CAPS Canada/ACSP

In 2026, Vinexpo Americas evolves: expanding its scope and reinforcing its role as a true gateway to the entire continent. From North to South America, the Caribbean and beyond, the event brings together producers, buyers, and industry leaders shaping the future of our trade. 📍 Miami Beach Convention Center 📅 April 29–30, 2026 Over two days, expect • A curated selection of exhibitors reflecting key market trends • High-level networking with decision-makers across the Americas • A strong business-driven environment focused on sourcing and partnerships • The North American debut of Be Spirits and Be No, spotlighting spirits, RTDs, and no/low categories More than a trade show, Vinexpo Americas is a platform to build momentum across markets. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities, expanding distribution, or strengthening your network: this is where it happens! 🎟 CAPS members benefit from a complimentary badge. Use our promo code at registration to secure your access: VAM26PROMO 👉 Learn more and register now: link in bio. #capscanada #vinexpoamericas #vinexposiuminternational #winetrade #WineProfessionals A partnership with @vinexposium 🤝

CAPS Canada, in collaboration with @vinsdebourgogne is delighted to invite you to the in-person broadcast of Rendez-vous avec les vins de Bourgogne — Auxey-Duresses. Often overshadowed by its famous neighbour Meursault, Auxey-Duresses is one of Bourgogne’s quiet treasures: an appellation shaped by generations of dedicated winegrowers since 1937, and a landscape full of character and charm waiting to be discovered. This session features a deep dive into the appellation with Robin Kick MW, exploring its history, terroir, and producer perspectives, followed by a live online tasting and open Q&A with the winemakers. The webinar will be broadcast live in 5 cities across Canada, with 6 wines to taste on site. Contact your local CAPS chapter to participate and reserve your seat. 🍷 Unable to attend in person? You can still join online: find the registration link in our bio. #CAPSCanada #BourgogneWines #AuxeyDuresses #SommelierEducation #winetasting

From February 9–11, 2026, the international wine, spirits and no & low alcohol trade gathers in Paris for one of the industry’s most important business events, presented by @vinexposium . 🍷 Wine Paris 2026 will welcome 60,000 professionals from 155 markets, bringing together importers, distributors, buyers, sommeliers, educators and media: all under one roof. ✨ Exclusive benefit for CAPS members As members of CAPS, you are eligible for a FREE full-access badge to Wine Paris 2026, including Wine Paris, Be Spirits and Be No. Why attend? • A truly global crossroads for networking and business development • One badge, three shows, three days • A structured format designed to optimize meetings and sourcing • High-level conferences on the key issues shaping our industry 📍 Paris Expo – Porte de Versailles 📅 February 9–11, 2026 👉 Use your CAPS promo code to claim your free badge and join us in Paris. WP26PROMO Get your badge now! #linkinbio #vinexposiuminternational #capscanada #wineparis2026 #Vinexposium // partner news

From our table to yours, Happy Holidays from the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers ✨ May your season be filled with good company, great wines, and moments worth savoring. 🥂 ——— De notre table à la vôtre, Joyeuses Fêtes de la part de la Association canadienne des sommeliers professionnels ✨ Que cette période des Fêtes soit remplie de beaux moments, de belles bouteilles et de moments partagés en bonne compagnie. 🥂 #canadiansomm #canadiansommelier #sommelier

Want to join @tastingclimatechange next January… for free? Share how you’re making a difference for the planet in your work, and you could win a ticket! How to participate: Show us how you’re making a difference! Post on Instagram about one action you’re taking in your work — as a restaurateur, sommelier, agent, or other. Examples: - Restaurateur: highlight a sustainable or local wine list. - Sommelier: guide clients toward low–carbon footprint wines. - Agent: champion producers committed to sustainability. How to enter: - Tell your followers to register for the Tasting Climate Change conference. - Tag @tastingclimatechange in your post (photo or video) and in your story. We will announce 2 winners per province in January 2026. Each winner will receive a ticket to the international conference — either online or in person — taking place January 19–20, 2026, in Montreal, and also streamed live. Show your commitment and inspire your peers! — Vous voulez participer à Tasting Climate Change en janvier prochain…gratuitement ? Partagez comment vous contribuez à la protection de notre planète dans votre travail, et vous pourriez gagner un billet ! Comment participer : Montrez-nous comment vous faites la différence ! Publiez sur Instagram une action que vous entreprenez dans votre travail — que vous soyez restaurateur, sommelier, agent ou autre. Exemples: - Restaurateur : mise en avant d’une carte de vins durable ou locale. - Sommelier : vous orientez vos clients vers des vins à faible empreinte carbone. - Agent : vous valorisez des producteurs engagés dans la durabilité. Pour tenter votre chance: - Encouragez vos abonnés à s’inscrire à la conférence Tasting Climate Change. - Identifiez @tastingclimatechange dans votre publication (photo ou vidéo) et dans votre story. Nous annoncerons 2 gagnants par province au début janvier 2026. Chaque gagnant recevra un billet pour la conférence internationale — en ligne ou en personne — qui aura lieu les 19 et 20 janvier 2026 à Montréal, et qui sera également diffusée en direct. Démontrez votre engagement et inspirez vos collègues! #tastingclimatechange #capscanada #canadiansomm

