Arts
**Beats Vines and Life**

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.

Latest Episodes:

I'm a Survivor: From War to Winemaker, Samra Morris' Unlikely Journey to California Jul 25, 2022

Show notes

MJ’s Guest today is today is Alma Rosa’s winemaker, Samra Morris. Samra was born in Sarajevo Bosnia. She grew up during the Bosnian war of 1992-95. Samra is the first woman from Bosnia to make wines in California. She completed a viticulture internship at St. Supéry during the 2014 harvest as well as working with Rivers Brown’s Mending Wall for three harvests. Samra formerly served as quality control manager for Free Flow Wines. She was recruited by General Manager Debra Eagle to join Alma Rosa as an Assistant Winemaker in 2018. Within less than a year, she was promoted to winemaker. At Alma Rosa, Samra has a focus on Burgundian and Rhône varieties

On this episode, MJ and Samra discuss Samra’s childhood in Bosnia and growing up during wartime. Samra talks about how she went from brewing beer to making wine and why she fell in love with Santa Barbara. She even spills her secret to success: taking every opportunity!

A huge thank you to Samra Morris!

Follow her on IG @samra_morris

Check out Alma Rosa Winery at: https://almarosawinery.com/

This episode’s in studio wines:

2020 Alma Rosa Chardonnay, Sta Rita Hills

2020 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir, Sta Rita Hills

2019 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir Rancho La Viña, Sta Rita Hills

2020 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir Barrel Select, Sta Rita Hills

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Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!

Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.

For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show sign up at

Blackwineguy.com

Follow MJ @blackwineguy

Thank you to our sponsor: Taub Family Selections. Taub Family Selections is a dynamic fourth generation, family-owned wine import company with a truly enviable portfolio of fine wines from 11 countries. They are proud to represent an exceptional portfolio of high quality, terroir centric and historic producers from around the world. Learn more at www.taubfamilyselections.com

Thank you to our sponsor: Independence Wine and Spirits - or IWS. IWS is owned by the Taub family, who have re-entered the NY wholesale market, bringing the family back to its roots in distribution where they held court from 1951 – 2004.

To learn more about IWS go to: https://independencewine.com

Thank you to our sponsor: Grapes The Wine Company. Looking to special order that bottle you had on vacation? Need to find a bourbon your boss has never tried? How about wrapped bottle gifts for teachers, coaches or your salesforce? Grapes The Wine Company can provide all this and more! Zoom tastings, winemaker dinners, wine driven charity events, cellar consultations, stellar suggestions… they do it all. To learn more about GTWC go to: https://www.grapesthewineco.com/

Love this podcast? Love the cool content? Get a producer like mine by reaching out to the badass team at Necessary Media.

www.necessarymediaproductions.com

@necessary_media_

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let the Good Times Roll. Talking Roots, Riesling and Reggae with Skinny Pablo Jul 18, 2022

Show notes

MJ’s Guest today is music producer, fashion designer, foodie and DJ, Skinny Pablo! Based out of Long Beach, California, Skinny Pablo was born and raised on the island of Guam. He has recording credits including Lee "Scratch" Perry, Cypress Hill and Public Enemy. Skinny Pablo DJs events such as RieslingStudy, and started his own party called Riesling & Reggae in Los Angeles. His favorite wine is Mosel Riesling. He loves to read Bukowski and do art in his spare time.

On this episode, MJ and Skinny Pablo discuss the many layers of creativity in Skinny’s artist’s heart. His innate talents for DJing started with his Chamorro roots, growing up on Guam in a family that loved to host parties. Skinny describes how his palate for marajuana - a big influence in his life - taught him to develop his palate for German wines. Packed full of stories from inside the recording studio with Skinny’s hero and mentor, B Real of Cypress Hill, to rolling huge joints for Mike Tyson and a deep dive into the beautiful bottles of Stein he brought to the studio - this episode is one “Buddha-fied funky” trip.

A huge thank you to Skinny Pablo!

Follow him on IG @ skinny.pablo

Keep up with all his projects at: skinnypablo.com

Buy his custom clothing at: https://www.mosaigalleria.com/skinnypablo

This episode’s in studio wine:

2015 Stein Alfer Hölle Riesling 1900

2017 Stein Riesling "Ohne"

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Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!

Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.

