Board of Directors

Cokie Ponikvar, Website Director

Posted by Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers Ontario on

Cokie spends most of her time studying wine and sharing her experience onn her social media platform @cokiesworldofwine. Her past work experience as a floor somm includes Toronto's Four Seasons Hotel. Currently, she is studying History and English at the University of Toronto and the WSET Diploma. 

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Stephanie Guth, Vice President

Posted by Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers Ontario on

After completing an H.B.Comm with a focus in Hospitality Management at the University of Guelph she attended culinary school at George Brown College and spent years working as a cook in Toronto and Italy before enrolling in the CAPS program. Upon completing the CMS Certification she has worked as a sommelier in Canada, the UK and New Zealand. Having recently completed an MBA in Wine Marketing and Management at INSEEC in Bordeaux she is back in Toronto and working as the Portfolio Manager at The Living Vine. She is currently working towards her WSET Diploma.

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Heather McDougall, Technical Director

Posted by Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers Ontario on

Heather McDougall is a certified sommelier (International Sommelier Guild and WSET) who has spent the last decade honing her skills in both retail and restaurant settings. She completed her certifications in 2008 in Calgary and worked as a wine director (Rush, Model Milk and Vintage Chophouse) and as a buyer / sommelier in top boutique wine stores, including BIN 905 and Metrovino. Teaching and tasting have always been a large component in all of Heather's roles and continues to be since moving to Toronto. She has held the position of wine director at Splendido and The Chase and has been...

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Zach Prokop, Regional Director

Posted by Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers Ontario on

Long-time industry professional that started on the wine making side of the fence! After obtaining a degree in viticulture & oenology, Zach was given an opportunity to move into a sales role at a local Niagara winery. He transitioned into the Import side of the business & continued to work in sales until being promoted to Field Sales Manager & Grocery Manager. Relocating back to Niagara as of recent, Zach was Managing the entirety of the Nova Scotia market; along with sitting on the Board for CAPS Atlantic. Recently taken on a new role as National Portfolio Manager for Andrew Peller Imports;...

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Bruce Wallner, Education Director

Posted by Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers Ontario on

Bruce Wallner is a Master Sommelier and owner of Sommelier Factory, a wine education provider, and Grand Cru Deli in Toronto.

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