The journey to the title of Master of Port Canada 2025 continues! 🍷 We’re thrilled to announce the five semi-finalists — sommeliers who’ve demonstrated outstanding knowledge and passion for Port. 🇵🇹🍇 Congratulations to @alexandra_gingersomm @alexandre.fortin_ @nathanghooper @jenn.e.book @fluidreflection 👏 Join us in raising a glass to their achievement as well as the participation of all the other quarter finalists 🍷❤️ @vinhosdodouroedoporto #MasterOfPortCanada #CAPSCanada #SommelierLife #PortWine #WineProfessionals #TasteOfPortugal #canadiansomm

Here are the candidates for the 2025 Master of Port competition. They’re visiting vineyards today and will be taking their exam tomorrow morning in Porto. We wish them all the best of luck! From @caps_ac : Maura Casey WSET Diploma, CMS certified Territory Manager, Breakthru Beverages, Your Best Cellar @maurainbev From @acspqc : Nathan Hooper CMS Advanced Sommelier Account Executive Lightspeed Hospitality @nathanghooper Alexandre Fortin Advanced Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommelier, WSET Lvl3 Occupation: F&B Director Bar jjacques, Chez Tao and Julio Taqueria @alexandre.fortin_ From @caps.ontario : Krystina Roman CMS Certified Sommelier, WSET Level 3 Sommelier + Wine eCommerce Manager George + Andrew Peller @winewithkrys From @capsmanitoba : Alexandra Allardyce CAPS Certified Sommelier, Member Dining Manager Manitoba Club @alexandra_gingersomm From @caps_alberta : David Nuttall Liquor Store Supervisor and Writer Craft Cellars Corrine Keadey DipWSET Wine Consultant, Educator, Journalist, Wine Club Buyer, Wine Judge 365 Days of Wine @corinnekeddie Jenny Book ISG Diploma, WSET Diploma Educator & Sommelier WSET, Calgary Stampede Premium Suites @jenn.e.book From @caps_bc : Peter Van de Reep CMS Advanced Sommelier L’Abattoir @peter_van Marc Joseph Smolinski CMA Sommelier/Beverage Director Vij’s Restaurant @fluidreflection

The adventure begins! Our Master of Port Canada quarter-finalists have arrived to Portugal — to explore the vineyards of the Douro Valley, learn from local producers, and taste the rich traditions behind every glass of Port. Boa viagem and cheers to an incredible week ahead! 🇵🇹🍇 @vinhosdodouroedoporto @peter_van @alexandre.fortin_ @nathanghooper @winewithkrys @maurainbev @alexandra_gingersomm @corinnekeddie @jenn.e.book @fluidreflection & David Nuttall

Cheers to the Canadian restaurants named among North America’s 50 Best Restaurants! 🇨🇦 From all of us at the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, we’re raising our glasses to your passion, creativity, and the unforgettable experiences you bring to the table. A very special congratulations as well to @vanya.filipovic , honoured with the North America’s Best Sommelier Award — a true inspiration for our community. And 👏 to Normand Laprise for the well deserved Icon Award. Santé to your success! @theworlds50best Bravo aux restaurants canadiens qui figurent parmi North America’s 50 Best Restaurants ! 🇨🇦 De la part de l’Association Canadienne des Sommeliers Professionnels, nous levons notre verre à votre passion, votre créativité et aux expériences inoubliables que vous offrez. Félicitations toutes particulières à @vanya.filipovic , qui a obtenu le North America’s Best Sommelier Award— une véritable source d’inspiration pour notre communauté. Et 👏 à Normand Laprise pour le Icon Award. Santé à cet immense succès !

Calling all Canadian Sommeliers – MASTER OF PORT Canada 2025-2026 🇨🇦🍷 Think you have what it takes to become Canada’s next Master of Port? Registration is now open for the competition, exclusively for active sommeliers and members of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers. 📍 Who can apply? * Active sommeliers, maîtres d’hôtel, head waiters, restaurateurs, wine store owners, or wine merchants (with a minimum 2 years’ experience). * Must be over 18 and a CAPS-ACSP member. * Past winners are not eligible. 📝 Exam Details: * Online exam: September 22, 2025, from 2:00–3:30pm EDT * 30 multiple-choice questions (1 point each) * 1 hour to complete (within the time slot) * No software required—just an internet connection * Top scorers from each CAPS chapter advance to the Quarterfinals in Porto, Portugal (Oct 12–16, 2025) ✈️ 📢 Don’t miss your chance to represent your chapter and showcase your expertise on the world stage! 👉 Take the exam here: flexiquiz.com/SC/N/mopcanada2025 Raise your glass, sharpen your skills, and claim your spot in the MASTER OF PORT journey. 🍷✨ #mopc2025 #masterofport #canadiansomm #somm

🍷 CAPS Canada Announcement 🍷 We’re thrilled to welcome Caroline Leblanc as the new President of CAPS Canada! Already President of the Quebec Chapter, Caroline brings a wealth of international wine experience, leadership, and passion for connecting people through wine. A huge thank you to Domer Rafael for his years of dedication and leadership as President. His commitment to education, competitions, and raising the profile of sommeliers across Canada has been invaluable. Please join us in congratulating Caroline @alittlesommthing and thanking Domer @domerrafael ! 🥂

Shiraz or Syrah: How do you approach the distinction on your wine list and with guests? Do you emphasize style, region, or simply language? Share a bottle that exemplifies your favorite expression. #capscanada #shiraz #syrah #sommelier