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:

Whole Lotta Love! Rock Drummer and CMS Certified Sommelier, Bruno Almeida Shares his Passion for Portuguese Wines. Feb 12, 2021

Show notes

MJ’s guest this week is Bruno Almeida. Born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal, this rock drummer turned sommelier has worked at legendary NYC restaurants such as Gusto Ristorante, Pao, Inoteca, Corsino, Balaboosta, Locanda Verde and Dirty French. Until the pandemic, he was the Wine Director and Sommelier at iconic Tocqueville. MJ and Bruno discuss the history of colonization and its effect on Portuguese wine over the centuries. He brings in two delicious Portuguese bottles that blow MJ away. And before the show is over they get deep into another of Bruno’s favorites = Georgian wine. Get ready, there is a lot to geek out on in this episode.

A huge thank you to Bruno Almeida!

Follow and learn a ton from him on IG @drummelier

This episode’s in studio wines:

NV Vadio Espumante Brut, Bairrada

2018 Azores Wine Company

Branco Vulcanico, Azores Islands

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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 Wine Spies! Get a discount for being a listener of the show by going to: www.winespies.com/blackwineguy

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_

From our supporter: The Conaway Fund (a component fund of The Prosperity Foundation) supports cultural and heritage events, scholarships, mentoring programs and more. Go to https://www.theconawayfund.org/ and see how you can donate and make a difference in underserved communities.

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

Things To Do In Denver When You Are a Somm. Contributing Editor at JebDunnuck.com, Audrey Frick on the Power of Tenacity, Teamwork and How to Triumph after a Fall. Feb 05, 2021

Show notes

MJ’s guest this week is Audrey Frick. Audrey worked for famed restaurateur, Bobby Stuckey at Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, Colorado. She worked her way from the back office and polishing room to the wine team while studying to earn the Advanced Sommelier credential through the Court of Master Sommeliers. She is also a contributing Editor at JebDunnuck.com covering the wines of Italy, specifically Piedmont and Brunello. Audrey and MJ have a candid chat on how deep self work helped her move through a rough patch in her career as well as her current advocacy for better accountability at the CMS. Get comfy, you won’t find a convo this compelling anywhere else.

A huge thank you to Audrey Frick!

Follow her @audrey_frick

Read her insights into Italian wines at https://jebdunnuck.com/

This episode’s in studio wine:

2015 Padelletti Brunello di Montalcino

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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 giveThe 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 Wine Spies! Get a discount for being a listener of the show by going to: www.winespies.com/blackwineguy

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.

Started at the Bottom, Now We Here. How to Sell More Than a Billion Dollars Worth of Wine with John Kapon. Jan 29, 2021

Show notes

MJ’s guest this week is John Kapon. John is the third-generation chairman of Acker, America’s oldest wine merchant, which has sold fine and rare wines since 1820. He led the firm as it became the largest fine and rare wine auction house in the world. A leading fine wine expert and master taster, Kapon is the author of The Compendium: Tasting the World’s Finest Wines (Vol. I), an insider’s glimpse into the exclusive world of fine wine. MJ and John’s relationship goes way back to the 1990’s when MJ worked for John at Acker. They discuss John’s unparalleled career as well as some deep dives into a few of his favorite bottles.

A huge thank you to John Kapon!

Follow him @john.kapon

Follow Acker @ackerwines

Jump into an auction, shop and discover the world of fine wine at

https://www.ackerwines.com/

This episode’s in studio wine:

1990 Joseph Drouhin Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche

1990 Domaine Jean-Loius Chave Hermitage

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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 Wine Spies! Get a discount for being a listener of the show by going to: www.winespies.com/blackwineguy

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.

BEFORE THE POUR - BONUS EPISODE! Jan 14, 2021

Show notes

Who would Andre Mack most like to drink a bottle of wine with? What turns Shakera Jones on? James Molesworth’s least favorite word? Amanda McCrossin’s favorite curse word? Jordan Salcito’s favorite sound? (hint, it's adorable!) And will Lee Campbell answer any of these questions for MJ?

