Julie Garton – Crafting World-Class Wine Lists and Building a Career in Hospitality

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Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine

Alex Abbott Boyd

10 episodes

1 month ago

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.

All content for Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine is the property of Alex Abbott Boyd and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Julie Garton – Crafting World-Class Wine Lists and Building a Career in Hospitality

Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine

49 minutes

2 months ago

Julie Garton – Crafting World-Class Wine Lists and Building a Career in Hospitality

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 the impact of the Michelin guide on the restaurant scene in Ontario and the evolving expectations around wine service. Additionally, she talks about her recent hands-on experience during a wine harvest in Italy, the significance of building trust with guests, mentorship in the wine industry, and future aspirations. This episode is a deep dive into the intricacies of being a sommelier and the pivotal role of hospitality in creating memorable dining experiences.

Julie Garton – Crafting World-Class Wine Lists and Building a Career in Hospitality

00:38 Introduction to the Episode

01:34 Julie Garten's Journey into Wine and Hospitality

03:44 Experiences in Australia and the UK

08:38 Returning to Toronto and Career Growth

10:24 Impact of the Michelin Guide on Ontario's Restaurant Scene

15:08 Crafting a Memorable Wine Experience

26:07 Challenges of Pairing Wines with Elaborate Menus

26:26 Exploring Wine Recommendations for Asian Cuisines

27:51 Building a Great Wine List: Key Considerations

29:24 Balancing Value and Profit in Wine Lists

31:30 Personal Wine Preferences and Trends

33:19 Hands-On Wine Making Experience in Italy

38:55 The Importance of Mentorship in the Wine Industry

41:08 The Value of Wine Tasting Skills for Sommeliers

43:43 Keeping the Passion for Wine Alive

45:43 Challenges and Future Projects in the Wine Industry

46:48 Reviving Hospitality in the Restaurant Industry

49:22 Conclusion and Upcoming Interviews

Books Referenced:

Native Wine Grapes of Italy - Ian D'Agata

Italy’s Native Wine Grape Terroirs - Ian D'Agata

The Grapes and Wine of Italy - Ian D'Agata

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Champagne: Cork Pop and Pour by ultradust -- https://freesound.org/s/166923/ -- License: Attribution 4.0