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:

From High School Dropout to CEO: Carlton McCoy’s American Success Story Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

MJ’s guest today is Master Sommelier, Managing Partner of Lawrence Wine Estates, and star of the upcoming CNN TV series “Nomad with Carlton”... Carlton McCoy. Carlton is one of the youngest people and second African American to earn the title of Master Sommelier. Carlton worked in revered institutions such as Thomas Keller’s Per Se, Marcus Samuelsson’s Aquavit and Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak in New York. Carlton was named President and CEO of Heitz Cellar in December 2018. Carlton supports each estate in their aspirations to craft elegant, nuanced and terroir driven wines sourced from naturally farmed estate vineyards. Carlton is co-founder of The Roots Fund, a non-profit that focuses on creating educational and employment opportunities for the BIPOC community. Adventurous and athletic, Carlton enjoys traveling the world in search of great wine and spirits, and pursuing physically challenging outdoor activities including biking and running marathons.

Originally from Washington, DC, Carlton’s story starts out familiar but quickly turns unique. From high school drop-out (a few times over) to accepting a scholarship to the CIA, Carlton McCoy has earned each and every accolade. MJ and he discuss the younger days of working in the kitchen with his grandmother, feeding over 300 people for all three church services, leaving the New York restaurant scene to cook for the American Military in Japan, which led to his natural progression from food to wine during an all-night blind taste test. Put the Go-go on low, grab a glass of Sancerre and listen to the trials, tribulations and successes of Carlton McCoy.

A huge thank you to Carlton McCoy!

Follow him on IG @carltonmccoy

For more on Heitz Celler

https://www.heitzcellar.com/

Learn more about The Roots Fund

https://www.therootsfund.org/

This episode’s in studio wine:

2019 Le Roi Des Pierres Sancerre

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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 Skurnik Wine and Spirits, one of the most trusted names in wine for the past 30 plus years. Check them out: https://www.skurnik.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.

Six Degrees of Kevin Zraly. A Candid Discussion with the Godfather of Wine Education in America. Jul 26, 2021

Show notes

MJ’s guest today is a living legend in the world of wine and wine educators, Kevin Zraly. Kevin Zraly is best known from his time as the wine director for the Windows on the World restaurant and founder of the Windows on the World Wine School on the 106th and 107th floors of NYC’s World Trade Center. After the loss of the restaurant in 2001, Zraly continued the wine school for another 15 years at the Marriott Marquis in Manhattan, ultimately educating more than 20,000 wine lovers over the course of 40 years. In addition, he has written eight books about wine and food, including his annually updated Windows on the World Complete Wine Course, which has sold more than four million copies - making it the number one wine book in the United States.

Kevin’s a storyteller at heart and this episode is packed with gems. MJ and he discuss his early days growing up as an altar boy to his transition as a young Woodstock Music Festival attendee. Kevin describes his incredible first restaurant job in college which started his wine journey. His determination to learn much more about wine began with a hitchhiking adventure from New York to California wine country when he was barely old enough to drink. His retelling of landing the Windows on the World job is as iconic as the man himself. And if the discussions weren’t wonderful enough Kevin brings in a very special bottle - from 1968 the year MJ was born. Pop something worthy of a nonstop romp through the adventures of a lifetime told by a legend!

A huge thank you to Kevin Zraly!

Follow him on IG @kevinzraly

Keep up with his Wine School, books and all he’s up too@ https://www.kevinzraly.com/

This episode’s in studio wine:

1968 Heitz Cellar

Cabernet Sauvignon

Martha’s Vineyard

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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 Skurnik Wine and Spirits, one of the most trusted names in wine for the past 30 plus years. Check them out: https://www.skurnik.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.

Champagne Supernova. How Philippe André (aka Nique Somm) Became Champagne’s First Black Brand Ambassador. Jul 19, 2021

Show notes

MJ’s guest today is second generation sommelier, restaurateur and the U.S. Ambassador for Charles Heidsieck Champagne, Philippe André. Many of you may know him by his IG handle Nique Somm.

Philippe first developed a passion for hospitality and wine education growing up in the fine dining restaurant business. He answered his professional calling working as the Wine Director at his family’s highly esteemed French-American restaurant, Oceanique in Evanston, Illinois. There he managed a cellar of over 1,300 selections and oversaw a dedicated Sommelier team. In 2018 Philippe was offered a chance of a lifetime and accepted the U.S. Ambassador role at Charles Heidsieck to re-launch the historic brand in New York and to bring the wines of the Crayères onto the grand stage they deserve. MJ and Philippe discuss his childhood growing up in the fine dining business in Illinois. Philippe shares his personal journey from a winemaking apprenticeship at the Momtazi Estate, located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley to his time as a Portfolio Manager on the Moët Hennessy USA team at Southern Glazers’ Wine & Spirits. His story of landing his Charles Heidsieck gig will inspire you to never, ever change who you are or how you do things. As if that wasn’t enough, these two talk about Tom Ford suits, Ferrari’s and cigars so you know this episode is literally “lit!”

