Beats Vines and Life

MJ’s guest is acclaimed sommelier, restaurateur, entrepreneur and owner of Terroir Tribeca Wine Bar in New York City, Paul Greico. Originally from Toronto, his family owned and operated the iconic La Tosca restaurant, which Paul worked at for many years alongside his father and grandfather. In 1991 he arrived in New York City  and began his restaurant career. By 1994, he was working at Gramercy Tavern and by 1997 he had taken over the wine list and beverage program. In 2003, Paul and Chef-partner Marco Canora opened Hearth in the East Village; Insieme followed in 2007. The duo’s first and second wine bars, Terroir, opened in 2008 and 2010. Today, Paul runs Terroir Tribeca, which has been described “As much an outpost for wine lovers to experience terroir-driven wines as they are platforms for Paul to preach the attributes of his carefully curated wine list.” Described as “Sommelier Punk,” influenced by: villains and heathens and revolutionaries and indigenous peoples,” Paul Greico is not your everyday fine dining Somm. His passion for a Summer of Riesling and a sharp wit and tongue to match, get ready to be schooled not just on Riesling but the world of wine.MJ and Paul have an exhilarating and thought-provoking discussion on what “Riesling ain’t,” how Paul is first and foremost a restaurateur, his life-changing experience at Gramercy Tavern, his infamous Summer of Riesling and more! You aren’t ready for this one! Grab a Trocken and let’s go! A huge thank you to Paul Greico!Follow him on IG @spitpaulFollow Terroir Tribeca on IG @terroirnyThis episode’s in studio wines:2013 Melsheimer 'Lentum' Riesling______________________________________________________________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 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.

MJ’s guest today is an author, senior partner at Deloitte, a Certified Sommelier with the Guild of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Specialist of Wine, and a Master of Wine Candidate with the Institute of Masters of Wine - Michael Juergens. Michael has written a number of books on wine, and runs the wildly popular Drinking & Knowing Things wine blog which was adapted into a book that provides 52 specific wine recommendations. He is the founder of the Bhutan Wine Company, and is leading the development of the wine industry in the magical Himalayan country. He owns the award-winning SoCal Rum company, which was recently awarded the highest point score in history for any Silver Rum. Michael is a professor at the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of CA, Irvine. He lives in Southern California, where he spends his time blind tasting and doing extreme sports.Born and bred in SoCal, Michael quickly adapted to anything he came in contact with, whether it be sharks (Great Whites!), economics or becoming a sommelier in record time. MJ and Michael discuss the first taste of wine with pops in the garage, his journey from econ to wine, deciding to be a sommelier on a whim (!!) and tells MJ why he decided to start growing wine in Bhutan!Grab a glass, and prepare for this one. It’s a good time!A huge thank you to Michael Juergens!Follow him on IG @drinkingandknowing This episode’s in studio wine:Cantalpiedra la Otea VerdejoIllaria Irouleguy______________________________________________________________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 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.

MJ’s guest is owner and winemaker of Monte Rio Cellars, Patrick Cappiello. Patrick got his start in restaurants, starting his wine career in 2002 as a Sommelier at Tribeca Grill. As time progressed his roles changed to Wine Director and restaurant owner over the next 15 years. Through connections with countless winemakers and after meeting his current business partner Pax Mahle, the transition to Winemaker was a natural progression for Cappiello. He still serves as Wine Director of Walnut Street Café in Philadelphia. He is Food & Wine host for Playboy and founding member of Winemakers & Sommeliers for California Wildfire Relief.His 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, and Sommelier career has given him access to four of the world's greatest wine cellars. All have been recipients of Wine Spectator's "Grand Award"; TriBeCa Grill, Veritas, GILT, and Pearl & Ash. Mr. Cappiello was named "Sommelier of the Year 2014" by Food & Wine Magazine, "Wine Person of the Year 2014" by Imbibe Magazine, and "Sommelier of the Year 2015" by Eater National. Once described as the first “punk sommelier” Patrick is still determined to disrupt the wine status quo. MJ and Patrick have a lively discussion on everything from the highly debatable definition of natural wine to Patrick’s current devotion to making amazing wine at affordable prices in Lodi, California. The passion runs high and the conversation is deep in this one friends.A huge thank you to Patrick Cappiello!Follow him on IG @patrickwineFollow Monte Rio Cellars on IG @monteriocellars Keep up with all things Monte Rio Cellars and purchase his wines at @ https://www.monteriocellars.com/This episode’s in studio wines:MRCSkull “White Wine”2020Monte Rio Cellars Lodi Mission Monte Rio CellarsMendocino2020 Chardonnay ______________________________________________________________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 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.

MJ’s guest today is Master Sommelier, Award-winning TV host and Author, Andrea Robinson. Andrea is one of only 28 women in the world to hold the title of Master Sommelier. Andrea is the first woman designated as Best Sommelier in the United States by the Sommelier Society of America. She is the author of four top-selling books on wine and food, a 3-time James Beard Award winner and award-winning lifestyle television host. She was named Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional by the James Beard Foundation in 2002 and was selected by Bon Appetit Magazine as Wine & Spirits Professional of The Year in 2004. Andrea and her husband John are creators of a line of wine stemware called The ONE (™). Andrea has created innovative and award-winning wine and education programs for fine dining restaurants at Starwood Hotels and as a Dean of the International Culinary Center culinary school in New York City (of which she is a chef graduate). Andrea now curates Delta Air Lines’ wine program (since 2007) and consults for Norwegian Cruise Line.Growing up in Texas, Southern Indiana, North Dakota and Florida, Andrea’s childhood certainly prepared her for her life post college. Her resilience to change and new surroundings, and the desire to try new things, created the Andrea Robinson that you see today. MJ and she discuss her time from Morgan Stanley to harvesting at Chateau Palmer, her formal cooking and wine pairing education at the International Culinary Center, being the first woman beverage director at Windows on the World to bringing Napa Valley to Fine Living Network.The sweetest woman in the world, gives us a window into hers. Settle in with a Riesling, as we did, and enjoy this episode with Mrs. Andrea Robinson.A huge thank you to Andrea Robinson!Follow him on IG @andrearobinsonmsThis episode’s in studio wine:2018 Trestle 31 Riesling, Finger Lakes______________________________________________________________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 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.

MJ’s guest today is director of winemaking at Tooth & Nail Wine Company in Paso Robles, California, Jeremy Leffert. Jeremy has been the director of Tooth & Nail since 2015. Amor Fati, Stasis and Tooth & Nail wines are made under the guidance of Jeremy. He is an avid outdoorsman, specializing in mountaineering. A flat-picking guitarist since the age of 10, Jeremy lives in Templeton, CA, with his wife Melissa and their two dogs, Ernesto and Paco.Born in California, raised in Minnesota, Jeremy’s upbringing was immersed in the great outdoors, spending summers canoeing, backpacking and mountaineering. His appreciation for the environment prepared him later for a career in cultivating the land to create award-winning wines. MJ and Jeremy discuss his transition from California to Vermont and back again, his time at Trader Joe’s where he first fell in love with wine; the difference between a farmer and a winemaker, some amazing times with the Hearst family in San Simeon and how the game changed in 2015, when he joined the Tooth & Nail family.Pick a glass of your favorite Grenache or Syrah and let’s get into it.A huge thank you to Jeremy Leffert!Follow him on IG @jeremyleffert and @toothandnailwinery  This episode’s in studio wine:Domaine De La Janasse ChaupinChâteauneuf Du Pape 2018​​Paul Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 2016______________________________________________________________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 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.

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 Cellerhttps://www.heitzcellar.com/ Learn more about The Roots Fundhttps://www.therootsfund.org/This episode’s in studio wine:2019 Le Roi Des Pierres Sancerre______________________________________________________________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 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.

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 @kevinzralyKeep 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 SauvignonMartha’s Vineyard______________________________________________________________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 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.

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 @niquesommLearn more about Charles Heidsieck: https://charlesheidsieck.comFollow them on IG: @charlesheidsieckchampagneThis episode’s in studio wines:Charles HeidsieckBlanc Des Millenaires2006Blanc de BlancsCharles HeidsieckBrut Reserve_______________________________________________________________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 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.

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 @ritajammetLearn more about La Caravelle Champagne: https://www.lacaravelle.com/Follow them on IG: @lacaravellechampagneThis episode’s in studio wines:La Caravelle ChampagneBlanc de BlancsLa CaravelleChampagneCuvee Nina_______________________________________________________________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 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.

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_______________________________________________________________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 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.