Become a member 
On Sunday March 8 the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) will be holding their national competition at Montecito in Toronto.
CAPS has existed for well over 25 years however this is the first time the Nationals are being held in Ontario – very exciting. It is important that as many industry people as possible participate to support the sommeliers in their efforts to achieve excellence in wine service for Canadians.
Here is the summary of what the ticket covers for the day ($150):
10:00am-1:00pm View 3 finalists in the Final Round of the competition.
1:00-2:00pm Grazing lunch prepared by Montecito and paired with wines from Tolaini Estate, Inniskillin and others
2:15-4:45pm Master classes:
2:15-3:15pm BC Wine Institute with Kurtis Kolt and Véronique Rivest
3:30-4:30pm Wines of Chile with John Szabo MS and guest, Ricardo Grellet, Chilean Association of Professional Sommelier
4:45–5:45pm Wine Country Ontario’s sparkling wine reception – speak with the winemakers
5:45-7:00pm Winners announced and wine gala – wine tasting paired with dinner from the Montecito Chef, prize draws and silent auction. The dinner is not a formal sit-down, but rather food stations, which allows maximum opportunity to mingle and network.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/best-sommelier-of-canada-competition-2015-tickets-15650633466
Master Class Information:
Since this is a Canadian Competition both the BC Wine Institute and Wine County Ontario are graciously sponsoring events (master Class and Sparkling tastings respectively). Next month the Best Sommelier of the Americas Competition will be held in Santiago, Chile (APAS PanAmerican Sommelier Alliance). In honour of that prestigious event, Wines of Chile are sponsoring a master class.
The Wines of British Columbia Master Class offers an exclusive opportunity for an in-depth exploration of not only history, geography, important varieties and wineries, but also a closer look at various sub-regions from Similkameen and Osoyoos to Peachland and Lillooet, along with the elements and issues that affect the current state of the British Columbia Wine Industry. BC wine educator, writer and consultant Kurtis Kolt, on behalf of the BC Wine Institute will present this educational overview along with a tutored tasting co-presented by renowned Canadian sommelier Véronique Rivest, through 8 BC VQA wines, from classic to contemporary styles, which illustrate the unique sense of place offered by BC VQA Wines.
Chile: Getting Down
Does the mention “Chilean wine” still conjure up the image of wood panelling and a tweed jacket? Times have changed. Join co head judges for CAPS Best Sommelier in Canada competition, Canadian John Szabo MS and Chilean Ricardo Grellet, in a Wines of Chile Masterclass that will examine how this conservative South American country has leaped from the 19th century directly into the 21st. Rampant experimentation, the rediscovery of “lost” varieties and ancient vines, innovative blends and intelligent perseverance are just some of the stories. A dozen wines will be poured to help tell the tale. An outsider was recently quoted as saying “Chileans look all structured and serious, even boring maybe, but there is a wild side to this culture”. So come prepared to lose your cravat, loosen the top button, and thrown on your red pants for this memorable tasting.”
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Elsa Macdonald
CAPS President, Ontario Chapter
National Competition Principal Sponsor:
Wine Country Ontario – winecountryontario.ca
National Competition Major Sponsors:
Banville & Jones – www.banvilleandjones.com
Tolaini Estate – www.tolaini.it/en/wines
Wines of Chile – www.winesofchile.org
Inniskillin – http://www.inniskillin.com/
Louis Martini – www.louismartini.com
Location Sponsors:
Montecito Restaurant – www.montecitorestaurant.ca
Hyatt Regency Toronto – www.torontoregency.hyatt.com
National Competition Supporters:
British Columbia Wine Institute – www.winebc.com
Eska – www.eskawater.com
Moët & Chandon – http://www.moet.com/
The Vine – thevineagency.ca
Treasury Wine Estates – www.tweglobal.com
Oenophilia – http://www.oenophilia.ca/
For sponsorship opportunities please contact president.on@sommelierscanada.ca or elsa.macdonald@cbrands.com (Elsa Macdonald)