This is Before the Pour a super fun BONUS EP that is a mixed tape of candid moments with most of our guest from Season One. Listen to MJ and your favorite guests warm up and cut loose before each show.

We bet you won’t guess Robert Bohr’s favorite movie … or which profession Madeleine Maldonado would love to try if she wasn’t doing wine … hint, we’d def hire her!

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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 giveThe 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 Wine Spies! Get a discount for being a listener of the show by going to: www.winespies.com/blackwineguy

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.

Jersey Girl! The Art of Fine and Fun Dining with Sommelier and Esquire Magazine’s Beverage Director of the Year, Madeline Maldonado Dec 26, 2020

Show notes

MJ’s guest this week is fellow New Jersey native, Madeline Maldonado. Madeline was the manager and sommelier for James Beard Award winning Chef, Jonathan Waxman’s Restaurant, Jams. From there, Eataly called and she served as Beverage Director for a 400+ bottle wine list. She is currently bringing her journey through beverage, wine, and hospitality as Beverage Director to the fine Italian restaurant da Toscano in New York’s West Village. MJ and Madeleine discuss the secrets to being a phenomenal somm, some of their favorite Spanish wines and what it’s like to be the first or only Black wine professional in the room.

A huge thank you to Madeline Maldonado!

Follow her on IG @somm3m

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This episode’s in studio wines:

Domaine Olga Raffault

2014 Les Picasses

CHINON

Anne & Jean-Francois Ganevat

Vin de Table Blanc “L”Ailleurs” 2016

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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 Wine Spies! Get a discount for being a listener of the show by going to: www.winespies.com/blackwineguy

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.

Meet Virginia! Sommelier, Wine Consultant and Wellness Geek Lee Campbell’s Secret to Success = Make It Meaningful. Dec 18, 2020

Show notes

MJ’s guest this week is Lee Campbell. Lee is an ardent supporter of sustainable vine-farming and traditional, non-interventionist winemaking techniques. After working in some of Washington, D.C. 's and Manhattan’s top culinary and vinous establishments, she hopped the East River to Brooklyn, and became the Wine Director for the Tarlow Restaurant Group - which included Diner, Marlow and Sons, Roman’s and Reynard. She presently represents the burgeoning Virginia producer, Early Mountain Vineyard. MJ and Lee discuss job hopping, bucking the system and finding the greater purpose in each new project.

A huge thank you to Lee Campbell!

Follow her on IG @bewitchinglee

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This episode’s in studio wines:

Early Mountain

Eluvium

2017

Virginia

Early Mountain

Intention

2017

Virginia

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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 Wine Spies! Get a discount for being a listener of the show by going to: www.winespies.com/blackwineguy

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.

I’m a Hustler Baby! Grand Cru Selections’ Robert Bohr on Hard Work, Hospitality and Hip Hop. Dec 04, 2020

Show notes

MJ’s guest this week is seasoned wine expert, importer and hip hop lover Robert Bohr. Robert runs Grand Cru Selections which is based in NYC and works with some of the most passionate winemakers on the planet. MJ and Robert discuss his journey from a small, working class town in New Jersey to a multi hyphenated success story throughout the wine and restaurant business. These two Jersey natives also dive deep into early 90’s hip hop love and how Robert brought that love to his restaurant ventures. Styles upon styles, upon styles … is def what this EP has!

A huge thank you to Robert Bohr!

