Beats Vines and Life

Apr 22 2024 40

Beats Vines and Life Podcast artwork

MJ Towler aka the Black Wine Guy went from a totally obsessed wine newbie to the world's first-ever African-American fine and rare wine auctioneer in less than 3 years.
These days, he is a podcaster and journalist who travels the globe, having conversations with the movers, shakers, and disruptors in the worlds of food, wine, music, and more. This show pairs his passion for complex, interesting wines with complex, interesting guests. These are deep thinkers and Mavericks talking about their passions, life lessons, and inspirations - while drinking a bottle of something listeners will definitely want to savor for themselves.
Sit back, listen, learn, and laugh. This is Beats Vines and Life.
For more information and exclusive content, go to beatsvinesandlife.com Follow MJ on IG@blackwineguy@beatsvinesandlife Podcast produced by Marvin J. Towler
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The Craft of Cultivating Legacy: Tegan Passalaqua is Unveiling the Rich History of California Vineyards

Apr 22 2024 111 mins

Welcome to another captivating episode of Beats Vines & Life, where the rhythm of music meets the swirl of the glass. I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we have the incredible Tegan Passalaqua, winemaker for Turley Wine Cellars and owner of Kirschenmann Vineyard, joining us to uncork a vintage conversation.In this episode, we'll venture through the fertile grounds of Lodi, Cal

Pouring Over Pages: Lettie Teague's Life in Wine and Wordz.

Apr 17 2024 94 mins

Welcome back to "Beats Vines & Life," where the melodies of music, the enchantment of wine, and the narratives of life converge. I'm your host, MJ Towler. Today, we uncork the essence of wisdom and wine with a very special guest: Lettie Teague, the renowned wine columnist for the Wall Street Journal and multi-time James Beard Award winner. This episode delves deep into Lettie's

From Minnesota to The Mosel: Jenna Fields' Story of Riesling and Resilience.

Apr 08 2024 98 mins

Welcome back to another episode of Beats Vines & Life, the podcast where melodies meet Merlot, and the rhythms of life blend with the bouquet of the vine. In today's special pour, we raise our glasses to the indomitable spirit of Jenna Fields, the maven of German wine, who turned a flood of challenges into a vintage of success. From her unassuming beginnings in Eagan, Minn

From Vines to Vinyl: Aaron Jackson’s Life in Notes and Tannins

Apr 08 2024 86 mins

Welcome to another episode of "Beats Vines & Life," where the rhythm of music meets the richness of wine culture. Today's episode features a special and insightful conversation with the innovative winemaker, Aaron Jackson. Join us as we uncork the story behind his unique wine blend, “The Trespasser” which started in 2010, and his journey from a passionate youth to an e

Dane Curley: The Artist Shaping California's Wine Scene One Label at a Time.

Apr 08 2024 83 mins

Welcome to "Beats, Vines, & Life," the intersection where rhythm meets the grape and individual stories blend into the rich tapestry of life. I'm your host, MJ Towler, coaxing the culture from the creatives and the passion from the producers all over a shared bottle of the finest vintages. In today's episode, we're uncorking a special blend of conversation with the multifa

Sipping on Sustainability: Family, Innovation, and the Quest for Quality Wines at Jada Vineyards.

Apr 01 2024 60 mins

Hello, wine enthusiasts, and welcome back to another stirring episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience. Today's show takes us into the heart of Paso Robles as we swirl, sip, and savor the story of Jada Vineyards. Joining us are none other than the dynamic duo of the vineyard, General Manager Josh Messina and head winemaker Nate Hall. They share with us an intimate glimpse into

From Trader Joe's to Tasting Room: Exploring the Craft of Winemaking with McPrice Myers

Mar 18 2024 98 mins

Welcome back to another episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience! I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today's episode is about an incredible journey from the ball fields of LA to the vineyards of Santa Barbara. Joining us is none other than Mac Myers, a maverick in the wine world known for creating wines of exceptional balance and value.In this episode, we'll dive into Mac's early years,

Unleashing the Gypsy Spirit: Vailia From’s Journey into the World of Winemaking

Mar 11 2024 86 mins

Welcome back to The Black Wine Guy Experience! I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we're pouring a full-bodied episode with an extraordinary guest, Vailia From, a trailblazing winemaker who has carved her own path in the wine industry with Desparada Wines.Join us as we uncork Vailia's remarkable journey—from her early days working in steakhouses in La Jolla to that fateful moment

Paso Vibes: Justin Smith Talks Wine, Life, and The Perfect Blend

Mar 04 2024 97 mins

Welcome back to The Black Wine Guy Experience! I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we're pouring into an intoxicating episode featuring the extraordinary Justin Smith. Get ready to uncork the story of a winemaker who has cultivated a legacy from the roots of a familial passion and a dedication to the art of blending.In this episode, Ep. 149, we'll swirl through the early years

Realm and RIISE: Juan Mercado's Transition from Connoisseur to Creator

Feb 26 2024 72 mins

Welcome back, wine enthusiasts, to another installment of The Black Wine Guy Experience. I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we have a fascinating episode with a very special guest. Join us on a journey through the rich tapestry of life and wine with Juan Mercado, the founder and vintner at RIISE Wines.In episode 148, we'll uncork the story of how a tasting at All Seasons Cafe