other additional personal expenses. Some meals will be provided. If, for reasons beyond their control, the entrant is unable to attend the event trip during the above dates, CAPS, in consultation with the Vancouver International Wine Festival, reserves the right to award the prize to a runner up or chosen designate OR to award the prize for the 2020 Vancouver International Wine Festival. The entrant agrees to notify CAPS immediately in the event of any change in their eligibility status in writing as soon as possible.

By entering, each candidate agrees to represent CAPS and the VIWF by creating social media and online content at the event and consents to the use of their name and likeness for all content published by CAPS and the Vancouver International Wine Festival (VIWF) in relation to this promotion. The entrant acknowledges that this content is the property of CAPS and the VIWF. CAPS and the VIWF also may publish the winning entries without restriction or additional compensation.

By entering, each candidate agrees to represent CAPS and the VIWF with professional integrity and upholding the highest standards of the sommelier profession in accordance with the laws of Canada. Neither CAPS nor the VIWF are responsible or liable for any unlawful behaviour, damage, untoward expense or similar consequences or actions caused by the participants in relation to this promotion. By entering the entrant agrees and consents that neither CAPS nor the VIWF is in any way liable or responsible for any injury, damage or additional expenses incurred due to any circumstances, delays or events during the course of this travel or promotion.

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