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...
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Sep 28, 2026 · 1:33:26
On this episode of Beats Vines & Life, MJ Towler welcomes celebrated wine journalist and editor Ray Isle for a deep, wide-ranging conversation that flows from Houston childhood…
Sep 14, 2026 · 1:52:29
Welcome to Beats, Vines & Life, where Gen X culture, music, and the philosophy of coming together over good wine take center stage. In this episode, MJ sits down with Mark Pascal…
Aug 31, 2026 · 1:27:18
Welcome to another episode of Beats Vines & Life, where we blend the soundtrack of Gen X culture with stories from the heart of American wine country. This time, the conversation…
Aug 17, 2026 · 1:36:12
On this episode of Beats, Vines & Life, we’re diving deep into the rhythms of Gen X culture, Italian style, and the art of coastal winemaking with Elia Pellegrini,…
Aug 3, 2026 · 1:43:05
Welcome to another episode of Beats, Vines & Life! Today, host MJ Towler sits down with award-winning filmmaker, storyteller, and founder of Nomadic Bear Productions, Christopher…
Jul 20, 2026 · 2:01:07
On this episode of Beats, Vines & Life , host MJ Towler sits down with Vincent Morrow—“Vinny” to his friends—a master sommelier, educator, and hospitality executive whose journey…
Jul 13, 2026 · 36:34
On this special bonus episode of Beats Vines & Life, host MJ Towler sits down with the legendary Andre Mack, award-winning sommelier, creative force behind Maison Noir wines, and…
Jul 6, 2026 · 1:27:47
In this episode of Beats Vines & Life , host MJ Towler welcomes Giancarlo Altamura, assistant winemaker and next-generation voice of Napa Valley. Hailing from a family with roots…
Jun 22, 2026 · 42:07
Welcome to another life-focused edition of Beats, Vines & Life. Today, MJ Towler sits down with renowned entrepreneur, teacher, and bestselling author Seth Godin. Known for his…
Jun 8, 2026 · 1:42:16
Welcome to "Beats, Vines & Life," where we blend conversations on music, culture, and the real moments that shape our lives. In today’s episode, sits down with Angela…
May 25, 2026 · 1:12:35
Welcome to another episode of Beats Vines & Life! Today’s conversation focused on the fight to preserve independent winemaking, family legacy, and the spirit of Napa Valley in…
May 11, 2026 · 1:26:38
Welcome to another episode of Beats Vines & Life! Today, we're diving deep into music, wine, and lifestyle with a special guest who embodies the spirit of innovation and…
Apr 27, 2026 · 1:54:15
Welcome back to Beats Vines & Life . In this special episode, MJ Towler sits down with Wright Lassiter and his wife, Cathy Lassiter—a dynamic couple whose journey blends music,…
Apr 13, 2026 · 1:36:07
Welcome to another episode of Beats, Vines & Life! Today, MJ sits down with Dave Wanek, a multifaceted leader whose journey winds from a small Nebraska town to the heart of…
Apr 6, 2026 · 44:03
Welcome back to Beats, Vines & Life! In today’s episode, host Speaker A sits down with Brian Lau—entrepreneur, lifelong collector, and founder of One More Time Watches. Brian’s…
Mar 30, 2026 · 1:31:02
Welcome to another episode of Beats, Vines & Life! In this episode, host MJ sits down with David Garrett, co-founder of dVin, a trailblazer at the crossroads of music, lifestyle,…
Mar 23, 2026 · 1:24:15
Welcome back to another episode of Beats, Vines & Life! This time, host MJ Towler heads to the heart of Napa Valley for a refreshing and thoughtful conversation with Jack…
Mar 16, 2026 · 1:33:40
Welcome to Beats, Vines & Life. In today’s episode, host MJ Towler is joined by Victor and Chloe Schwartz – wine importers who just became victorious plaintiffs in a…
Mar 9, 2026 · 1:32:04
Welcome to a special edition of Beats, Vines & Life, where music, wine, and authentic stories always take center stage. In today’s episode, host MJ Towler dives deep into the…
Feb 23, 2026 · 1:33:22
Welcome to another episode of Beats, Vines & Life! In today’s episode, “Gemello Audio,” host MJ Towler sits down with Bay Area writer, wine historian, and longevity researcher…
Feb 16, 2026 · 1:00:43