Follow him on IG @roberthbohr

Checkout his incredible wine book at

http://grandcruselections.com/

Follow his book on IG @grandcruselections

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This episode’s in studio wine:

Nuits-Saint-Georges- 1st Crux

Aux Thorey

2005

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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 Wine Spies! Get a discount for being a listener of the show by going to: www.winespies.com/blackwineguy

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’s A Family Affair! How to Build an Empire with Sommelier, Wine Maker, Author and Restauranteur André Mack. Nov 27, 2020

Show notes

MJ’s guest this week is Maverick extraordinaire André Mack! André is the former sommelier at Thomas Keller’s world renown restaurant French Laundry. After that he was head sommelier at Keller’s Per Se in New York City. In 2007, André started Maison Noir Wines. He and his wife started & Sons Hospitality Group which includes & Sons Ham Bar, & Sons Buttery and Vyne Yard in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn. MJ and André discuss how he started, where he’s going and the legacy he’s creating for his kids. Andre breaks down how being a “black sheep” is not “selling black”. He and MJ get deep into the mindset that drives all André’s endeavours. This is mos def one for the deep thinkers!

A huge thank you to André Mack!

Follow him on IG @andrehmack

Keep up with all he’s doing at http://andremack.com

If you are in Brooklyn, and even if you are not, check out & Sons, his incredible American Ham Bar and Buttery.

https://andsonsnyc.com

@andsonsnyc

André’s wine label is: Maison Noir Wines

https://maisonnoirwines.com

You can find both of his books Small Thyme Cooks V1: Culinary Coloring and Activity Book and 99 Bottles: A Black Sheep’s Guide to Life-Changing Wines on Amazon

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This episode’s in studio wine:

1989 Kenwood

Cabernet Sauvignon

Artist Series, Picasso

Sonoma Valley

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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 Wine Spies! Get a discount for being a listener of the show by going to: www.winespies.com/blackwineguy

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.

Betcha Can Can! Drink Ramona Founder, Jordan Salcito, Explains How Boundaries Bring Out the Best. Nov 20, 2020

Show notes

MJ’s guest this week is Jordan Salcito. Jordan is a sommelier and was manager at Eleven Madison Park. Her wine program at Momofuku had been named a James Beard Foundation semifinalist multiple times. In 2017 it was awarded “Most Original Wine List in the World” from World Of Fine Wine. She is the host of the podcast “Opening Up with Jordan Salcito”. Jordan is the Founder of RAMONA, an organic Italian wine spritz that can be delivered by the can right to your door. Jordan and MJ discuss her experience at the Court of Master Sommelier and how the service exam ultimately changed her career trajectory. They also discuss the differences between bio dynamic and natural wines and how the limits of space (the original Momofuku) and boundaries within the restaurant business brought about her award winning wine list and her next career move, founding Drink Ramona.

A huge thank you to Jordan Salcito

Follow her on IG @jordansalcito

And please do yourself a favor and try her delicious Italian wine spritzers at www.drinkramona.com *Our personal favorites are the Blood Orange and Meyer Lemon.

Give a listen and some love to her podcast “Opening Up with Jordan Salcito” wherever you listen to podcasts.

This episode’s in studio wine:

Chacra, Patagonia.

Cincuenta Y Cinco

Pinot Noir 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 Wine Spies! Get a discount for being a listener of the show by going to: www.winespies.com/blackwineguy

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.

California Love! Amanda McCrossin Breaks Down Magical Moments Drinking Napa Valley Wines! Nov 04, 2020

Show notes

MJ’s guest this week is Amanda McCrossin - Amanda is a sommelier, media personality and host of the Wine Access Unfiltered podcast. She is also the creator and host of the IG/ YouTube Channel show SOMMVIVANT. As the former Wine Director at PRESS restaurant in Napa - Amanda worked with the world’s largest collection of wines from the Napa Valley. She shares her insights from working in the epicenter of one of the most famous, world class wine regions in the world. Join MJ and Amanda as they take a deep dive into California wine and winemakers.

A huge thank you to Amanda McCrossin!

Follow her brilliant feed @sommvivant

Also! Never bring a bad bottle of wine to anything … ever! Watch and subscribe to her YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/amandamccrossinsommvivant

Give a listen and some love to her podcast Wine Access Unfiltered wherever you listen to podcasts.

@wineaccessunfiltered

This episode’s in studio wine:

Occidental, Pinot Noir 2018