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PODCAST

Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine

Alex Abbott Boyd

Hosted by Toronto-based sommelier Alex Abbott Boyd, Tasting Notes Toronto explores the personal and professional stories behind the people shaping the city’s food and wine scene. We talk about the real work behind the scenes — from first jobs and turning points to running restaurants and shaping wine programs. If you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes of hospitality and the people who drive it, this is the show for you.

arts food

All Episodes

49:55

Julie Garton – Crafting World-Class Wine Lists and...

Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine ·

2025/11/11

In this episode, I sit down with Julie Garton, a sommelier and hospitality professional, to discuss her journey in the wine and hospitality industry. Jules shares her experiences from studying film theory to working across across the world, including in Asia, Australia, and the UK, ultimately landing in Toronto. She emphasizes the importance of creating a wine list that benefits the restaurant and pleases the guests, rather than solely reflecting personal preferences. Jules also highlights

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62:04

Scott Vivian and Nate Middleton — Beast Pizza, An...

Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine ·

2025/10/28

In this episode of Tasting Notes Toronto, I sit down with Scott Vivian and Nate Middleton, co-owners of Beast Pizza in Toronto. They discuss their journey into the culinary world, the inspiration and challenges behind running a unique pizza restaurant with a fine dining twist, and their dedication to creativity and hospitality. The conversation covers Scott and Nate's background, their approach to whole animal dinners, the transition to Beast Pizza during the pandemic, and their plans for a

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53:01

Celia Méndez — From Tenerife to Canary Counter,...

Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine ·

2025/10/14

In this episode, I sit down with Celia Mendez, founder of Toronto's newest wine bar and bottle shop, Canary Counter. Celia shares her journey into the world of wine — from growing up in a small mountain village in Tenerife, surrounded by her family’s vineyards, to studying and working across Barcelona, Bordeaux, Austria, and Burgundy. We explore the volcanic landscapes and unique grape varieties of the Canaries, her family’s winemaking traditions, and how those roots inspired the opening of

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44:59

Josh Correa — Archive Wine Bar, Honest Wines, and...

Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine ·

2025/10/03

In this episode of Tasting Notes Toronto, I sit down with Josh Correa, co-owner of Archive Wine Bar in Toronto. Josh shares his journey from being a teacher to opening a successful wine bar inspired by European wine and tapas bars. We discuss the Archive's extensive wine selection as a reflection of different seasons and regions, the evolution of Josh's taste in wine, the demographics of their clientele, and the importance of authenticity in winemaking. Josh also talks about the challenges

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52:30

Ben Plisky-Somers — Opening Bossanova, Ontario’s...

Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine ·

2025/09/08

In this episode, I sit down with Ben Plisky-Somers, co-founder of Bossanova Wine and Beer in Toronto’s Roncesvalles neighborhood. Founded during the pandemic, Bossanova was Ontario’s first shop created specifically to retail both wine and beer.We talk about his path into wine, the challenges of running an independent shop in Ontario, and how Bossanova builds community through a thoughtful and welcoming approach to wine and beer. We also touch on rising costs, LCBO pricing, and the team’s

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53:07

Tim Kirk — Clonakilla, Creating An Icon and the...

Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine ·

2025/08/07

In this episode, I sit down with Tim Kirk, chief winemaker at Clonakilla, one of Australia’s most acclaimed wineries. Known for crafting the groundbreaking Shiraz Viognier—a wine once hailed as "one of the most important advances in Australian Shiraz since Penfolds Grange"—Tim brings a rare blend of artistry, humility, and spiritual depth to the world of wine.Originally trained in theology, Tim shares how his faith continues to shape his approach to winemaking. We explore the almost

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51:12

Ryan Donovan - Opening A Restaurant, Why Ingredients...

Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine ·

2025/08/03

Ryan Donovan — Opening a Restaurant, Sourcing with Purpose, and Work-Life Balance in HospitalityIn this episode of Tasting Notes Toronto, I sit down with Ryan Donovan, co-owner and sommelier at Richmond Station, one of Toronto’s most enduring and respected restaurants.We dive into what it takes to open and sustain a great restaurant — from creating a healthy workplace culture to choosing the right location and building deep relationships with local farmers. Ryan also shares how his career

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38:14

Ian Stoddart — Turning a Passion for Travel into a...

Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine ·

2025/07/19

In this episode, I sit down with Ian Stoddart, owner of East End Vine — a cozy wine and tapas bar in Toronto’s east end. Inspired by his travels and a deep love of wine, Ian set out to create the kind of spot he always sought out abroad: welcoming, unpretentious, and built around community.We talk about how he brings that vision to life through a constantly evolving wine list, his approach to keeping things fresh and exciting, and how he blends his passion for art and hospitality to create

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42:05

Robert Luo — Crafting a World-Class Wine Program at...

Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine ·

2025/07/18

In this episode, I sit down with Robert Luo — head sommelier at Restaurant Pearl Morissette, recently named Canada’s Best Restaurant. Rob has worked his way through wineries and restaurants around the world, learned from some great mentors, and gained invaluable experience the hard way — by rolling up his sleeves and putting in the work. He’s incredibly humble — the kind of person who says he only became a sommelier because there was no one else around to pour the wine. Behind this modesty

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9 results

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