Welcome to Beats Vines & Life, where we dive into the intersection of wine, business, and modern living. In this episode, host MJ Towler sits down with Ben Salisbury, renowned…
Feb 2, 2026 · 1:39:16
Welcome back to Beats Vines & Life! In this special bonus episode, host MJ Towler reunites with the dynamic and trailblazing winemaker Brenae Royal for part two of their powerful…
Jan 27, 2026 · 1:45:03
Welcome back to Beats Vines & Life! In this episode, hosts MJ Towler and Rob S introduce us to the vibrant world of Schermeister Audio, featuring the dynamic winemaking duo Laura…
Jan 12, 2026 · 1:46:09
Welcome back to Beats Vines & Life, where music, wine, and stories of resilience intersect! In this episode, host MJ Towler sits down with Brene Royal—the trailblazing founder of…
Dec 22, 2025 · 1:27:55
Welcome back to Beats Vines & Life, where music, culture, and the stories behind the wine flow together. In this episode, host MJ Towler sits down with the remarkable Kathryn…
Nov 24, 2025 · 50:57
Exploring Homegrown Wines, Culinary Pairings, and Community at New Jersey’s Wine Expo LIVE Welcome to another episode of Beats Vines & Life! This week, we're coming to you LIVE…
Nov 10, 2025 · 1:00:41
Welcome to a special edition of Beats Vines & Life: New Jersey Wine Edition, brought to you by the Garden State Wine Growers Association! On this episode, host MJ Towler gathers…
Nov 5, 2025 · 1:38:11
On this episode of Beats Vines & Life, host MJ Towler welcomes back esteemed wine expert Lyle Fass, founder and president of Fass Selections, for a fiery and insightful…
Nov 4, 2025 · 1:26:48
Welcome back to another episode of Beats Vines & Life! This week, MJ Towler sits down with Jeff Cole, head winemaker at Sullivan Rutherford Estate in Napa Valley. From humble…
Oct 13, 2025 · 1:22:02
Welcome back to Beats Vines & Life! In today’s episode, host MJ Towler sits down with Michael Evans, CEO and co-founder of The Vines of Mendoza—one of Argentina’s most celebrated…
Sep 30, 2025 · 52:06
Welcome back to Beats, Vines & Life, where the worlds of wine, music, and living boldly collide! In this special bonus episode, host MJ Towler (aka the Black Wine Guy) reunites…
Sep 22, 2025 · 1:36:59
Get ready for an iconic journey through an unsung corner of California wine country on this episode of Beats Vines & Life. Host MJ Towler is on the road, welcoming the legendary…
Sep 9, 2025 · 1:12:30
Get ready for a journey through time, culture, and the lush hills of Sonoma Valley on this episode of Beats Vines & Life. Host MJ Towler sits down with the legendary Phil…
Aug 25, 2025 · 1:31:51
Welcome back to another episode of Beats Vines & Life! Today, we’re taking you inside the vibrant, forward-thinking world of Sonoma’s wine scene with a recap of the S.O.R.B.E.T…
Aug 20, 2025 · 30:16
Welcome to a special bonus episode of Beats, Vines & Life—your go-to podcast at the intersection of music, wine, and the vibrant rhythms of everyday living. In this episode, host…
Aug 11, 2025 · 1:29:37
On this episode of Beats, Vines & Life, host MJ Towler sits down for an illuminating conversation with Larry Turley, founder of Turley Wine Cellars. This episode dives deep into…
Jul 29, 2025 · 34:41
Welcome to a special bonus episode of Beats, Vines & Life, where host MJ Towler takes us deep into the world of passion-driven winemaking and the lifestyle that surrounds it.…
Jul 21, 2025 · 1:28:36
On this episode of Beats, Vines & Life, host MJ Towler sits down with Jay Boberg—visionary music entrepreneur and co-founder of Nicolas J Winery—for a wide-ranging, personal…
Jul 14, 2025 · 1:49:02
Welcome back to Beats, Vines & Life! In this episode, host MJ Towler sits down with the legendary Marc J. Spears—Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, senior writer at…
Jul 1, 2025 · 56:10
Welcome back to Beats Vines & Life! In this special bonus episode, host MJ Towler sits down with Justin and Beth Harmon, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind Argot Wines out…
Jun 25, 2025 · 1:24:11
