Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers | Ontario Chapter » Blog

We’ve Launched A New CAPS Ontario Site – April 2022

Roman, Krystina — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 15:05:53 +0000

New season, new site. We’ve been working hard to serve our Sommelier community and it was about time to update our site to make it easier for our members and host events.

If looking to become a member, find out more information about being a Sommelier, or participate in our events please visit our brand new shiny site: https://on.sommelierscanada.ca/

Thank you for supporting CAPS Ontario, the hospitality industry and welcome to the Sommunity.

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Hiring – Looking for …

Admin, Membership — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 19:30:19 +0000

We’ve been receiving requests to post job openings for organizations looking to hire sommeliers and service staff. This was an answer. Below you will find links to groups looking to hire. For the first couple of months this service will be free. We’ve all been through too much. It’s time to get back to work.

CAPS doesn’t vet the positions nor the hiring process. We aim to be a safe place. It’s up to the applicants to follow the instructions – this is a list. With links to jobs. Across the province. As Jobs come in – they will be added to the top.

Key Accounts Coordinator –

Nicholas Pearce Wines Inc. is searching for a certified sommelier to fill a newly developed role within the agency. Our new Key Accounts Coordinator will work in-house at NPW to help support some of the most exciting wine programs across the province, but primarily focused in the GTA. A deep knowledge of our portfolio, the local and international wine industry and its key players are essential. Plus, a passion for restaurants, hospitality and customer service will ensure success. for more information refer to: https://www.npwines.com/#6-insta-feed or email: ashley@npwines.com

Operations Coordinator – PSM - Do you love culture, food, & wine? Predhomme Strategic Marketing (PSM) is a boutique digital marketing and events company growing its team and operations. The operations coordinator position is your opportunity to work with the top team and partners in the wine and food industries within a growing company. We are looking for a motivated, focused, detail-oriented, & skilled operations coordinator to be part of our team! apply directly to: will@predhomme.ca or through indeed:

https://ca.indeed.com/job/operations-coordinator-a4acd2de0ffdd26f

Middle8 is a new cocktail / wine bar in Yorkville, (sibling to The Oxley) which offers high quality hospitality experience within a casual setting and atmosphere through the experience of the staff of both FOH and BOH. They are looking for servers with at least 3 years experience with a strong and developing knowledge or passion for food with a focus on wine , who can hold their own within a busy environment. contact: andrew@broadclothhospitality.com

The York Club, Downtown Toronto – one of the most phenomenal cellars in the city – is currently looking for a Sommelier. - https://ca.indeed.com/m/viewjob?jk=63ca2726ee905d47&from=serp&prevUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fca.indeed.com%2Fm%2Fjobs%3FsameQ%3D1%26q%3DSommelier%26l%3DToronto%252C%2BON%26from%3DsearchOnSerp

Meglomaniac Winery, 3930 Cherry Avenue, Vineland, Ontario is looking for new restaurant and tasting tours staff – needed ASAP – contact Colleen Petrick (289) 801-5294 or email Cpetrick@megalomaniacwine.com

for more information:

https://megalomaniacwine.com

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Skills to Pay the Bills – Part 2 – the Recordings

Admin, Membership — Wed, 12 May 2021 22:09:21 +0000

Thank you to everyone who joined CAPS Ontario for the Skills to Pay the Bills Webinars on May 3 – 6, 2021. We had a great turnout and of course are grateful to our guests.