A huge thank you to Philippe André!

Follow him on IG @niquesomm

Learn more about Charles Heidsieck: https://charlesheidsieck.com

Follow them on IG: @charlesheidsieckchampagne

This episode’s in studio wines:

Charles Heidsieck

Blanc Des Millenaires

2006

Blanc de Blancs

Charles Heidsieck

Brut Reserve

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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 Acker Wines! Listeners of the show will receive $25 off purchases of $100 or more with code BWG25 at checkout. (Retail store only)

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

ww.necessarymediaproductions.com

@necessary_media_

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

Champagne for the Soul. How Hospitality Icon, Rita Jammet Captured La Caravelle’s Magic in a Bottle. Jul 12, 2021

Show notes

MJ’s guest today is owner and Chief Bubble Officer of La Caravelle Champagne and Founder & President of Bouquet Ventures, Hospitality Consulting - Rita Jammet. Rita and her husband André Jammet owned and operated the iconic New York French restaurant, La Caravelle. The New York Times described La Caravelle as a “French Legend and a Paris in Manhattan experience to food enthusiasts and the A-list of American society.” After closing La Caravelle restaurant in 2004, and pursuing her passion for Champagne, Rita started to market and distribute La Caravelle Champagne and Bordeaux, available in a growing number of distinguished New York (and other States) hospitality, restaurant and retail establishments. An avid Champagne lover, Rita promotes not only her La Caravelle Champagne but the Champagne region and wines in general. Capitalizing on her 25+ years of hospitality experience and her extensive network of colleagues that include chefs and restaurateurs worldwide, Rita formed Bouquet Ventures Hospitality Consulting in 2004. In this episode, Rita shares many delightful stories of her international childhood, meeting her husband and arriving in New York and instantly knowing it was home. She recounts life after La Caravelle's closing and how she made the pivot from owner to Chief Bubble Officer of their much loved champagne brand. She and MJ discuss their mutual love of fried chicken and bubbles and Rita shares some lesser know but just a delicious food pairings. This listen will inspire and delight!

A huge thank you to Rita Jammet!

Follow her on IG @ritajammet

Learn more about La Caravelle Champagne: https://www.lacaravelle.com/

Follow them on IG: @lacaravellechampagne

This episode’s in studio wines:

La Caravelle

Champagne

Blanc de Blancs

La Caravelle

Champagne

Cuvee Nina

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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 Acker Wines! Listeners of the show will receive $25 off purchases of $100 or more with code BWG25 at checkout. (Retail store only)

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.

Ai No Marquita! How Master of Wine Candidate Marquita Levy Dances in the Key of Wine! Jul 05, 2021

Show notes

MJ’s guest today is celebrated sommelier Marquita Levy. Marquita was featured in the New York Times article written by Eric Asimov on Black Wine Professionals. She was one of the consulting Sommeliers for the Wine & Spirits October issue Black Rising Stars. Marquita discovered her passion for wine while waiting tables to support her dance career. When wine became her main focus, she retired from dancing in 2002. Marquita received her Vinification/Viticulture certificate and pin in 2004 from the American Sommelier Association. She has worked at many restaurants including Indochine, Al di La, Jean Georges, Colicchio & Sons, Lure Fish Bar, Bowery Meat Company, and Waverly Inn. Marquita is currently Sommelier at Red Hook Winery in Brooklyn, and is working with Jeff Porter, the mind behind Sip Trip Italy, on his new wine distribution company Volcanic Selections. In this episode, MJ and Marquita discuss how she went from dancing to wine full time, her “spiritual” experience at her first wine training, how she started buying wine, and of course, being from Chicago, a quick detour on Chicago's Deep Dish vs. New York’s Thin Slice. We danced and laughed our way through this one, so get ready!

A huge thank you to Marquita Levy!

Follow her on IG @marquita_grapelover

Check out Volcanic Selections: https://volcanicselections.com/

Follow them on IG @volcanicselections

This episode’s in studio wines:

2018 Susanna Fabbri Chianti Classico imported by Volcanic Selections

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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 Acker Wines! Listeners of the show will receive $25 off purchases of $100 or more with code BWG25 at checkout. (Retail store only)

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.

