New academy brings CAPS Ontario’s internationally recognized sommelier certification program directly to students, with Fall 2026 registration now open
The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) Ontario chapter has opened registration for the Fall 2026 cohort of its Certified Sommelier Program. Now run under the auspices of the new CAPS Ontario Sommelier Academy, classes begin September 14, 2026, marking the first year the program will be administered and delivered directly by CAPS Ontario, versus through delivery partner colleges.
Classes will be hosted at the Vintage Conservatory King Street location, in Toronto. Registration is now open at https://www.capsontario.ca/collections/caps-certified-sommelier-program.
Globally recognized program of sommelier certification
Since 2005, the program has certified more than 240 sommeliers, preparing wine professionals through rigorous, industry-led education and practical training. The 2026/2027 program comprises a total of 242 hours of in-person instruction across seven modules, covering sensory development and wine styles, methods of production, global wine regions (old and new world), spirits and other beverages, sommelier management, and a final certification examination.
The final exam tests theory, service (decanting, sparkling) and blind tasting components, to demonstrate the synthesis of program elements. Leading industry instructors, Nabilah Rawji, CMS Advanced Sommelier and Master Sommelier candidate, and Elizabeth Davies, CMS Certified Sommelier and WSET Diploma candidate, have updated the 2026-7 curriculum, and will lead the weekly classes. CAPS Ontario Board member, Elsa Macdonald, MW, serves as Education Director.
“Today’s launch announcement of CAPS Ontario’s delivery of the accreditation program through our new CAPS Ontario Sommelier Academy is hugely exciting and beneficial for consumers, wine students, as well as the hospitality industry as a whole,” said Macdonald. “The newly designed program is open to all wine enthusiasts, and the initial Sensory Development module is an easy yet compelling way to engage in an in-person wine tasting and educational experience, so as to gauge one’s interest in the full program,” she explained. “We encourage anyone with an interest in wine & spirits to join CAPS for the first module to develop their passion in a fun and hands-on environment.”
“I believe all the wonderful moments and opportunities in wine start with curiosity,” said Rawji. “My goal as an educator is to help every student get ‘curiouser and curiouser,’ while providing the ongoing mentorship and support students need to navigate their paths to professional excellence.”
“The world of wine offers endless opportunities to learn, and every student learns in their own way, added Davies. “My goal is to present information in a variety of ways so that each student can understand the materials, develop critical thinking skills, build confidence and develop a camaraderie that extends beyond the classroom. Wine is built on relationships, and I believe learning should be too.”
The one-year curriculum builds practical knowledge across tasting, theory, service, beverage management, and the operation of a professional wine program. Registration is now open for the full program, or for the first module: Sensory Development and Wine Styles, which serves as the foundational course and the prerequisite for the remaining six modules. The full-program tuition is Cdn $5,900 + HST, payable on registration. Monthly and module-by-module payment options are also available, with flexibility surcharges.
Key details for the 2026/2027 cohort
- Start: September 14, 2026 (Sensory Development and Wine Styles module)
- Format: In person, Mondays, 9 AM – 3:30 PM at the Vintage Conservatory, King Street, Toronto
- Length: Approximately one year, 242 hours across seven modules
- Investment: $5,900 + HST on registration; monthly and module-by-module options are available with flexibility surcharges
- Enrollment: First-registered, first-served; minimum 15 students per course
For more information or to register, visit www.capsontario.ca. Questions can be directed to CAPS Ontario’s education team at education@capsontario.ca.