On May 3rd – we hosted Resume Writing and Interview Skills

Hosted by Paige McIntyre with special guests Michelle Ratzlaff of Nicolas Pearce Wines, James Peden of the Liberty Entertainment Group and Lorie O’Sullivan from Two Sister Winery and formerly from the Ritz Carleton this was a lively discussion of a professional job search.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rEb4JwilUfHbydzmGi56GK0w5sOa7tlT/view?usp=sharing

On May 4th we hosted Mental Health and You -

Hosted by Lynn Abernethy with special guests Dr. Paula Ravitz, Hassel Aviles from Not 9 to 5, and Arianne Persaud from the Toronto Restaurant Workers Relief Fund this was a sensitive dive into current mental health.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k7XJixksSZLTUzshx2Zucdb3979bY4nn/view?usp=sharing

We also included a handout for this session with important links and tips.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d0_Tgcjm6nkOPB7y47O4gIe6p0JYeJzn/view?usp=sharing

On May 5th we hosted Optimizing Your Social Media

Hosted by Renee Sferrazza with special guests Angela Aiello aka SuperWineGirl, Mackenzie Putici from New World Tours, and Miroki Tong activist and recovering performer on how to get your name and brand into the world.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yxu95ELiIQyvfRjC4V6t0HgYcu_9m3Ul/view?usp=sharing

On May 6th we hosted Mentoring and Networking

Hosted by mentor extraordinaries Krystina Roman with special guests Charlotte Big Canoe from the Full Plate, Debbie Shing from VinEquity and Quvé, and Bernard Joseph Lemoyne from Ottawa’s Atelier Restaurant on the role of mentoring in their careers. How to be the best mentor and mentee you can be.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16d7vfD2RbrgV09jKcHLhOyZBmVCMonlT/view?usp=sharing

Thanks again for joining!

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CAPS and the Rioja Wine Academy – Webinar

Admin, Membership — Sun, 02 May 2021 17:15:31 +0000

On Monday, April 26th, CAPS Ontario was delighted to welcome Ana Fabiano and participants from across Canada to initiate the Rioja Wine Academy in Canada.

To revisit the wonderful learning experience – check out the webinar.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cgwm6qD0H-bTuSbWB_hHYJeKr0J7gsME/view?usp=sharing

CAPS Canada members can use the passcode: CAN-CAP-003-21-5-M2 to become Rioja Ambassadors.

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Skills to Pay the Bills – Part 2

Admin, Membership — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 16:08:23 +0000

https://capsskillstopaythebills.eventbrite.ca

The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, Ontario Chapter aka CAPS Ontario is delighted to return to Skills to Pay the Bills – an informative and casual learning experience in the comfort of home. This year we’re hosting four special sessions on topics that will move us into summer and out of lockdown.

May 3 – 11AM – Resume Writing & Interview Skills

We’ll be focusing on Resume Writing and Interview Skills with hosted by Paige McIntyre with industry professional Michelle Ratzlaff along with hospitality professionals James Peden and Lorie O’Sullivan.

May 4 11AM – Mental Health & You

Our Mental Health and You session will be hosted by sommelier Tess Krossing-Masse with guest panelists psychiatrist Dr. Paula Ravitz and Hassel Aviles from Not 9 to 5 and special guests who’ll include some positive solutions to assist you.

May 5 – 11AM – Develop your Social Media

We’ll learn more about your Developing Your Social Media with CAPS Ontario’s own social media guru Reneé Sferazza with Super Wine Girl Angela Aiello, New World Wine Tours Mackenzie Putici and business manager, producer and activist Miroki Tong.

May 6 – 11AM – Mentoring, Networking + Accessibility

Join us for Mentoring, Networking + Accessibility starring Kystina Roman with panelists Debbie Shing from CAPS, Vin Equity & Quve, Bernard Lemoyne from Ottawa’s Atelier Restaurant and Charlotte Big Canoe from the Full Plate. They’ll review networking best practices to enable your career + business growth.

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CAPS and The Rioja Wine Academy

Admin, Membership — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 15:50:23 +0000

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/caps-the-rioja-wine-academy-tickets-150103827589

CAPS & The Rioja Wine Academy - on Eventbrite.ca

CAPS Canada invites you to join an informative session on The Rioja Wine Academy and explorative discussion about Rioja Blanco. CAPS is pleased to welcome Ana Fabiano, Advocacy Ambassador, Rioja DOCa & The Rioja Wine Academy. Ana will be joined by 5 CAPS Rioja Academy Ambassadors, representing each of CAPS’ regional chapters including: Lesley Quinn (Atlantic), Kler-yann Bouteillier (Quebec), Colleen Petrick (Ontario), Linda Villagos (Manitoba) and Todd Prucyk (British Columbia).