From “Wine Girl” to Wine Mogul: How Victoria James Overcame The Odds and Became A Hospitality Rock Star! Jun 28, 2021

Show notes

MJ’s guest today is Author, Sommelier and Restaurateur, Victoria James. As the Beverage Director and Partner at COTE in New York City and Miami, she recently received a second James Beard nomination for "Outstanding Wine Program." Victoria has worked in restaurants since she was thirteen, falling in love with wine so much that at age twenty-one she became certified as a Sommelier. She has worked at some of the most prestigious restaurants in NYC including Marea and Aureole. Victoria’s name has appeared in Forbes "30 Under 30," Food & Wine's "2018 Sommelier of the Year," Zagat’s “30 Under 30,” Wine Enthusiast’s “40 Under 40,” Wine & Spirits’ “Best New Sommeliers,” and The Back Label declared her “New York’s Youngest Sommelier.” Victoria, along with her husband Lyle Railsback, is the author of Drink Pink, A Celebration of Rosé (HarperCollins) and the international bestseller Wine Girl, The Obstacles, Humiliations, and Triumphs of America's Youngest Sommelier (Ecco/HarperCollins). Along with COTE’s General Manager Amy Zhou and HR Director Cynthia Cheng, she founded Wine Empowered, a non-profit that aims to diversify the hospitality industry by offering tuition-free wine classes to women and minorities. In this episode, MJ and Victoria discuss Rose’, sexism and racism in the restaurant industry, working with Anthony Bourdain’s book editor (her dream editor), first job and life - and all the ups and downs that come along with it. Beauties and Gents, this is a full-bodied episode! Pour your favorite and let’s get started.

A huge thank you to Victoria James!

Follow her on IG @victoria___james

Check out Wine Empowered: https://www.wine-empowered.com

Follow them on IG @wineempowere

This episode’s in studio wines:

Camins2Dreams Gruner Veltliner

Sta. Rita Hills

California

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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 Acker Wines! Listeners of the show will receive $25 off purchases of $100 or more with code BWG25 at checkout. (Retail store only)

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.

Roll Over Beethoven: How Ben Aneff Composed the Fight Against Wine Tariffs Jun 21, 2021

Show notes

MJ’s guest today is managing partner of Tribeca Wine Merchants (TWM) - Ben Aneff, a proud Native Texan turned New Yorker. TWM has been called a “renowned Burgundy specialist” by Wine Enthusiast, and named one of “America’s Best Wine Shops” by Food & Wine Magazine. Having come to New York for graduate school in music, Ben’s first job in the wine world was a part-time position at TWM. His interest quickly exploded, and he was lucky to be in a place that gave him the opportunities and exposure that allowed him to grow in the fine and rare wine world. He later became the director of sales, and has been the managing partner since 2014. Ben has been a leading figure in the fight against wine tariffs, and was named a "2020 Wine Industry Leader" by Wine Business Monthly. He is on the board of directors of the National Association of Wine Retailers, and is the president of the US Wine Trade Alliance, the all tier advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring a tariff-free environment for wines in the United States. In this episode, MJ and Ben discuss everything from LeBron James walking into Tribeca Wine Merchants (and causing New Yorkers (!!!) to get star struck) to Old World to New World wines: What are the wines and the regions abroad and domestic that have yet to be discovered? Ben also discusses the fight against wine tariffs and the red tape that he’s working hard to cut in bureaucratic Washington. This session is no game folks. Grab a glass, put Beethoven on pause and let’s get into it!

A huge thank you to Ben Aneff!

Follow him on IG @benaneff

Check out Tribeca Wine Merchants: https://www.tribecawine.com

Follow them on IG @tribecawine

This episode’s in studio wines:

2018 Domaine Dureuil-Janthial

2007 Auxey Duresses Les Clous

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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 Acker Wines! Listeners of the show will receive $25 off purchases of $100 or more with code BWG25 at checkout. (Retail store only)

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.

Wheeling Forward. Yannick Benjamin’s Unstoppable Drive to Bring Innovation and Inclusion to the Wine Industry. Jun 11, 2021

Show notes

MJ’s guest today is esteemed Somm, wine educator, restaurateur and disabilities advocate - Yannick Benjamin.Yannick is a proud New Yorker from Hell’s Kitchen. Born into a family of French restaurateurs, he has worked for many highly regarded restaurants throughout NYC: Le Cirque, Oceana, Jean-Georges, Atlas, Felidia, and Atelier at the Ritz-Carlton. In 2003, a car accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. However, his passion for wine drove him to quickly adapt, outfitting his wheelchair with a table that allowed him to continue working as a sommelier to educate on wine. Yannick went on to create “Wine on Wheels,” one of New York City’s largest and most exciting wine events. Yannick’s tireless work and innovative vision is bringing awareness and visibility to seldom-heard voices in the wine industry and championing inclusivity. He has recently added restaurateur to the list of his many accomplishments, opening up Contento in East Harlem, NYC. In this episode MJ and Yannick discuss everything from his colorful childhood in Hell’s Kitchen to the big influence of pop culture on Yannick’s dreams - specifically the tv show Cheers and the Tom Cruise flick, Cocktail. Yannick shares the story of his car accident - discussing what it looked like both physically and emotionally to get to where he is today. MJ gets the inside scoop on what it took to open his first restaurant Contento, which features intentional, accessible design for people with disabilities as well as delicious wines of impact, made by people from a wide variety of backgrounds. The energy is high, the conversation deep and the inspiration infinite in this one folks.

