Beats Vines and Life

MJ’s guest today is Proprietor of Sonoma’s Winery Sixteen 600 and co-host of the highly regarded The Winemakers Pod Sam Cotturi. In this episode, MJ and Sam talk about Sam’s early days growing up in the Moon Mountain District of Sonoma County. His life as the son of an organic farming pioneer. Joining the family business and launching a boutique label with an industry legend. They discuss everything from Hippies, Hip-Hop and Podcast Host Life. Go ahead and grab a glass and get ready to see grapes from a different view. A huge thank you to Sam Cotturi! Follow him on IG at @grapeswithaview and @sixteen600 @winemakerspodCheck out his website: https://www.winerysixteen600.com/Check out his podcast: https://radiomisfits.com/podcasts/thewinemakers/This episode’s in studio wine:2018 Á DEUX TÊTES Rossi Ranch Sonoma Valley Grenache2021 Sixteen 600 Mixed Whites (Cans)2021 Sixteen 600 Primitivo Rosé (Cans)_____________________________________________________________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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguy  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MJ’s guest today is the Brand Manager at DAMILANO Barolo Thomas Cuni. In addition to his focus on the US Market, Thomas is also in charge of worldwide export. He is a graduate of the University of Bologna where he studied Food Science and Oenology. Thomas moved to the US in 2006 and began his career in luxury wine. In this episode MJ and Thomas discuss his journey from the son of hardworking blue-collar parents in Emilia-Romagna to running one of the most historic estates in all of Italy. A huge thank you to Thomas Cuni! Follow him on IG at @thomas_cuni and @damilanobaroloCheck out Damilano’s website: http://cantinedamilano.it/ This episode’s in-studio wine:2004 Damilano Barolo Liste _____________________________________________________________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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MJ’s guest today is the Managing Director of Napa Valley’s Rudd Estate Oscar Henquet. In this episode, MJ and Oscar talk about how he found his passion for the luxury hospitality industry at a very young age while working with his family’s hotel business in The Netherlands. The importance and value of understanding various cultures. Life as a 6’4 European living in China. His first week on the job in NYC. Monkey Bar, and how he came to work with Richard Gere.A huge thank you to Oscar Henquet!Follow Rudd Estate on IG at @ruddestateCheck out the websites of The Rudd Portfolio: http//www.ruddwines.com https://www.crossroadsbyrudd.com/ and https://www.pressnapavalley.com/This episode’s in studio wines:2018 Rudd Oakville Estate Red2018 Rudd Oakville Estate Samantha’s Cabernet Sauvignon2020 Rudd Mt. Veeder Estate Sauvignon Blanc_____________________________________________________________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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguy  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MJ’s guest today is described as the “always theorizing and experimenting Vineyard Manager” at Stolpman Vineyards since 1994, Ruben Solorzano! Ruben was crowned “the Grape Whisperer” by Wine Enthusiast (Journalist Matt Kettmann). Through Ruben’s vineyard management company - Coastal Vineyard Care Associates - he controls several of the best sites from the Western edge of STA Rita Hills through Happy Canyon. Ruben focuses on innovation throughout his viticultural empire. His partnership wine brand with the Stolpman family is named in honor of his wife, “Para Maria” - For Maria.Ruben shares stories of his childhood growing up as the youngest of eleven children in Mexico. His early years working outdoors shaped his future as he tells MJ of following his older brothers to California  - harrowingly crossing the border - to begin his incredible career in wine. And what a career it has been! Grab a glass and get ready to drink in Ruben’s beautiful story of finding your calling in the vineyards of California! A huge thank you to Ruben Solorzano! Follow him on IG at @ruben_solorzano_ruelas_Keep up with his Para Maria wines: https://www.stolpmanvineyards.com/Wine/Para-MariaThis episode’s in studio wines:2019 El Padrino de la Cuadrilla 2018 Sun & Earth  GSM____________________________________________________________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.comFollow 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.comThank 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.comThank 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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MJ’s guest today is the fourth generation of his family to play an instrumental role in the fine wine and spirits realm in the United States. He's Director of Business Development at the Taub family’s NYC-based wholesale business, Independence Wine & Spirits (IWS), Jake Taub! In 2020, Jake joined IWS as a key account manager and was quickly promoted to director of business development. Jake has increased national sales at his family’s proprietary California wineries, Saracina in Mendocino and Taub Family Vineyards Napa.On this episode, MJ and Jake discuss The Taub Family business, dating back to prohibition. Jake reveals the story behind his grandfather bringing Pinto Grigio over to the states, and how the family business got its name. This episode takes you behind the curtain on a family-run dynasty that’s impressive and tres magnifique. À ta santé!A huge thank you to Jake Taub! Follow him on IG at @jaketaub 🍷 @drinkiws🇺🇸 @taubfamilyselections🍇 @saracinavineyards🌎 @palmbayinternationalCheck out the IWS website: https://independencewine.com/ Taub Family Selections website: https://www.taubfamilyselections.com/This episode’s in studio wine:2013 Travaglini Nebole Metodo Classico _____________________________________________________________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.comFollow 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.comThank 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.comThank 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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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_morrisCheck out Alma Rosa Winery at: https://almarosawinery.com/This episode’s in studio wines:2020 Alma Rosa Chardonnay, Sta Rita Hills2020 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir, Sta Rita Hills2019 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir Rancho La Viña, Sta Rita Hills2020 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir Barrel Select, Sta Rita Hills_____________________________________________________________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.comFollow 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.comThank 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.comThank 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.

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.pabloKeep up with all his projects at: skinnypablo.com Buy his custom clothing at: https://www.mosaigalleria.com/skinnypabloThis episode’s in studio wine:2015 Stein Alfer Hölle Riesling 19002017 Stein Riesling "Ohne"_____________________________________________________________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.comFollow 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.comThank 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.comThank 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/   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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 @rieslingfeierCheck 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 Reinhartshausen1969 Erbacher BrühlRiesling Kabinett____________________________________________________________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.comFollow 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.comThank 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.comThank 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/   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Noirs2006 Raven No. 5 California Syrah - Sine Qua Non_____________________________________________________________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.comFollow 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.comThank 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.