Our Instructors

As an Educator for the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS), Nabilah Rawji is dedicated to shaping the next generation of wine professionals. She challenges her students to translate their growing technical understanding of wine into practical, professional skill. Her philosophy draws directly from her decade-long tenure leading wine programs and her current pursuit of the Master Sommelier diploma. Between her work at the helm of Vinopath and her advocacy with Vinequity, Nabilah brings a pragmatic perspective to the classroom. She remains deeply invested in her students' progress, providing the ongoing mentorship and support they need to navigate their own paths to professional excellence.

"I believe all the wonderful moments and opportunities in wine start with curiosity. My goal as an educator is to help every student get curioser and curioser."

I am deeply passionate about wine and education, so being an educator for CAPS is truly an honour. The world of wine offers endless opportunities to learn, and every student learns in their own unique way. Sharing the knowledge I've gained through formal study, extensive travel to wine regions around the world, and more than 20 years in hospitality is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

My goal is to present information in a variety of ways so that every student has the opportunity to understand the material, develop critical thinking skills, and build confidence—not simply rely on rote memorization. I believe the best learning happens through conversation, exploration, and connecting theory to real-world experiences.

The time we spend together in the classroom discussing wine, our industry, and the ever-evolving market is a significant part of each candidate's success. Just as importantly, the camaraderie that develops among students often extends well beyond graduation. Watching those relationships grow into a supportive community has been incredibly rewarding.

One of the greatest privileges of being an educator is staying connected with former students to answer questions, share career opportunities, celebrate milestones, and simply catch up. Wine is built on relationships, and I believe learning should be, too.