

Beats Vines and Life
Marvin J. Towler
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 6, 2023 • 1h 33min
Itsoweezee. How Tony Biagi makes crafting world-class wines look easy.
MJ’s guest today is a 5th Generation Northern Californian with a distinguished 25-year + career in the wine industry Tony Biagi.Tony graduated from UC Davis and began his winemaking journey with his first internship in 1992. Since then, he has worked with scores of highly acclaimed wines, earning him a reputation as one of Napa Valley's most dynamic winemakers.He is known amongst his peers for his razor-sharp palate, tasting recall, and comprehensive knowledge of winemaking history and techniques. He strives to balance deep pure fruit expression with the tensional edge of vibrant acid, making his wines genuinely exceptional.His dedication to his craft has earned him numerous critical accolades, including being named Vinous Winemaker of the Year in 2020.In this episode, MJ and Tony discuss attending high school with Tom Brady and why Barry Bonds belongs in the Hall of Fame. Where and when he fell in love with Zinfandel. Cult Cabernets, mountain fruit, and mentoring young winemakers.A huge Thank You to Tony Biagi!For information about Patria Wines click the link.Follow Patria Wines on IGFor information about Olema Wines click the link.Follow Olema Wines on IGThis episode in-studio wines: 2020 Patria Charlie Smith Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay2016 Patria Avoyelles Oakville Red Wine _____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor: Rare Liquid. Rare Liquid is setting a new provenance standard for the rare wine & spirits industry. Utilizing the untapped potential of Web 3.0 Rare Liquid is building a community of artisan producers, technology, and logistics professionals to serve the needs of next-generation wine collectors.Learn more at Rare LiquidFollow Rare Liquid on IG @rareliquidclub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 27, 2023 • 1h 43min
The Power of Decision. Travis and Mario Allen's Commitment to Creating Wines of Passion, Purpose, and Precision.
MJ’s guest today is the Owner and Winemaker at Kobayashi Winery Travis Allen! Kobayashi is a small family-owned winery making wines from premium vineyards in WA State. They are focused on making the best and most “interesting” wines in the world.In this episode, MJ and his guest Travis Allen discuss a life-changing decision at the age of 18 that led him to Japan. How a trip to Hospice du Rhone shaped the trajectory of his winemaking career. And how Kobayashi’s pursuit of precision has married with their passion to bring forth the best and most interesting wines in the world.A huge Domo Arigato to Travis Allen!For information about Kobayashi Winery click the link.Follow Travis Allen on IGThis episode in studio wines: 2020 Domaine Gangloff Condrieu2019 Domaine La Barroche Châteauneuf-Du-Pape "Pure"_____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor: Rare Liquid. Rare Liquid is setting a new provenance standard for the rare wine & spirits industry. Utilizing the untapped potential of Web 3.0 Rare Liquid is building a community of artisan producers, technology, and logistics professionals to serve the needs of next-generation wine collectors.Learn more at Rare LiquidFollow Rare Liquid on IG @rareliquidclub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 20, 2023 • 1h 40min
Extradimensional! How Hardy and Kate Wallace's Wines are Impacting the World!
MJ’s guest today is the co-owner and winemaker of the Extradimensional Wine Co Yeah! Hardy Wallace! In this episode MJ and Hardy discuss everything from Northern Indian percussion to opening up for De la Soul, A Tribe Called Quest. How the dirty South informed his first project and how Extradimensional Wine Co Yeah! is redefining blending and terroir while being socially responsible.That's just the tip of the iceberg, there's so much more. Hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! A huge thank you to Hardy Wallace! For information about Extradimensional Wine Co. Yeah! click the link.Follow Wine Co. Yeah on InstagramFollow Hardy on InstagramFollow Kate on InstagramThis episodes in-studio wines: 2020 Extradimensional Wine Co. Yeah! Chendawg II2021 Extradimensional Wine Co. Yeah! Local Election Red Wine_____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor: Rare Liquid. Rare Liquid is setting a new provenance standard for the rare wine & spirits industry. Utilizing the untapped potential of Web 3.0 Rare Liquid is building a community of artisan producers, technology, and logistics professionals to serve the needs of next-generation wine collectors.Learn more at Rare Liquid Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 13, 2023 • 1h 46min
Grapes… A Love Story. How Daniel Posner Became a Goto Wine Guy.