For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show sign up at

Blackwineguy.com

Follow MJ @blackwineguy

To learn more about IWS go to: https://independencewine.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BWG Raw: Pass The Aux w/ Jermaine Stone aka The Real Wolf of Wine Jul 11, 2022

Show notes

MJ and Jermaine Stone get together for an impromptu cipher to discuss their upcoming battle at the Wine and Hip Hop “Pass The Aux Sessions” NYC on July 23rd in Brooklyn. If you don't know... now ya know...

For more information go here: https://bit.ly/PassTheAuxNYC

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Riesling Study. Why Stephen Bitterolf Bet on Himself and German Wines. Jul 04, 2022

Show notes

MJ’s guest is artist, an art historian, a wine collector, a salesman, an importer, and the founder of Vom Boden, Stephen Bitterolf. Stephen came to NYC in the early 00s to get his PhD in Northern Renaissance painting - during which time his fascination was born. In 2005, he landed a job as a salesperson at the newly opened Crush Wine & Spirits, one of New York City’s sleekest wine stores at the time.

In 2012, he became an importer of German wines which led to his founding of Vom Boden. Vom Boden is a small company, focusing on small growers. He later founded Rieslingfeier, an annual event that seeks to celebrate German Rieslings, to provide a greater context for this incredible history of winemaking – to re-emphasize the historical importance of terroir.

Stephan, self proclaimed German wine “dork” take listeners (and MJ!) on a deep dive into the wines he’s so passionate about. From the Kabinett to the Spätlese to the Auslese. Stephen’s personal journey from art history to German wine importer is as fascinating as the wines he loves.

A huge thank you to Stephen Bitteolf!

Follow Vom Boden @vomboden

Follow Rieslingfeier on IG at @rieslingfeier

Check out Vom Boden’s website: https://www.vomboden.com/

Get more information about Rieslingfeier at their website: https://rieslingfeier.com/

This episode’s in studio wine:

Schloss Reinhartshausen

1969 Erbacher Brühl

Riesling Kabinett

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Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!

Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.

For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show sign up at

Blackwineguy.com

Follow MJ @blackwineguy

Thank you to our sponsor: Taub Family Selections. Taub Family Selections is a dynamic fourth generation, family-owned wine import company with a truly enviable portfolio of fine wines from 11 countries. They are proud to represent an exceptional portfolio of high quality, terroir centric and historic producers from around the world. Learn more at www.taubfamilyselections.com

Thank you to our sponsor: Independence Wine and Spirits - or IWS. IWS is owned by the Taub family, who have re-entered the NY wholesale market, bringing the family back to its roots in distribution where they held court from 1951 – 2004.

To learn more about IWS go to: https://independencewine.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Road Less Traveled: Victor O. Schwartz’s Never Ending Story Jun 30, 2022

Show notes

MJ’s guest today is former banker turned wine importer, and founder of VOS Selections, Victor O. Schwartz. Victor initially worked in the banking sector on loans, stocks and bonds, before transitioning to the wine industry. His upbringing was steeped in an intense culinary culture. In 1986, Victor moved to France to jump start his wine career. VOS Selections has been a staple in the wine industry for over 35 years.

In this episode MJ and Victor talk about his journey from banking to learning the language of terroir in the country of France, where he received hands-on experience in the wine business. The duo also discuss the money that drives the wine industry vs. the farming that drives it; whether we’re “there yet?” with non-alcoholic wine, the lost art of handwritten letters and its effectiveness (Thank you, Steven Spurrier), and ultimately how Victor O. Schwartz became VOS Selections. Pull up a chair, and a sharp one, this is a fast paced, laugh out loud good time with Mr. VOS!

A huge thank you to Victor O. Schwartz!

Follow him on IG at @vosselections

Check out his website: www.vosselections.com

This episode’s in studio wine:

Champagne Alexandre Bonnet Les Riceys - Blanc de Noirs

2006 Raven No. 5 California Syrah - Sine Qua Non

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Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!

Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.

For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show sign up at

Blackwineguy.com

Follow MJ @blackwineguy

Thank you to our sponsor: Taub Family Selections. Taub Family Selections is a dynamic fourth generation, family-owned wine import company with a truly enviable portfolio of fine wines from 11 countries. They are proud to represent an exceptional portfolio of high quality, terroir centric and historic producers from around the world, including Italy and France - where they have an exciting roster of burgeoning vignerons from Burgundy coming your way soon.

