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PODCAST

Beats Vines and Life

Marvin J. Towler

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,

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All Episodes

1:27:55

Breaking Barriers in Wine, Business, and Politics:...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/12/22

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 Hall, a true pioneer whose journey transcends the vineyard. From her roots as a city attorney in Berkeley and a groundbreaking leader at Safeway, to her appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Austria and her deep ties to the California wine industry, Kathryn Hall brings a lifetime of passion, purpose, and a hefty pour of wisdom

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50:57

Homegrown Wines, Culinary Pairings, and Community at...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/11/24

Exploring Homegrown Wines, Culinary Pairings, and Community at New Jersey’s Wine Expo LIVEWelcome to another episode of Beats Vines & Life! This week, we're coming to you LIVE from the energetic halls of the New Jersey Wine Expo at Bell Works in Holmdel, New Jersey. Hosted by MJ Towler and joined by a dynamic crew including industry guests like Devon Perry, Ed Wengryn, Hank Zona, Sharyn Kervyn, Edward Miller, Vanessa Hoffman, Lisa Granik MW, and Chef Rich Krug, this episode dives deep into the

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1:00:41

Exploring New Jersey Wine Month Live with The Garden...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/11/10

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 wine experts and local trailblazers Hank Zona and Dustin Tarpine for a lively conversation about New Jersey’s vibrant wine scene.Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just wine-curious, get ready to discover the fascinating history, dynamic terroirs, and emerging trends shaping the Garden State’s wine industry. From

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1:38:11

Lyle Fass Raw & Unplugged: How Tariffs Challenge...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/11/05

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 conversation that's part sequel, part deep dive into the intersection of wine, politics, and the complexities of modern business. With over 25 years in the industry and a reputation for bold, articulate opinions, Lyle Fass breaks down the real-world impact of recent tariffs, why imported wines matter, and the power plays shaping

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1:26:48

Napa Valley Native Jeff Cole on Wine, Legacy, and the...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/11/04

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 beginnings in Yountville, Jeff’s journey is rooted in the heart of California wine country—literally growing up among the vines. After studying wine and viticulture at Cal Poly and cutting his teeth at iconic spots like Schrambsburg, Jeff has become a passionate advocate for Napa Merlot, determined to restore its reputation

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1:22:02

From Political Campaigns to Grapevines: Michael Evans...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/10/13

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 wine and lifestyle destinations. Michael’s journey is anything but typical: he worked on the Clinton and Kerry presidential campaigns, led tech initiatives in LA, and then made an unexpected leap into the world of wine after what was supposed to be a quick vacation to Argentina.Together, MJ and Michael dive deep into

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52:06

Argot Cab Edit: Exploring Napa Cabernet and Sunday...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/09/30

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 with friends and Sonoma-based winemakers Justin and Beth Harmon of Argo Wines for a deep dive into their highly-anticipated 2023 Napa Valley Cabernet releases.You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at harvest updates, the family vibe of Argo’s winemaking process, and the evolution of their standout wines like the Bastard

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1:36:59

Beyond the Barrel: Jeff Cohn’s Reflections on Wine,...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/09/22

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 Jeff Cohn—founder of JC Cellars and a mastermind of California Zinfandel and Rhône varietals—for a conversation that's as rich and layered as the wines they sip.From humble Maryland beginnings and culinary school hustle, to Miami's wild 1980s hospitality scene and the Caribbean, Jeff takes us through a fascinating path

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1:12:30

The Maverick of Moon Mountain: Phil Coturri Reflects...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/09/09

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 Coturri, a man known as The Godfather of organic mountain grape viticulture and the force behind Enterprise Vineyard Management and Winery 16600.In this colorful conversation, Phil opens up about his roots as a third-generation San Franciscan, growing up during the revolutionary 60s and soaking up the vibrancy of the Beat

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1:31:51

Drinking to the Future: Inside Sonoma’s Organic and...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/08/25