MJ’s guest today is the Managing Director of storied retailer Grapes The Wine Company Daniel Posner! In this episode, MJ and Daniel discuss overcoming tragedy. Daniel’s unique foray into the world of wine. Wine ratings, wine legislation. The astronomical rise in the Bordeaux and Burgundy wine markets and the importance of finding a trusted retailer. A huge thank you to Daniel Posner! For information about Grapes The Wine Co. click the link.Follow Daniel on InstagramFollow Grapes The Wine Co. on InstagramThis episode in-studio wine: 2017 Lamy Cailllat Bourgogne Blanc_____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor: Rare Liquid. Rare Liquid is setting a new provenance standard for the rare wine & spirits industry. Utilizing the untapped potential of Web 3.0 Rare Liquid is building a community of artisan producers, technology, and logistics professionals to serve the needs of next-generation wine collectors.Learn more at Rare Liquid Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 6, 2023 • 1h 27min
He Got Game! Isaiah Thomas’ Championship Mindset On and Off The Court!
MJ’s guest today is a businessman, philanthropist, NCAA Champion, World Champion, and legendary sports icon Isiah Thomas! In this episode MJ and “Zeke” discuss growing up as the youngest of 9 children. The guiding influence of his mother. Aretha Franklin, Fred Hampton, Bill Russell, and the Civil Rights Movement. And how he created a seamless flow from NBA star to CEO of the first ever African-American-owned Champagne House Cheurlin 1788! This is a great interview! Grab a bottle pull the cork and enjoy!A huge thank you to Isiah Thomas! For information about Cheurlin 1788 click the link.Follow Isiah Thomas on InstagramFollow Cheurlin 1788 on Instagram_____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor: Rare Liquid. Rare Liquid is setting a new provenance standard for the rare wine & spirits industry. Utilizing the untapped potential of Web 3.0 Rare Liquid is building a community of artisan producers, technology, and logistics professionals to serve the needs of next-generation wine collectors.Learn more at Rare Liquid Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 30, 2023 • 1h 18min
Stepping Out Pt. 2! How Don Burns is Making his Mark and Crafting Some Rare Liquid in Paso Robles.
MJ’s guests today are 100-point winemaker Don Burns of Turtle Rock and tech entrepreneur Mike Downey. In Part 2 of this episode, MJ, Don, and Mike talk about the convergence of wine and technology. How Rare Liquid is working to solve wine’s provenance problem and how blockchain technology can empower artisans and bring more equity to the industry.A huge thank you to Don Burns! For information about Turtle Rock Vineyards click the link.Follow Turtle Rock on IG_____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor: Rare Liquid. Rare Liquid is setting a new provenance standard for the rare wine & spirits industry. Utilizing the untapped potential of Web 3.0 Rare Liquid is building a community of artisan producers, technology, and logistics professionals to serve the needs of next-generation wine collectors.Learn more at Rare LiquidFollow Rare Liquid on IG @rareliquidclub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 25, 2023 • 1h 1min
Stepping Out! How Don Burns is Making his Mark and Crafting Some Rare Liquid in Paso Robles.