Learn more at www.taubfamilyselections.com

Thank you to our sponsor: Napa Valley Wine Academy. It’s no secret that everyone's wine education journey is unique. You deserve a wine School that not only delivers top-notch content but also guides you on the learning path that's right for you. Whether you're looking to earn your WSET certification or just get the basics the Napa Valley Wine Academy is the place to be.

To learn more about NVWA go to: https://napavalleywineacademy.com/

Love this podcast? Love the cool content? Get a producer like mine by reaching out to the badass team at Necessary Media.

www.necessarymediaproductions.com

@necessary_media_

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Hospice du Rhône, Part 2 Jun 27, 2022

Show notes

Part 2 of MJ’s live chats from Hospice Du Rhône’s flagship event in Paso Robles, California.

This bi - annual event brings together an international community to celebrate Rhône wines and winemakers.

The 2022 event featured over 120 international Rhône producers, seminars on the forefront of Rhône thinking, an exclusive live auction and delicious meals paired with Rhône wines .. and MJ was there recording live with many of the brilliant winemakers and other prominent wine folks attending this year.

These conversations are lively, poignant and full of the energy that happens when winemakers convene to drink and celebrate the wines they love dearly. Cheers!

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A huge thank you to Hospice du Rhône for inviting us to record!

For more information on upcoming Hospice du Rhône events https://www.hospiceduRhône.org/

Very special thanks to all our guests:

Wine Critic, James Suckling

Keep up with his reviews and wine tastings at https://www.jamessuckling.com/

Follow him on IG: @james.suckling

Frédéric Chaudière of Château Pesquié

Keep up with his wines at: https://chateaupesquie.com/

Follow them on IG: @chateaupesquie

Dave Miner of Miner Family Wines

Keep up with his wines at: https://minerwines.com/

Follow them on IG: @minerfamilywinery

Mikael Sigouin of Kaena Wines

Keep up with his wines at:https://www.kaenawine.com/

Follow them on IG: @kaenawines

Guillaume Fabre of Clos Solène

Keep up with his wines at: https://www.clossolene.com/

Follow them on IG:@clossolene

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Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!

Huge thanks to Jeremy Leffert and Melissa Burns for their generous support in bringing you these special episodes.

Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.

For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show sign up at

Blackwineguy.com

Follow MJ @blackwineguy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Hospice du Rhône, Part 1 Jun 20, 2022

Show notes

MJ brings his listeners a front row seat to the Hospice Du Rhône’s flagship event in Paso Robles, California.

This bi - annual event brings together an international community to celebrate Rhône wines and winemakers.

These conversations are lively, poignant and full of the energy that happens when winemakers convene to drink and celebrate the wines they love dearly. Cheers!

___________________________________________________________

A huge thank you to Hospice du Rhône for inviting us to record!

For more information on upcoming Hospice du Rhône events https://www.hospiceduRhône.org/

Very special thanks to all our guests:

Anne-Charlotte Mélia Bachas of Château de la Font du Loup

Keep up with her wines at: https://lafontduloup.com/

Follow her on IG: @anne_charlotte_lafontduloup

Russell P. From of Herman Story Wines

Keep up with his wines at: https://www.hermanstorywines.com/

Follow them on IG: @hermanstorywines

Christophe Baron of Bionic Wines

Keep up with his wines at: https://bionicwines.com/

Follow them on IG: @bionicwines

Don Burns of Turtle Rock

Keep up with his wines at: https://www.turtlerockvineyards.com/

Follow them on IG: @turtlerockvineyards

Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Critic

Stay up on all things Rhône at: https://jebdunnuck.com/

Follow him on IG: @jebdunnuck

Jordan Fiorentini of Epoch Estate Wines

Keep up with her wines at: https://epochwines.com/

Follow them on IG:@epochwines

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Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!

Huge thanks to Jeremy Leffert and Melissa Burns for their generous support in bringing you these special episodes.

Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.

For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show sign up at

Blackwineguy.com

Follow MJ @blackwineguy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ladies First! How Isabel Ferrando found Passion and Purpose in Châteauneuf-du-Pape Jun 13, 2022

Show notes

MJ’s guest today is esteemed Châteauneuf-du-Pape vigneron and winemaker, Isabel Ferrando! Isabel has been cultivating vines and making wine in Chateauneuf-du-Pape for 18 years. Her wines have been dubbed by critics as “some of the most profound wines on the planet” (Jeb Dunnuck). Drawing inspiration from the Burgundian tradition of single vineyards, Isabel produced three different cuvées from Saint Prefert’s estates from 2003 to 2019: Classique, Réserve Auguste Favier and Collection Charles Giraud.

