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.

Last refreshed: August 24th, 2025 at 7:15 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

Tim Kirk — Clonakilla, Creating An Icon and the Sacred Side of Winemaking

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 miraculo...

Aug 07, 2025•53 min•Ep. 4

Ryan Donovan - Opening A Restaurant, Why Ingredients are Key, and Work-Life Balance in Hospitality

In 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 path took him from pastry dreams to butchery, and why sourcing high-quality ingredients is at the ...

Aug 03, 2025•51 min•Ep. 3

Ian Stoddart — Turning a Passion for Travel into a Neighborhood Wine Bar

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 memor...

Jul 19, 2025•38 min•Ep. 2

Robert Luo — Crafting a World-Class Wine Program at Canada’s Best Restaurant

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 is a ...

Jul 18, 2025•42 min•Ep. 1

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