MJ’s guest today is a Paso Robles native and 100-point winemaker Don Burns of Turtle Rock. In Part 1 of this episode, MJ and Don discuss growing during the '80s in Paso Robles. A life-changing sailing trip. Steakhouses, Zinfandel, learning from Justin Smith and what makes Paso such a unique AVA.A huge thank you to Don Burns! For information about Turtle Rock Vineyards click the link.Follow Turtle Rock on IG_____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor: Rare Liquid. Rare Liquid is setting a new provenance standard for the rare wine & spirits industry. Utilizing the untapped potential of Web 3.0 Rare Liquid is building a community of artisan producers, technology, and logistics professionals to serve the needs of next-generation wine collectors.Learn more at Rare LiquidFollow Rare Liquid on IG @rareliquidclub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 23, 2023 • 1h 51min
LIVE from The DTC Symposium
In this episode, MJ recorded on location at the Free the Grapes Direct to Consumer Symposium in Concord CA with his good friends from The Winemakers Pod Bart Hansen and Sam Coturri! We hope you enjoy these conversations.Hugh Scallon of Vayner Media. https://vaynermedia.comSteve Gross, VP, State Relations, Wine Institute https://wineinstitute.orgJason Hass of Tablas Creek www.tablascreek.comShana Bull is a Digital Storyteller + Marketing Educator, and Children’s Book Author https://shanabull.comShae Frichette and her husband were living in Southern California when they met and got married. They wanted to move closer to family in either South Carolina or Washington. They used the flip of a coin to determine they would relocate to Washington. They wanted to create a business that would give them goosebumps. With a little research and cheerleading from friends, they decided to go into wine. www.frichettewinery.comRoss Halleck planted the Halleck Vineyard in 1993, one of the first in the hills of Sebastopol, in western Sonoma County. The primary intent for this vineyard was to serve as a college fund for our three boys, Connor, Adam, and Quinn. Of course, a passion for Pinot led the charge. www.halleckvineyard.comBarbara Gorder is a consultant and Owner Undisclosed Location, Inc. Over the past 20 years, she has helped to build and design some of the world’s most powerful brands. She has broad marketing and advertising expertise across all channels and disciplines with an emphasis on new technologies. Barbara is Kino chair for the direct to consumer wide symposium. https://www.unlo.com_____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor: Rare Liquid. Rare Liquid is setting a new provenance standard for the rare wine & spirits industry. Utilizing the untapped potential of Web 3.0 Rare Liquid is building a community of artisans producers, technology and logistics professional all to serve the needs of next gen wine collectors.Learn more at Rare LiquidFollow Rare Liquid on IG @rareliquidclub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 16, 2023 • 1h 34min
Not An Undercover Brother. How Benjamin Dyett Repeatedly Breaks Down Walls and Barriers.
MJ’s guest today is a wine enthusiast, Lawyer, and long-time entrepreneur, "OG" in the Co-working movement Benjamin Dyett. Benjamin is a Partner at Deco Group and is a Flexible Workplace Strategist. He is a current board member and past President of the Board of Directors for Shelter Manor. He is a Rear Commodore / Officer of the Shelter Island Yacht Club Benjamin is also the first African-American member of The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. In this episode MJ and his guest discuss growing up Black in NY’s Westchester County in the ’60s & ’70s. The rise and fall of the co-working movement. Bordeaux, Burgundy, and “wine taxes.”A huge thank you to Benjamin Dyett! For information about The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin click the link.For more information about Sylvester Manor click the link.For more information about Hudson River Community Sailing click the link._____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor: Rare Liquid. Rare Liquid is setting a new provenance standard for the rare wine & spirits industry. Utilizing the untapped potential of Web 3.0 Rare Liquid is building a community of artisans producers, technology, and logistics professionals all to serve the needs of next-gen wine collectors.Learn more at Rare Liquid Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 9, 2023 • 1h 39min
Man (x) Food and Wine! Casey Webb’s Soif For All Things Food and Wine!
MJ’s guest today is a Food Lover, Actor, Producer, and TV Personality widely known as the Host of Man v. Food! In this episode MJ and Casey discuss all things NJ like pork roll, The Windmill, Action Park, high school football rivalries, and everything that makes growing up at the Jersey Shore so special. They also discuss how changing his attitude and perseverance led him to host his show on the Food Network.A huge thank you to Casey Webb! Follow him on IG at @iamhusky4lifeThis episode’s in-studio wine:1974 Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon_____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.