Basics of Pairing Wine with CAPS 2026

A welcoming introduction to wine tasting through the lens of British Columbia wine. We’ll explore a range of styles – from sparkling and rosé to crisp whites and structured reds – while covering the fundamentals of how to taste, what to look for, and how different wines can fit different menus and occasions. Designed with cooks and hospitality professionals in mind, the session will offer an approachable foundation for understanding wine while showcasing the quality, diversity, and value of choosing local BC producers.

Chris Rielly is a Hospitality veteran of over 30 years spanning a time from his humble roots in the West Kootenays as a dishwasher and pizza delivery driver, to a stint in Mexico bartending, before arriving to Vancouver in 1992. For the last 8 years Chris has been the Wine Director for the Hawksworth Restaurant Group, and Vice President of Caps BC. Chris was Awarded Best Sommelier at the 2025 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, as well the wine Programs at both Hawksworth and Nightingale have earned multiple awards from the Vancouver International Wine Festival for it’s Wine Lists, and Wine Service. As Vice President of CAPS BC, he volunteers alongside outstanding wine professionals in a non-profit organization providing professional development and educational opportunities to wine, culinary and hospitality professionals in British Columbia (that includes you chefs!).

CAPS Mission Statement:

We are a community of sommeliers and hospitality professionals who believe the future of our craft is built on connection, education, and excellence.
Our mission is to:

Grow together by sharing knowledge and opportunities that elevate every stage of the sommelier journey.

Honour tradition while shaping the next chapter of hospitality with curiosity, creativity, and respect.

Bridge worlds by connecting sommeliers with winemakers, agents, retailers, chefs, and communities, creating spaces where collaboration thrives.

Inspire culture through events, service, and storytelling that make wine and spirits more vibrant, inclusive, and relevant.

Pursue excellence not as a title, but as a practice—raising the standard of what it means to serve, teach, and lead.