On this episode of Beats Vines & Life, host MJ Towler sits down with Alex Kanzler and Zach Stichler, the dynamic duo behind Kanzler Vineyards in the Sebastopol Hills of Sonoma…
Jun 2, 2025 · 1:38:50
I sat down with Victor Owen Schwartz back in February 2022, and this episode originally aired on my birthday, June 30, 2022. In light of recent developments in the international…
May 27, 2025 · 1:38:47
Welcome back to Beats, Vines & Life! In today's episode, host MJ Towler is joined by Bobby Rallo and the legendary Professor Tony Verdoni, known as the "Wine Professor" and a…
May 19, 2025 · 1:16:41
Welcome back to another special edition of Beats, Vines & Life! In this breaking news episode, MJ Towler is joined by a powerhouse panel of returning friends and innovators in…
May 12, 2025 · 1:28:08
Welcome back to another episode of Beats Vines & Life! In this lively installment, host MJ Towler is joined by seasoned restaurateur Bobby Rallo as they take us on a whirlwind…
May 5, 2025 · 1:22:15
Before we dive into today’s episode, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of a dear friend of the pod. John Myers of The Winemakers Pod passed away unexpectedly at…
Apr 28, 2025 · 1:18:33
Before we dive into today’s episode, I want to take a moment to acknowledge a significant event that has touched millions around the world. Earlier this week, we learned of the…
Apr 21, 2025 · 1:37:04
On this episode of Beats Vines & Life, host MJ Towler welcomes Eric Titus, general manager and vineyard operations manager at Titus Vineyards. With deep roots in Napa Valley's…
Apr 14, 2025 · 1:25:49
Welcome back to another captivating episode of Beats, Vines & Life. In today's discussion, MJ Towler is joined once again by the seasoned restaurateur, chef, and wine critic…
Apr 8, 2025 · 1:32:16
Hey podcast listeners! Welcome back to another episode of Beats Vines & Life, where we explore the fascinating intersections of music, wine, and the stories that connect us. In…
Mar 31, 2025 · 1:28:21
Welcome to another savory episode of Beats, Vines & Life with your boy, MJ Towler. We're diving back into the world of Italian food and wine culture with Bobby Rallo, our…
Mar 24, 2025 · 1:35:52
In this episode of "Beats Vines & Life," host MJ Towler sits down with Bobby Rallo, a seasoned restaurateur, chef, and wine critic with a rich history and deep-rooted passion for…
Mar 4, 2025 · 1:26:33
Welcome back to another exciting episode of Beats, Vines & Life. I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today, we have a fascinating guest who's going to take us on a journey through the…
Feb 10, 2025 · 1:58:41
In this episode of Beats Vines & Life, host MJ Towler sits down with the multitalented Keith Beavers, tastings director at VinePair and the host of VinePair's Wine 101 podcast.…
Dec 30, 2024 · 1:34:59
Welcome back to another episode of Beats Vines & Life ! I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today, we have a fascinating guest joining us: the acclaimed wine critic and editor at…
Oct 28, 2024 · 1:15:37
Welcome to another enriching episode of "Beats Vines & Life." I'm your host, MJ Towler. Today, we dive deep into the crossroads of winemaking, sustainability, and personal…
Oct 14, 2024 · 1:46:10
Welcome back to another episode of "Beats, Vines & Life"! This time, we have the pleasure of hosting Morgan Twain-Peterson, a Master of Wine and co-owner of Bedrock Wine Co. Join…
Oct 7, 2024 · 1:28:54
Welcome back to another enlightening episode of "Beats Vines & Life," where we dive deep into the rhythms of winemaking, the melodies of life, and everything in between. I’m your…
Sep 30, 2024 · 1:58:07
Welcome to another exciting episode of "Beats Vines & Life." Today, we're diving deep into the world of wine with our special guest, the multifaceted Artie Johnson. In this…
Sep 23, 2024 · 1:29:32
Welcome to another exciting episode of Beats Vines & Life! In today's episode, our host, MJ Towler, sits down to have an inspiring conversation with the multifaceted wine…
Sep 16, 2024 · 1:22:46
Welcome back to another riveting episode of **Beats Vines & Life**, your go-to podcast where we blend the soulful notes of music, the rich flavors of the finest wines, and the…