A huge thank you to Yannick Benjamin!

Follow him on IG @yannickbenjamin

Check out his restaurant Contento: https://www.contentonyc.com/

Follow them on IG @contentonyc

Learn more about Wine on Wheels and their events: https://wineonwheels.org/

This episode’s in studio wines:

Ellison Estate Vineyard

La Coccinelle Et La Guêpe

Kishor Vineyard

Viognier 2019

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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 Acker Wines! Listeners of the show will receive $25 off purchases of $100 or more with code BWG25 at checkout. (Retail store only)

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.

Wonder Woman! Mary Ewing-Mulligan on the Art of Wine Education (for Dummies!) May 31, 2021

Show notes

MJ’s guest today is Master of Wine, wine educator, columnist, and co-author of the iconic book Wine for Dummies Mary Ewing-Mulligan. Mary was the first woman in North America to become a Master of Wine. She is also the president of The International Wine Center (IWC) in New York, an independent wine and spirits school founded in 1982. At IWC, Mary runs the academically rigorous programs of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust® (WSET®), the world’s largest wine-education organization. She has co-authored (with her husband, Ed McCarthy) Wine For Dummies, 7th Edition and ten other wine books in the … For Dummies series. Fans of the show know that Wine for Dummies is a staple in MJ’s own wine journey. This episode sees him fanboy as he talks with Mary about her own entry into the world of wine, the challenges of studying for the Master of Wine pre-Google or study group days and the inspiration for writing the iconic Wine for Dummies series. This wonderful episode starts with Mary schooling MJ on how to pronounce WSET and ends with a lovely discussion of her current fascination with Nebbiolo Langhe. Enjoy this Master Class taught by a true pioneer and visionary, Mary Ewing-Mulligan.

A huge thank you to Mary Ewing-Mulligan!

Follow her on IG @mem.mw

Read Mary’s monthly wine column at Wine Review Online: https://winereviewonline.com/

Want to take your wine or spirits education to the next level? Check out The International Wine Center and all they offer: https://internationalwinecenter.com/

Follow them on IG @internationalwinecenter

This episode’s in studio wine:

Clos Alivu

Patrimonio

Rose

2020

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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 Acker Wines! Listeners of the show will receive $25 off purchases of $100 or more with code BWG25 at checkout. (Retail store only)

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.

It Takes Two to Make a Thing Go Right. Harmon Skurnik on the Importance of Tasting and Talent. May 24, 2021

Show notes

MJ’s guest today is President of the Legendary Import and Distribution Company Skurnik Wines and Spirits, Harmon Skurnik. The company began with just a handful of relatively unknown estates in 1987 and has since grown to represent over 500 estates, most of which are family-owned and operated. Harmon has been a partner in Skurnik Wines & Spirits since 1989 - from tasting, to buying, to managing the business and its employees, Harmon is an integral part of the company's success. He and MJ talk about the early days of Skurnik Wines and the mindset it takes to grow such a successful business. They discuss past, present and emerging producers and what it takes to get them noticed and included in the Skurnik portfolio. MJ talks about the Skurnik “farm team” factor when it comes to finding and launching the careers of some of the most talented sales people in the wine business. In addition Harmon brings in four epic wines - two that make their tasting debut right on the show! For those who seek knowledge, history and a bit business savvy with their listening - you’re welcome!

A huge thank you to Harmon Skurnik!

Follow him on IG @hskurnik

Learn, discover and purchase world class wine and spirits at Skurnik Wine and Spirits: https://www.skurnik.com/

Follow them on IG @skurnikwines

This episode’s in studio wines:

Pierre Girardin

Murgers des Dents de Chien

Saint-Aubin Premier Cru, 2018

Hillick and Hobbs

2019 Estate Dry Riesling

Seneca Lake, New York

Langhe Nebbiolo

Sori della Sorba

2019

2017 Mullineux

Granite Syrah

Swartland, South Africa

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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 Acker Wines! Listeners of the show will receive $25 off purchases of $100 or more with code BWINEGUY25 at checkout. (Retail store only)

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.