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Special Offer – Femmes du Vin – Spring Webinar Series

Admin, Membership — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 15:37:11 +0000

As a special bonus to CAPS Ontario members – the Femmes du Vin team is offering you all access to participate in their 2021 Spring Webinar Series. If you can at all please consider donating to their Scholarship Fund in a pay what you can donation basis but as a CAPS member they are offering you all access to all four Webinars – April 22, April 29, May 13 and May 20). Links are below. https://www.femmesduvin.org/events

In collaboration with the Femme du Vin Board, sponsors, moderators and panellists they have developed four 90-minute seminars surrounding their 2021 Educational Pillars of safety, sustainability and success. As always, they strive to provide content that is both interesting and accessible.

You will have to copy and paste each link into a new window.

April 21, 2021 – 2:00PM Honouring the Earth Through Sustainable Agriculture and Wineries

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89175717506?pwd=UEZ4U2R5endaQmtiWHBHQ1dwNGFudz09

Passcode: 456433

Or One tap mobile :
Canada: +16475580588,,89175717506#,,,,*456433# or +17789072071,,89175717506#,,,,*456433#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
Canada: +1 647 558 0588 or +1 778 907 2071 or +1 204 272 7920 or +1 438 809 7799 or +1 587 328 1099 or +1 647 374 4685
Webinar ID: 891 7571 7506
Passcode: 456433
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbY1rqekiv

——————————

Apr 29, 2021 2:00 PM Climbing the Wine Marketing Ladder: California Style

You may need to copy and paste the link below to join the webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81016126530?pwd=TVl0RW5GL05vRjkwWXYyZ0FtelZzUT09
Passcode: 272447

Or One tap mobile :
Canada: +12042727920,,81016126530#,,,,*272447# or +14388097799,,81016126530#,,,,*272447#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
Canada: +1 204 272 7920 or +1 438 809 7799 or +1 587 328 1099 or +1 647 374 4685 or +1 647 558 0588 or +1 778 907 2071
Webinar ID: 810 1612 6530
Passcode: 272447
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kiCz9DoGD

——————–

May 13, 2021 02:00PM -- Femmes du Vin – The Power of Pink

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84557762762?pwd=R20yQ0Jrd01DU29NamdzVE9NWC9Ldz09
Passcode: 224836

Or One tap mobile :
Canada: +16475580588,,84557762762#,,,,*224836# or +17789072071,,84557762762#,,,,*224836#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
Canada: +1 647 558 0588 or +1 778 907 2071 or +1 204 272 7920 or +1 438 809 7799 or +1 587 328 1099 or +1 647 374 4685
Webinar ID: 845 5776 2762
Passcode: 224836
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kKANShDgO

——————–

When: May 20, 2021 02:00 PM – The Wine Ecosystem - What Is Old Is New Again

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82035844018?pwd=YXBtNU9LKy9UcTQ2bmhLUnIyRlJhdz09

Passcode: 442230

Or One tap mobile :
Canada: +15873281099,,82035844018#,,,,*442230# or +16473744685,,82035844018#,,,,*442230#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
Canada: +1 587 328 1099 or +1 647 374 4685 or +1 647 558 0588 or +1 778 907 2071 or +1 204 272 7920 or +1 438 809 7799
Webinar ID: 820 3584 4018
Passcode: 442230
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kS7Xc2s3I

(After April 21, passes will include tickets to remaining seminars in the series.)

The post Special Offer – Femmes du Vin – Spring Webinar Series appeared first on Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers | Ontario Chapter.