Sep 9, 2024 · 1:46:11
Welcome back to another captivating episode of Beats, Vines & Life! I'm your host, MJ Towler. Today, we've got an incredible story to tell with our special guest, Justin Harmon,…
Sep 2, 2024 · 1:38:17
Welcome back to another episode of "Beats Vines & Life" with your host MJ Towler. Today, we're honored to have the legendary winemaker Donald Patz joining us. From his early days…
Aug 26, 2024 · 1:12:44
Welcome back to another insightful episode of "Beats Vines & Life!" This week, we're diving deep into the world of winemaking, marketing, and the evolving landscape of the wine…
Aug 19, 2024 · 1:28:32
Welcome to another exciting episode of "Beats Vines & Life" with your host, MJ Towler. Today, we're thrilled to bring you an insightful conversation with Jeff Bundschu, the 6th…
Aug 12, 2024 · 42:21
Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Beats Vines & Life. Today, our host MJ Towler sits down with Antonio Arias, a chemical-engineer-turned-wine-entrepreneur who has made…
Aug 12, 2024 · 36:43
Welcome back, Mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and all the wine drinkers! In today's episode of "Beats Vines & Life," we have a fascinating conversation with Meaghan…
Aug 12, 2024 · 35:36
Welcome back, listeners, to another episode of Beats Vines & Life! Today we have an extraordinary guest joining us—Hans Peter Weis, the owner and winemaker of Weis Vineyards in…
Aug 5, 2024 · 37:30
Welcome back to another episode of "Beats Vines & Life," where we dive into the worlds of food, wine, music, and more. I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we have a special treat…
Aug 5, 2024 · 36:22
Welcome to another delightful episode of "Beats Vines & Life!" I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we're diving deep into the world of winemaking with our special guest, Abby…
Jul 29, 2024 · 1:27:46
Welcome back to another episode of Beats Vines & Life! Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Matt Naumann, a seasoned pro in the wine industry. Matt's journey has…
Jul 22, 2024 · 38:56
Welcome back, wine lovers! This is your host MJ Towler, and you’re tuned into another delectable episode of Beats Vines & Life. Today, we’re diving into the heart of Finger Lakes…
Jul 22, 2024 · 36:56
Welcome back, everyone, to another exciting episode of Beats, Vines & Life. I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we have a truly inspiring guest joining us – Jordan Harris, the…
Jul 15, 2024 · 1:29:14
Welcome back to another exciting episode of "Beats Vines & Life"! Today, we have the pleasure of diving deep into the fascinating journey of Jeb Dunnuck, a renowned wine critic…
Jul 10, 2024 · 1:46:18
Welcome to another exciting episode of "Beats Vines & Life"! I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we have an extraordinary guest, the multi-talented Billy Bollotino. Billy, known…
Jul 2, 2024 · 1:32:38
Welcome to another exciting bonus episode of Beats Vines & Life! I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we're broadcasting live from the vibrant Vinexpo in New York City. We're…
Jun 24, 2024 · 1:31:23
Welcome to Beats Vines & Life! Today we are revisiting our milestone 50th episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience, where I sat down with none other than former NBA star,…
Jun 18, 2024 · 52:37
Welcome back to "Beats, Vines & Life!" In this episode we have a special conversation with Fanny Spironelli, the founder of Le Alabouche. Together with our host, MJ Towler, we'll…
Jun 10, 2024 · 1:21:56
Recorded Live at Hospice du Rhone Walla Walla. Welcome back to another exciting episode of Beats Vines & Life! I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we have a special treat for…
Jun 3, 2024 · 1:04:36
Recorded Live at Hospice du Rhone Walla Walla. Welcome to another thrilling episode of "Beats Vines & Life." I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today, we have an inspiring guest who…
May 28, 2024 · 1:45:02
