Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine – Details, episodes & analysis

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 story of relentless curiosity, global experience, and a deep commitment to hospitality.

In this episode, I sit down with Ian Stoddard, 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 memorable, offbeat experiences for his guests.