Internship Alert – Le Vieux Pin and Lastella

Admin, Membership — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 14:39:32 +0000

Le Vieux Pin winery and Lastella winery are two boutique wineries from the South Okanagan, BC, Canada. The two wineries have upwards of 80 acres of prime vineyards in Oliver’s Golden Mile and Black Sage Bench, as well as the Osoyoos Lake district. In their commitment to excellence, LaStella and Le Vieux Pin practice low input viticulture and sustainable farming, employing deficit irrigation to achieve low yields and complex, concentrated flavors in their grapes. Both wineries are producing ultra-premium wines and every step of the process is detailed oriented from the vineyard to the bottle.

We are looking for a harvest cellar hand position to join our team of passionate people during the 2021 harvest and to work at both locations.

The candidate will have to deal with the following duties under the supervision of the winemaker:

Help sort the grapes on the sorting lines
Perform pump overs, delestage, pigeage daily
Help with other various winemaking tasks
Maintain a perfectly clean working environment

The candidate needs to :

Be hands on with some period of high activity
Handle physical work
Manage and organize his/her time according to the direction given by the winemaker
Show a high degree of organization skills and attention to details
Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrate a team spirit while being able to work on its own
Respect the hygiene and safety procedures
Have a positive and enthusiastic attitude and be willing to learn

The applicant needs to have a valid driver’s license.

Salary will be based on experience.

How To Apply

Interested? Send your resume and a cover letter by April 30^th 2021 to severine@enotecca.ca Attn: Severine Pinte ***No phone calls please ***Successful applicants will be notified for an interview.

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Meet the Nominees – AGM, March 23

Admin, Membership — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 16:04:12 +0000

The CAPS Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be conducted virtually on March 23^rd 2021 via Zoom. All CAPS Ontario members in good standing will receive an email with details on how to attend.

Each year the CAPS board puts out a call for nominations for members to join the board to replace outgoing members who have served their term. This year four CAPS members have put their name forward for the two positions on the CAPS Ontario board.

The nominees are listed alphabetically by last name. Each nominee was asked to prepare a short bio for voting members to assist them in making an informed decision when voting.

As in the past years, the election will be conducted using electionrunner.com . This year you are also being asked to approve the new bylaws. CAPS – in progress v6 Please review and approve on the ballot the changes in red. The green ink indicates changes that the Board has already approved.

CAPS Ontario Accredited members who are eligible to vote will receive an email several days before March 23^rd with a secure link to cast their vote.

Sincerely,

Gary Killops

CAPS Vice President – Chair of the Election Committee

The Nominees are:

Manuel Gonzalez

Dear CAPS members,

My name is Manuel Gonzalez and I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. My journey with wine began in 2015 when I decided that this was going to be my area of study. I graduated as a CAPS certified sommelier the following year.

In 2018, I successfully completed the CMS exam finishing with the highest grade overall and was thus awarded the Walter Clore Scholarship.

My experience includes a rewarding stage position at one of Ontario’s notable restaurants, Quatrefoil, under the supervision of Jose Luis Fernandez, 2019 winner of Best Ontario Sommelier presented by CAPS.

I currently hold the Head Sommelier position at Treadwell Cuisine in Niagara-on-the-Lake where owner, restauranteur and fellow sommelier, James Treadwell and I manage the Two Glass- Best of Award of Excellence beverage program.

I would like to become a member of the CAPS Board of Directors to aid in making significant contributions to our local wine industry. As an active working sommelier, I am a firsthand witness to areas in need of development. I am interested in expanding the CAPS program in such a way that it is viewed by other wine professionals as a program with world-class standards.

Ashley Martin

Ashley Martin is a CAPS certified sommelier with more than a decade of experience working in the beverage alcohol industry.

In her current role she develops and facilitates consumer-facing wine tasting workshops, training seminars for industry professionals, and writes a monthly wine review newsletter called Somm Wine Picks.

She wants to die with a glass of Krug in one hand and a fried chicken drumstick in the other and, if she could, she’d bottle Riesling as a perfume.