In this episode, MJ and Isabel discuss how Isabel went from working for a bank to making wine in her own vineyard in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Isabel shares details of her organic and biodynamic vineyard practices, her revolutionary new approach to making wine in a glass vat, and her daughter’s recent decision to follow in Isabel’s footsteps.

A huge thank you to Isabel Ferrando!

Follow Isabel on Instagram: @isabelferrando_stprefert

Check out her website here: www.st-prefert.com

This episode’s in studio wine:

2021 Famille Isabel Ferrando Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc

2018 Colombis Châteauneuf-du-Pape Domaine Isabel Ferrando

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Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!

Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.

For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show sign up at

Blackwineguy.com

Follow MJ @blackwineguy

Thank you to our sponsor: Thank you to our sponsor: Taub Family Selections. Taub Family Selections is a dynamic fourth generation, family-owned wine import company with a truly enviable portfolio of fine wines from 11 countries. They are proud to represent an exceptional portfolio of high quality, terroir centric and historic producers from around the world. Learn more at www.taubfamilyselections.com

To learn more about IWS go to: https://independencewine.com

Thank you to our sponsor: Looking to special order that bottle you had on vacation? Need to find a bourbon your boss has never tried? How about wrapped bottle gifts for teachers, coaches or your salesforce? Grapes The Wine Company can provide all this and more! Zoom tastings, winemaker dinners, wine driven charity events, cellar consultations, stellar suggestions… they do it all. To learn more about GTWC go to: https://www.grapesthewineco.com/

Love this podcast? Love the cool content? Get a producer like mine by reaching out to the badass team at Necessary Media.

www.necessarymediaproductions.com

@necessary_media_

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Papa Don't Preach! Lorenzo Scavino's Life as a 5th Generation Winemaker. Jun 06, 2022

Show notes

MJ’s Guest today is a 5th generation winemaker of Azelia, an historical and small family-run winery founded in 1920, in Castiglione Falletto in the heart of the Barolo region in Piedmont, Italy. Lorenzo attended the Oenological School in Alba, the most prestigious wine school in Italy. Lorenzo graduated summa cum laude with the title of Oenologist. Lorenzo works full time alongside his father Luigi at Azelia participating in every step of the process, from the work in the vineyards to the winemaking and sales management in Italy and around the world.

On this week’s episode, MJ and Lorenzo discuss the pressure and joys of being the 5th generation, only child, to grow up in the wine business, working the vineyards and still not having the pleasure of tasting a 1932 vintage that his father holds so dear!! Lorenzo also shares how the Scavino family hid hundreds of bottles from the Germans during World War II; green harvesting to reduce the yields, Piedmont cuisine and more!

A huge thank you to Lorenzo Scavino!

Follow Lorenzo on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo_scavino_azelia/

For more information on Azelia visit https://www.azelia.it/en/

This episode’s in studio wine:

2019 Azelia Dolcetto d'Alba Bricco Dell'Oriolo
2017 Azelia Barbera d'Alba Punta
2020 Azelia Langhe Nebbiolo
2010 Azelia Barolo Riserva Bricco Voghera

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Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!

Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.

For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show sign up at

Blackwineguy.com

Follow MJ @blackwineguy

To learn more about IWS go to: https://independencewine.com

Love this podcast? Love the cool content? Get a producer like mine by reaching out to the badass team at Necessary Media.

www.necessarymediaproductions.com

@necessary_media_

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Guy Behind The Guy. How Peter Morales Uses Food and Wine to Lift Others Up. May 30, 2022

Show notes

MJ’s Guest today is a renaissance man! He comes from an executive background, a wine importer, a business owner, and is dedicated to global humanitarian support, a Lehigh graduate, Peter Morales. His career began in retail and operations management at Johnson & Johnson, Grand Metropolitan (now Diageo), and Peerless Importers. In 1998, Peter opened his own worldwide business consulting company, Peter Andrew LLC, which specializes in international beverages. After taking on a project with South Africa, where he successfully developed plans to market wines to the United States, Morales jumped into the importing business, and started his company, 57 Main Street Imports. Peter's latest venture is Black Hawk Imports founded in 2014.

On this week’s episode, MJ and Peter discuss his childhood in the Caribbean, getting an education in the sciences, his trips to Africa, and how everything is marketing.

A huge thank you to Peter Morales!

Check out his Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-morales-8106325/

This episode’s in studio wine: