Beats Vines and Life

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___jamesCheck out Wine Empowered: https://www.wine-empowered.comFollow them on IG @wineempowere This episode’s in studio wines:Camins2Dreams Gruner VeltlinerSta. Rita HillsCalifornia_______________________________________________________________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 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 @benaneffCheck 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_______________________________________________________________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 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 @yannickbenjaminCheck out his restaurant Contento: https://www.contentonyc.com/Follow them on IG @contentonycLearn more about Wine on Wheels and their events: https://wineonwheels.org/This episode’s in studio wines:Ellison Estate VineyardLa Coccinelle Et La GuêpeKishor VineyardViognier 2019______________________________________________________________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 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.mwRead 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 @internationalwinecenterThis episode’s in studio wine:Clos AlivuPatrimonioRose2020___________________________________________________________________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 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 @hskurnikLearn, discover and purchase world class wine and spirits at Skurnik Wine and Spirits: https://www.skurnik.com/Follow them on IG @skurnikwinesThis episode’s in studio wines:Pierre GirardinMurgers des Dents de ChienSaint-Aubin Premier Cru, 2018Hillick and Hobbs2019 Estate Dry RieslingSeneca Lake, New YorkLanghe Nebbiolo Sori della Sorba20192017 MullineuxGranite Syrah Swartland, South Africa ___________________________________________________________________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 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.

MJ’s guest this week is Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross, the creators of LEGEND Imports. Jane and Jonathan share a combined six years of work in Australia’s most renowned restaurants, and nearly 40 years in the wine industry. Jane has worked at many prestigious restaurants and bars, such as The Violet Hour (Chicago), The Catbird Seat (Nashville), Eleven Madison Park (New York) and Attica (Melbourne).In 2018, Jane passed the Master Sommelier exam, becoming one of only 35 women in the world to do so. Jonathan was a member of the award-winning wine team at Eleven Madison Park starting in 2012, and held the title of Head Sommelier from 2015. In Australia, Jonathan took on the role of Beverage Director for the premium restaurants of the world-renowned Rockpool Group. In 2020, Jane and Jonathan returned to the U.S. and started LEGEND Imports, a new wine import and wholesale company that brings the very best of Australian wine to the American market. MJ dives deeper into the artisanal Australian wine scene during his conversation with Jane and Jonathan, including the sampling of a 100 year old Port by Seppeltsfield that was absolutely gob smacking delicious!Grab a glass, pop a cork and get cozy for this one folks. A huge thank you to Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross!Follow LEGEND Imports on IG @auswinelegends Discover LEGEND Imports producers and partners at: https://legendaustralia.com/ This episode’s in studio wine:2012 Henskens Rankin of Tasmania1920 Seppeltsfield Centennial Collection___________________________________________________________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 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.

If you follow MJ on IG you know that he is all about balancing wine with wellness. When Lisabeth Danneels & Emily Gold of the Fine Line Podcast: Balancing Hedonism and Health reached out to chat he was all in! In this convo you'll learn even more about MJ and his unique path to wine podcasting. The ladies and MJ share great hacks for staying fit and healthy while living your best wine loving life. ENJOY! Check out their podcast https://anchor.fm/finelinepodcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MJ’s guest today is German wine lover, expert, avid vinyl fanatic and best known to listeners by his IG handle Soil Pimp, Robert Dentice. When not toiling away during the day financing Biotech companies he can frequently be found visiting the world’s greatest vineyards and winemakers - particularly in Germany. His wine collection is primarily focused on Germany and could easily be one of the largest and deepest collections of German wine in the U.S. Robert formed Source | Material to share and awaken fellow wine lovers to all that is German viticulture. MJ gets the inside scoop on all the things that bring Robert joy - playlists, wine pairings and epic tasting parties. Robert’s in studio wine choices  - all three bottles - sets the stage for this epic master class in German wines. A huge thank you to Robert Dentice!Follow him on IG @soilpimpLearn, discover and purchase world class, curated German wines at: https://sourcematerialwine.com/Follow them on IG @sourcematerialwineThis episode’s in studio wine:KellerG-MaxRiesling, 2015SteinWeihwasserRiesling Feinherb, 2019Fritz Ekkehard HuffNierstein, 2019_______________________________________________________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 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.

MJ’s guest this week is Chef Michelangelo Wescott. He is the chef and owner of Gypsy Apple Bistro, a French inspired restaurant located in the foothills of the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts. They were listed as one of Eater’s 38 most important restaurants in New England. Born in Fort Greene, Brooklyn in the early 70s, he and his brother were raised by their parents (both immigrants) in a community surrounded by food culture. In 2016 he overcame a battle with stomach cancer and is currently on a major upswing from a rare tick-bourne blood infection. Chef and MJ have been friends for years. In this lively, overdue reunion they discuss everything from Chef’s  beginnings in Fort Greene, BK to his many cooking jobs and the often larger than life characters that have shaped his career.  There is passionate, real talk about racism, bingeable Hulu recommendations and inspirational tales of triumph over adversity.  So “do the right thing” and take a listen!  A huge thank you to Chef Wescott!Follow him on IG @chefwescottCheck out his acclaimed restaurant Gypsy Apple Bistro at: https://www.gypsyapplebistro.com/ Follow Gypsy Apple Bistro @gypsyapplebistroThis episode’s in studio wine:Robert Biale VineyardsZinfandelBlack Chicken Napa Valley, 2007___________________________________________________________________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 Wine Spies! Get a discount for being a listener of the show by going to: www.winespies.com/blackwineguyLove 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 this week is Pascaline Lepeltier. Growing up in the Loire Valley and detouring from a master’s in philosophy and a career as a university teacher, Pascaline began her obsession with wine at the two star Michelin-rated L’Auberge Bretonne. Promoted to the position of Beverage Director for the Rouge Tomate flagship in New York, she moved to Manhattan in 2009.  Currently, she is a partner with David Lillie in Racines NYC, one of the top wine destinations in the US. She oversees a 2000+ wine list focusing on “vins de vignerons”, mostly organic, biodynamic and natural. Pascaline and MJ discuss everything from the virtues of hybrid grape farming in Vermont to her desire to pair wine and foods that have matching “energy” rather than flavor and structure. Wine and Philosophy class is session in, so take a seat!  A huge thank you to Pascaline Lepeltier!Follow her on IG @pascalinelepeltierCheck out the marvelous offerings at: racinesny.com Follow Racines NY @racines_nyThis episode’s in studio wine:La Gargista 2017 Cybelle ______________________________________________________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.