Along with her deep knowledge and passion for wine and spirits, Ashley brings curiosity and interest to all facets of the business of beverage-alcohol.

In the midst of building her career in the industry, Ashley is deeply invested in the future of wine both in Canada and abroad. And, as a believer in lifelong learning, the value of mentorship, and the art of good old-fashioned hospitality, Ashley hopes to be at your service as the next CAPS board member!

James Russell Peden

James Peden is the wine director for the Liberty Entertainment Group in Toronto and is responsible for the wine and beverage programs at all 7 properties including BlueBlood Steakhouse in Casa Loma, and three Cibo Wine Bars.

Prior to this James worked as the Head Sommelier at Treadwell Farm-to-Table in Niagara-on-the-Lake. During this time, James curated a list with over 150 VQA wines and developed strong relationships with wineries and winemakers in the Niagara Peninsula. This strong attachment to Niagara is why he decided to run for the CAPS board as an ambassador for the region.

After passing the Advanced Sommelier exam on his first attempt in 2019, James is now preparing to challenge the Master Sommelier exam in 2021. James plans to design and host masterclasses and webinars to allow CAPS members to continue their education. He lives in Grimsby with his wife Kim.

Colleen Petrick

Resides: Niagara on the Lake, On

Since 1995, I have been involved in the hospitality industry, starting with Canoe (O & B), then my own restaurant (Biondo Pazzo) and catering company, and then various consulting contracts with Oliver & Bonacini, Baton Rouge and other small restaurants. During this time, I had tremendous opportunities to create menus and wine lists, and taste many wines which certainly gave me the “wine bug”.

I always wanted to become a Sommelier. It was not until later in my career with Vintage Hotels that I decided to take that next step and enroll in CAPS at Niagara College. After successfully graduating as a Certified Sommelier from that program in 2018, I enrolled in CMS to further my wine education. I graduated as a Certified Sommelier through CMS in 2019 with hopes of pursuing the Advanced Program (delayed due to Covid.)

I originally joined the CAPS Ontario Board in 2018 and was involved in many important events such as Best Sommelier of Ontario and Niagara College CAPS Information Nights. As a Sommelier, I was fortunate to win the Niagara on the Lake Ice Wine Cocktail competition in 2019

I feel fortunate to live in Canada’s Napa of the North and I take full advantage of it. I have established excellent relationships with many wineries and winemakers in the region and hope to establish a Niagara wine tour business with a focus on wine education to industry professionals and wine loving tourists.

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CAPS Ontario AGM – March 23, 2021

Admin, Membership — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 21:52:19 +0000

Nominations are now open to join the CAPS Ontario Board – We want YOU! And we need your opinion.

CAPS Ontario is currently looking for two (2) members to join the Board. Here’s the nomination package.

Call for Nominations and Nomination Form 2021 -

If you or someone you know might be interested in joining our group – we’d be happy to hear from you. Download the form, fill it out and submit to Gary Killops at vp@on.sommelierscanada.ca before February 7th, 2021. We need at least ONE accredited sommelier. We are allowed to have three non-sommelier board members and we have one position open here as well. You must be an accredited sommelier or an associate member in good standing with CAPS to be considered.

CAPS – in progress v6

We also have taken some time to rework some of our bylaws. If you are an accredited sommelier and member you are being asked to approve the revised bylaws. Please review the attached document. The items in red ink are the changes we need your approval to enact. As a board, we approved the items in green ink in December 2020.

The short version of the red changes is that our three, incredibly hard-working and talented non-sommelier board members can vote during our regular board meetings but can not vote at the AGM. We don’t think that this is fair and would like you to assist us in approving this change.

We’ll be running the AGM on a virtual platform this year. If you are already a CAPS Ontario Accredited Sommelier Member – please await further instructions. If you need to renew – you can do that under the Membership tab.

See you on March 23rd. And as always – if you have questions – please email Lynn at president.on@sommelierscanada.ca

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