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.

The post We’ve Launched A New CAPS Ontario Site – April 2022 appeared first on Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers | Ontario Chapter.

It’s that time of year again – get ready for the CAPS Ontario Annual General Meeting to be held at SIPS Toronto’s office at 20 Maud Street and on Zoom. Link to follow.

If you are interested in becoming a Board Member or would like to nominate someone for consideration, please complete the form on the following page and submit via email by 6:00pm EST, February 6^th, 2022 to Gary Killops, Chair, Nominations Committee (vp@on.sommelierscanada.ca) using subject line: CAPS 2022-23 Nomination Form

Call-for-Nominations-and-Nomination-Form-2022-23

The post Nominations Open – CAPS AGM – March 22, 2022 appeared first on Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers | Ontario Chapter.

We would like to once again congratulate Pier-Alexis Soulière, winner of the Best Sommelier of Canada 2020 Competition, organized by the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) Canada.

CAPS Canada stages this prestigious competition every three years as part of its mandate to promote the profession through organization and participating in provincial, national and international sommelier competitions. Not only does this competition award the title of Best Sommelier of Canada, it also determines who will represent CAPS at the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) Best Sommelier of the World contest, to be held next in Paris, France, in 2023.

ASI international competitions include contenders from 58 member associations, who are rigorously evaluated on both their theoretical knowledge and practical skills. In selecting representatives to compete in international competitions, CAPS adheres to the ASI competition guidelines, including the requirement that candidates compete in two languages.  All CAPS Canada competition contenders sign an agreement to abide by the ASI guidelines prior to participating in the competition. This practice is intended to ensure fairness for all participants and to respect the efforts of our members, associates and partners.

Regarding this year’s Best Sommelier of Canada competition, one of the three finalists refused to compete in their second language, in disagreement with the ASI Guidelines. The CAPS Canada board has chosen finalist Matthew Landry from BC and the fourth place finalist Hugo Duschene from Quebec to compete at the Best Sommelier of the Americas to be held in February, 2022. The third place finalist retains their placement and prizes.

We would like to thank Wine Growers BC and the rest of our sponsors for making the competition a success. In service to our membership, a huge amount of expense and volunteer work goes into the organization of this event every three years.  The competition portion alone requires more than 500 volunteer hours. Thank-you to everyone involved for their time, skills and hard work.

CAPS is a national, independent, non-profit organization for sommeliers, wine service professionals, hospitality workers and wine enthusiasts alike.

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For further information please contact:

Domer Rafael, CAPS Canada President, CAPSCanadaPres@gmail.com

Caroline LeBlanc, CAPS Canada VP, President ACSP/CAPS Quebec, president@acsp.quebec

Mark Taylor, CAPS British Columbia President, info@bc.sommelierscanada.ca

Sean Dolenuck, CAPS Manitoba President, ManitobaCAPS@gmail.com

Lynn Abernethy, CAPS Canada Secretary, CAPS Ontario President, president.on@sommelierscanada.ca

Paul Doucette, CAPS Atlantic President, president@atlantic.sommelierscanada.ca

En Français: Caroline LeBlanc, CAPS Canada VP, President ACSP/CAPS Quebec, president@acsp.quebec

The post Best Sommelier of Canada Competition – update appeared first on Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers | Ontario Chapter.

Sunshine is abundant and warms the ground. Summers are hot and dry and the Mistral wind blows through the region and cleans up the air. This is the kind of Mediterranean climate where the vines destined to producing Côtes du Rhône wines are growing. Located between Vienne and Avignon, the appellation covers some 30,000 hectares and includes 171 communes where the wines are made. Despite the southern climate present in the whole region, numerous microclimates coexist, giving some 34 different varieties the possibility of flourishing on a multitude of different soils. This is what gives birth to a whole range of wines with diverse tones ranging from opulent to elegant and from warming to refreshing.

With spring in the air and summer just around the corner, easy-drinking wines with a good dose of freshness are a particularly great way to raise a toast to brighter days. The region’s rosés are a perfect apéro, especially when they come from more northern parts of the appellation like the villages of Valréas or Visan, where elegance and finesse are definitely part of the signature. While many varieties are authorized, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre are generally the core elements of these rosés. They offer great pairings with summer salads, ceviches and salmon or tuna tartares. Recommended serving temperature is between 8 and 10°C, to optimize their thirst-quenching qualities.
 