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 tasting in San Francisco —no, not the dessert, but the Sonoma Organic Regenerative Biodynamic Educational Tasting, where the future of wine and sustainable farming takes center stage.Host MJ Towler brings you along for an energetic journey through San Francisco’s Fort Mason as he mingles with some of California’s most

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30:16

Community, Connection, and Creativity: What to Expect...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/08/20

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 MJ Towler takes us to the stunning Sonoma Mountain in California for an exclusive, sun-soaked conversation with Barbara Gorder and Brian Baker, the powerhouse duo behind the Direct to Consumer Wine Symposium.As they gear up for the 2026 DTC Conference, Barbara and Brian spill all the details about what’s new: from

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1:29:37

Grit, Grapes, and Southern Roots: Larry Turley’s...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/08/11

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 Larry’s remarkable journey from growing up on an organic farm in Tennessee, navigating the Jim Crow South, and working as an ER doctor, to ultimately founding one of California’s most iconic Zinfandel houses.MJ and Larry weave through everything from early experiences with wine, family influences, and the evolution of

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34:41

Redefining Wine Culture, Building Legacy Vineyards...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/07/29

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. Broadcasting live from a secret spot in Northern California, MJ sits down with Michael Evans, the founder of The Vines, and Wright Lassiter, a dedicated member, entrepreneur, and renowned wine collector. In this engaging bonus episode, you’ll hear how a two-week trip to Argentina turned into a life-changing adventure for

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1:28:36

This One Goes Out to The Wine I Love: Jay Boberg on...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/07/21

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 conversation that bridges the worlds of music, wine, and following your passions. From co-founding the legendary IRS Records at just 21, to working with icons like R.E.M., the Go-Go’s, and the Police, Jay shares stories of the early days of MTV, concert promotion at UCLA, and his unique insider perspective on how great bands

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1:49:02

From NBA Culture to Wine Ambassadorship: Exploring...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/07/14

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 ESPN’s Andscape, and a bona fide wine enthusiast.Hailing from the Bay Area with deep roots in both sports and wine culture, Marc shares stories from his 26-year career covering the NBA, his journey into wine ambassadorship for Jackson Family Wines, and his experiences bridging the worlds of basketball, culture, and the

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56:10

Love Stories, Porch Pounders, Late Harvests, and the...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/07/01

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 of Sonoma.This lively conversation delves into the couple’s unique journey in the wine industry—from their serendipitous first meeting while sorting Sauvignon Blanc at a custom crush facility to building a celebrated winemaking brand together.MJ shares his admiration for their critically acclaimed Bastard Tongue Pinot

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1:24:11

From Accidental Farmers to Pinot Royalty: The Kanzler...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/06/25

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 County.Their story is one of serendipity, hard work, and a deep connection to both land and family—think accidental farmers turned boutique winemakers, whose grapes have made their way into cult Pinot Noirs and acclaimed bottles from top California producers.We journey from the wild days of pulling up old apple orchards

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1:38:50

Super Mensch VOS! The Backstory of the Man Walking...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/06/02

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 wine trade, I thought this would be a great time to revisit this episode and reintroduce you to the man who fellow podcast Alum Lyle Fass has described as a true “Mensch."Victor Schwartz, founder of VOS Selections, a small family-run wine importing company in New York, became the unlikely face of legal resistance against

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1:38:47

Classics, Cultures, and Corks: How Prof. Tony Verdoni...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/05/27

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 true OG in the world of Italian wines.Tune in for a vibrant, heartfelt, and occasionally hilarious conversation that zigzags from the bustling streets of Jersey City, through the traditions of Italian family kitchens, and right into the heart of the Italian wine scene.Professor Verdoni opens up about his roots as a

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1:16:41

Pinot Noir Roots, Grenache Dreams, Lirac, and the...

Beats Vines and Life ·

2025/05/19

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 the wine world: Adam Howard Lee of Clarice Wine Company, Moret Brealynn (winemaker and hospitality veteran), and Sasha Verhage, co-creator of the celebrated Downstream project.The trio dives deep into their unique journeys—from Pinot Noir beginnings to forging partnerships in the storied Lirac region of France.You’ll hear

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