Welcome to another episode of "Beats Vines & Life" where we delve into the cultural and emotional significance of wine as a product. Join host MJ Towler along with guests Prema…
May 20, 2024 · 50:18
Hey everyone, welcome back to a BONUS episode of Beats Vines & Life! Today, I sit in with Sam Coturri & Brian Casey of The Winemakers Pod as we have an extraordinary guest join…
May 13, 2024 · 1:44:49
Welcome to another captivating episode of "Beats Vines & Life," where we blend the rich worlds of music, wine, and personal journeys. Today's episode features the intriguing…
May 6, 2024 · 1:39:08
Welcome to this week’s episode of Beats Vines & Life, where we journey into the fascinating intersections of culture, sports, and the wine industry with our guest David Bowler.…
Apr 30, 2024 · 1:28:02
Welcome to this exciting episode of "Beats Vines & Life," where we're diving into a world of innovation and passion with our guest, Alex Mackh. Alex, the founder of Grassl Glass…
Apr 22, 2024 · 1:51:30
Welcome to another captivating episode of Beats Vines & Life, where the rhythm of music meets the swirl of the glass. I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we have the incredible…
Apr 17, 2024 · 1:34:54
Welcome back to "Beats Vines & Life," where the melodies of music, the enchantment of wine, and the narratives of life converge. I'm your host, MJ Towler. Today, we uncork the…
Apr 8, 2024 · 1:38:39
Welcome back to another episode of Beats Vines & Life, the podcast where melodies meet Merlot, and the rhythms of life blend with the bouquet of the vine. In today's special…
Apr 8, 2024 · 1:26:23
Welcome to another episode of "Beats Vines & Life," where the rhythm of music meets the richness of wine culture. Today's episode features a special and insightful conversation…
Apr 8, 2024 · 1:23:49
Welcome to "Beats, Vines, & Life," the intersection where rhythm meets the grape and individual stories blend into the rich tapestry of life. I'm your host, MJ Towler, coaxing…
Apr 1, 2024 · 1:00:07
Hello, wine enthusiasts, and welcome back to another stirring episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience. Today's show takes us into the heart of Paso Robles as we swirl, sip, and…
Mar 18, 2024 · 1:38:41
Welcome back to another episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience! I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today's episode is about an incredible journey from the ball fields of LA to the…
Mar 11, 2024 · 1:26:40
Welcome back to The Black Wine Guy Experience! I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we're pouring a full-bodied episode with an extraordinary guest, Vailia From, a trailblazing…
Mar 4, 2024 · 1:37:36
Welcome back to The Black Wine Guy Experience! I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we're pouring into an intoxicating episode featuring the extraordinary Justin Smith. Get ready…
Feb 26, 2024 · 1:12:53
Welcome back, wine enthusiasts, to another installment of The Black Wine Guy Experience. I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we have a fascinating episode with a very special…
Feb 19, 2024 · 1:01:48
Welcome back to The Black Wine Guy Experience! I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today in Episode 147 titled "Octavio," we uncork the life and passion of a man deeply rooted in the…
Feb 12, 2024 · 1:31:10
Welcome back to "The Black Wine Guy Experience," where your host MJ Towler takes you on a flavorful journey of wine, life, and laughter. In episode 146, we're joined by the…
Feb 5, 2024 · 1:10:11
Welcome back to The Black Wine Guy Experience! In this episode, our host MJ Towler is joined by the incredible Karen MacNeil for a captivating conversation about the world of…
Jan 29, 2024 · 1:41:09
Welcome to The Black Wine Guy Experience, where we explore the world of wine from unique and diverse perspectives. In this episode, our host, MJ Towler, is joined by the…
Jan 22, 2024 · 1:37:24
Welcome to The Black Wine Guy Experience. In this episode, our host MJ Towler, sits down with the remarkable Lisa Perotti-Brown, a true trailblazer in the world of wine. Lisa…
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