Join us for Salut!

Please join us on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 for Salut!—an elegant evening of exceptional wine, thoughtfully paired cuisine, and inspiring stories of impact.

Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner paired with a curated selection of Ontario VQA wines, guided by Head Sommelier James Bertrand alongside Co-Head Sommelier Marie-France Champagne. Together, they will lead an engaging tasting experience designed to delight seasoned wine lovers and curious newcomers alike.

This year, Salut! will be held at the Brookstreet Hotel, offering a beautiful and convenient setting for the evening. With complimentary underground parking, sweeping views, and a comfortable, accessible location, Brookstreet provides the perfect backdrop to gather our Dream Launcher community and celebrate the futures you help make possible.

Throughout the evening, a dedicated team of volunteer sommeliers will be on hand to share their expertise, answer questions, and enhance your appreciation of each pairing—ensuring a night filled with connection, discovery, and enjoyment.

Our emcee for the evening will once again be Sam Laprade, Ottawa radio and television veteran and host of An Hour to Give, airing weekly on Rogers TV and Country 101.1 FM. Sam will guide us through the program and help spotlight one of CAFO’s most impactful initiatives, the Dare to Dream Bursary.

You will hear directly from a former youth in care and Dare to Dream recipient, sharing how this bursary has helped remove barriers to post-secondary education and open the door to a meaningful future.

Proceeds from Salut! support children and youth involved with the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa, helping launch dreams through education and opportunity.

Give the gift of education—register today.

Head Sommelier: James Bertrand

James Bertrand, a graduate of the Algonquin College Sommelier Program, is a wine event and touring specialist with over 25 years of experience.

As the Algonquin College Wine Tour Director, James worked with wineries in Niagara and the Okanagan, where he sharpened his wine pairing skills organizing tour dinners and lunches at wineries and restaurants in wine country. During this time he learned about the unique characteristics of the "Wine Country Dinner". 

James also served as the President of the National Capital Sommelier Guild, Coordinator for the Food and Wine Show Tutored Tastings, Judge and Organizer for the Cellars of the World, and Panel Member for the Vines Guide to Canadian Wines. 

As a former contact employee of the Children's Aid Society of Ottawa, James is deeply commited to supporting the Children's Aid Foundation of Ottawa and their goals.

Co-Head Sommelier: Marie-France Champagne

Marie-France is a sommelier and educator with over a decade of expertise across wines, spirits, and sake—and a passion for storytelling. 

Her philosophy is simple: "Make great beverages accessible, engaging, and unforgettable."

She is the Program Coordinator for the Sommelier and Bartending Programs at Algonquin College, where she mentors the next generation of hospitality professionals.

Her leadership extends to community organizations as well, with long-standing involvement in the National Capital Sommelier Guild as Vice-President and Head Judge for the Cold Climate Wine Awards.

Marie-France is the founder of Champagne & Wines, an event and consulting company providing tasting experiences to private and corporate clients.