Beats Vines and Life

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 __________________________________________________________________________This episode’s in studio wines:Early MountainEluvium2017VirginiaEarly Mountain Intention2017Virginia__________________________________________________________________________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_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.

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 @roberthbohrCheckout his incredible wine book at http://grandcruselections.com/Follow his book on IG @grandcruselections__________________________________________________________________________This episode’s in studio wine:Nuits-Saint-Georges- 1st Crux Aux Thorey 2005 ______________________________________________________________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_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.

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 @andrehmackKeep up with all he’s doing at http://andremack.comIf you are in Brooklyn, and even if you are not, check out & Sons, his incredible American Ham Bar and Buttery. https://andsonsnyc.com@andsonsnycAndré’s wine label is: Maison Noir Wines https://maisonnoirwines.comYou 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__________________________________________________________________________This episode’s in studio wine:1989 KenwoodCabernet SauvignonArtist Series, Picasso Sonoma Valley __________________________________________________________________________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_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.

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 SalcitoFollow her on IG @jordansalcitoAnd 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 CincoPinot Noir 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/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_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.

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 @sommvivantAlso! Never bring a bad bottle of wine to anything … ever! Watch and subscribe to her YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/amandamccrossinsommvivantGive 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 _____________________________________________________________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.comFollow MJ @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.

MJ’s guest this week is Senior Editor at Wine Spectator Magazine, James Molesworth. He’s a lead taster for California Cabernet, France’s Bordeaux and Rhone Valley regions and Port. James is a Negroni aficionado. James gives a first hand account of the California wildfire devastation from his recent trip to Napa Valley. They discuss the benefits of blind tasting, wine scores and why James has never given a 100. James and MJ share their passion for vinyl. James shares some of his favorite Jazz moments and a fantastic album suggestion (that we currently have on repeat!). This episode is chock full of the good stuff! A huge thank you to James Molesworth! He has a terrific IG feed.Follow him @jmolesworth1Read James’s insightful and beautifully written articles at winespectator.com @wine_spectatorMJ’s movie recommendation: The Gristle (2001) available for purchase on Amazon.This episode’s in studio wine:Mount Veeder Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley _____________________________________________________________________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 atBlackwineguy.comFollow MJ @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 is a component of the Prosperity Foundation. It supports cultural and heritage events, scholarships, mentoring programs and more. Go to https://www.theconawayfund.org/ and see how you can donate and help those in need. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MJ’s guest is Dustin Wilson, Master Sommelier who is best known for his position as Wine Director of the 3 Michelin-starred restaurant, Eleven Madison Park. MJ has a lively discussion with Dustin about everything from his big decision to leave the restaurant business to an insane 75 wine vertical tastings and the controversies currently facing the Court of Master Sommeliers. So many brilliant wine moments and life lessons from a Master Somm. A huge thank you to Dusin Wilson@dustinwilsonsonmsFollow Verve Wines @vervewineThis episode’s in studio wine is:COMANDO G VINOS DE MADRID 'ROZAS 1ER CRU' 2018You can get a bottle at Dustin’s online shop Vervewine.comUntil 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.comFollow MJ @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 is Shakera Jones of BlackGirlsDinetoo.com, Somm TV personality and is featured in the upcoming Somm 4 film. This is a must listen as MJ and Shakera discuss how a Michael Jackson Pepsi commercial moment led to her very own show on SOMM TV, her issue with some celebrity wines and why it matters whose palates are considered valid.  They drink champagne, share fried chicken recipes and share their passions for Spanish wines.  Get your pen and paper ready. You will want to take notes for this one!  A huge thank you to Shakera Jones! Follow her on IG@blackgirlsdinetooKeep up with all she’s doing at BlackGirlsDineToo.comCatch her fantastic show, Weekly Wine, on Somm TV. Listen to her podcast A Glass for Every Palate with Shalera Jones wherever you listen to podcasts! This episode’s in studio wine:Champagne Jacquesson, Extra Brut. Cuvee no 741Until 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.comFollow MJ @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: If you like complex and interesting wine, you probably also like complex and interesting women, which is what Putting Women in Their Place the Podcast is all about. Take a listen to the often unheard stories of womxn doing the work they love and that they were put on this planet to do.  Find it on Itunes! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MJ’s guest is Mary Tayor of Mary Taylor Wines. Mary runs a modern day wine import company that is all about bringing broader awareness of the history and culture of incredible European wines to the masses at reasonable prices! They have a lively discussion about everything from her early days as a cheesemonger to her passion for working with small, organic, sustainable growers. There are literary debates (Emerson vs Thoreau!) and heroic tales from Mary’s time testifying against tariffs in front of Congress! Your cranium will thank you for listening.  A huge thank you to Mary Taylor!Learn more and see her full range of offerings at mt.wineFollow her on IG@marytaylorwinesThis episode’s in studio wine are:Mary Taylor, Côtes De Gascogne, 2019 Mary Taylor, Sicilia Rouge, 2019 Find them wherever Mary Taylor wines are sold! ______________________________________________________________________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.comFollow MJ @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: If you like complex and interesting wine, you probably also like complex and interesting women, which is what Putting Women in Their Place the Podcast is all about. Take a listen to the often unheard stories of womxn doing the work they love and that they were put on this planet to do.  Find it on Itunes! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! I am MJ Towler aka the Black Wine Guy. Welcome to my podcast. This is a show for those who thirst. Thirst for greatness in themselves, thirst for knowledge of how to be, live and think better. And those who thirst for that intangible something more  … Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.