While Côtes du Rhône wines show amplitude and a rich texture, a pleasant touch of bitterness on the finish also gives the wines a lovely mouthwatering quality. There is a long list of white varieties available, and blends vary significantly from one area and one producer to the next. But as we’re focusing on freshness, good examples of this character in white Mediterranean varieties come from the likes of Bourboulenc, with its floral aromas; Clairette, with its finesse, notes of linden and peach and slight bitterness, as well as Ugni Blanc with its bright acidity. With its rocky soils made of limestone scree, Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun is a distinctive example. Clairette is a big part of local blends and the wines showcase remarkable elegance and minerality, with a chalky texture. It’s a natural match for shellfish such as scallops or delicate fish such as halibut. Recommended serving temperature is the same as for rosés: it moderates the warming sensation of alcohol levels that are often between 13 and 14%.
 
Freshness is also a signature of many reds. Simple, fruity and easy-going red Côtes du Rhône, most often made from a high percentage of Grenache, are a great match for ratatouille and grilled chicken. They often benefit from being served with a slight chill, around 15-16°C. You can easily cool them down by setting them in a bucket of ice and cold water for about twenty minutes. For more complexity and depth, as well as elegance, Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret, an appellation located just below the beautiful Dentelles de Montmirail, is worth seeking out. The wines are mainly made of Grenache, complemented by Syrah and Mourvèdre. The diversity of soils (the fertile terraces of the Ouvèze valley, the clay-limestone hillsides surrounding the village, and the poorer, drier soils found on some arid, steep slopes) allow the vignerons to create complex, balanced and refreshing wines.
 
Although the Côtes du Rhône are wrapped in a generally warm and dry climate, the wide range of terroirs and grape varieties gives the vignerons opportunities to create wines that have a sunny disposition, but are also fresh and easy-drinking. The list of appellations that show this character is much longer than what is mentioned here. To explore Rhône appellations in all their nuances, visit the Côtes du Rhône website at cotesdurhone.com. Detailed information will allow you to find the wines you need to carry through the hot days of the coming months with a splash of freshness. Santé!

The post Fresh Like the Rhone appeared first on Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers | Ontario Chapter.

Welcome to CAPSTONE CALIFORNIA WINE CERTIFICATION

CAPSTONE is the most comprehensive on-line resource platform exploring California Wines offering four levels of study: Introductory; Intermediate; Advanced; and Expert/Ambassador and is the “Gold Standard” of region/country-specific wine education programs.

Level 1 was launched with a free webinar in May 2021 and participantsreceived access to level 1 free. California Wines also awarded 10 full scholarships to the Ambassador program (two per chapter) with a value of $6000 USD and trip to California.

CAPS Ontario is ecstatic to announce that the two winners of this program including a trip to California are Jose Luis Fernandez and Paul Aquino. The scholarship committee awarded a third scholarship to Manuel Gonsalez for his sensitiveapplication. 

To watch the webinar please go to: https://wineinstitute.zoom.us/rec/share/50voXagusP9W2MvraCiNOCvtO72AWLRpRN09QOHKD7ek-X9v315PwuOxQgaOYR5K.7GA2ld_P9CDog1JV?startTime=1622483964000

CAPS Members were given free access to the Level 1 – Introductory. If you haven’t already registered please do so at: https://tinyurl.com/ram2jakc

Now that you have enrolled in the program, we are encouraging you all to spend a bit of time investing in the program so that you can complete LEVEL 1 ($175 USD value) in a timely manner.

For those of you who have completed the first part of the journey towards becoming a California Wines Certified Ambassador, we are thrilled!  For your efforts, we would like to thank and reward you by providing  a link to Level II for all of you! Here it is:

https://tinyurl.com/capslevel2

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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

The post Hiring – Looking for … appeared first on Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers | Ontario Chapter.

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!

The post Skills to Pay the Bills – Part 2 – the Recordings appeared first on Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers | Ontario Chapter.

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.

The post CAPS and the Rioja Wine Academy – Webinar appeared first on Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers | Ontario Chapter.

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.

The post Skills to Pay the Bills – Part 2 appeared first on Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers | Ontario Chapter.

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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