Beats Vines and Life

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, listen, learn, and laugh. This is Beats Vines and Life. For more information and exclusive content, go to beatsvinesandlife.com Follow MJ on IG @blackwineguy @beatsvinesandlife Podcast produced by Marvin J. Towler Hosted on Ac

Beats Vines and Life is a arts podcast hosted by Marvin J. Towler, with 253 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Marvin J. Towler hosts Beats Vines and Life, a arts show with 253 episodes published.

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  Episode #219

  From Bartenders to Podcast Pioneers: The Restaurant Guys’ Journey Through Cocktales, Wine and Life

  Sep 14, 20261h 52mS11

  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 and Francis Schott—the legendary Restaurant Guys—whose roots in the hospitality world run deep. Before launching one of the world’s first food podcasts back in 2005, Francis and his partner Mark Pascal were trailblazers in New Jersey’s restaurant scene, transforming Stage Left Steak and Catherine Lombardi into beloved community hubs for food and wine lovers. We’ll explore their 30-year friendship, their love for music and authentic living, and how fostering genuine community—not just business—has shaped their journey. From wild stories of working the bar at The Frog and The Peach to organizing live podcasts with culinary legends and serving up Old World and New World wines, Francis shares the art of hospitality, the value of curiosity, and the enduring power of shared stories. This episode celebrates Gen X sensibilities—opinionated, collaborative, culturally curious, and always chasing the next great track (or bottle). Get ready for laughs, life lessons, and a few slices of insider wisdom from one of hospitality’s most entertaining storytellers. Grab a glass, hit play, and join MJ, Francis, and Mark as they navigate the beats, vines, and life that make up the soul of a restaurant—and maybe, just maybe, the soul of a generation. To listen to The Restaurant Guys Podcast click the link! Follow The Restaurant Guys on IG! For more information about restaurant Catherine Lombardi click the link! For more information about Stage Left Steak click the link! ____________________________________________________________ Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!  Grenache Fest is BACK!!! Grenache Fest is coming to Waitsburg, Washington, bringing with it a focused, celebratory spotlight on one of the world’s most important and expressive grapes. This year, we will start with a blind tasting seminar hosted by MJ Towler, Chauncey Arkfeld, and Michael Alberty, followed by smaller breakout sessions across town. For more information, go to GrenacheFest Follow GrenacheFest on IG GrenacheFest Subscribe and give Beats Vines and Life 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.com Follow MJ @blackwineguy Follow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife Follow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IG Sign up for Totally Biased Wine Reviews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #218

  The Great American Wine Tour aka The Gospel of Keith Beavers

  Aug 31, 20261h 27mS11

  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 focused on the Great American Wine Tour—a journey crisscrossing Napa, Willamette, the Finger Lakes, Texas Hill Country, Virginia, and beyond to uncover the most remarkable wines made right here in the USA. One concept discussed was the uniquely American spirit of winemaking—a landscape not bound by centuries-old European traditions but shaped by innovation, passion, and diverse backgrounds. The discussion explored the personal stories, the craft, and the people behind iconic wineries like Silver Oak, Rombauer, Seghesio, and the up-and-coming Gagnon & Kennedy, spotlighting how American winemakers pave their own paths and redefine what excellence looks (and tastes) like. A key theme that emerged was wine as the great connector: a bridge between music, lifestyle, and community, and a medium for conversation, discovery, and shared experience. The episode delved into everything from wine criticism and the meaning of authenticity, to the playful rivalry over pork roll in New Jersey, and the essential truth that wine should be approachable, fun, and—above all—a source of joy. So pour a glass, settle in, and get ready to meet the people and hear the stories behind the bottles that are transforming the American wine landscape—no pretense, just great conversation, a bit of humor, a lot of heart, and a soundtrack only Gen X could curate. Watch The Great American Wine Tour on YouTube click the link! Follow Keith on IG! Follow VinePair on IG! ____________________________________________________________ Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!  Grenache Fest is BACK!!! Grenache Fest is coming to Waitsburg, Washington, bringing with it a focused, celebratory spotlight on one of the world’s most important and expressive grapes. This year, we will start with a blind tasting seminar hosted by MJ Towler, Chauncey Arkfeld, and Michael Alberty, followed by smaller breakout sessions across town. Subscribe and give Beats Vines and Life 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.com Follow MJ @blackwineguy Follow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife Follow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IG Sign up for Totally Biased Wine Reviews Thank you to our sponsor, GrenacheFest . The Third Grenache Festival will be held on November 7th, 2026 in Waitsburg, Washington. It will feature a blind tasting seminar, followed by three breakout sessions and, of course, live music, food, plenty of Grenache wines, and tons of fun. For more information, go to GrenacheFest Follow GrenacheFest on IG GrenacheFest Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #216

  Exploring Gen X Culture, Wine, and Filmmaking with Christopher McGilvray of Nomadic Bear Productions

  Aug 3, 20261h 43mS11

  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 McGilvray. Based out of Santa Cruz, Chris’s journey takes us from his upbringing at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains through the heyday of Silicon Valley’s rise, to his creative evolution at USC, global travels, and ultimately to a decade crafting cinematic narratives for iconic wine brands like Ridge Vineyards. In this episode, we explore how Gen X culture, family, and the pursuit of passion intersect on screen and in the vineyard. From childhood trips across Blossom Hill Road and the changing face of Los Gatos, to discovering a love of film with classics like Back to the Future and The Breakfast Club, Chris’s story is a trip through the cultural touchstones that defined a generation. Chris shares how his immersion in linguistics and storytelling shaped his approach to documentary filmmaking, shedding light on the deep connections between land, legacy, and the people who make wine. We’ll dig into the making of Eden, his acclaimed film about Mount Eden Vineyards, family succession, and what it really means to chase your creative vision—even when it challenges the fabric of family. Along the way, expect reflections on music, philosophy, the art of conversation, why the Santa Cruz Mountains remain one of California’s best-kept secrets, and why sometimes the most powerful stories start, simply, with a glass of wine. Pull up a chair, pour yourself a glass of something good, and join us for a conversation about music, movies, wine, and life—Gen X style. For more information about Eden the movie click the link! Follow Chris on IG! ____________________________________________________________ Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!  Grenache Fest is BACK!!! Grenache Fest is coming to Waitsburg, Washington, bringing with it a focused, celebratory spotlight on one of the world’s most important and expressive grapes. This year, we will start with a blind tasting seminar hosted by MJ Towler, Chauncey Arkfeld, and Michael Alberty, followed by smaller breakout sessions across town. Subscribe and give Beats Vines and Life 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.com Follow MJ @blackwineguy Follow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife Follow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IG Sign up for Totally Biased Wine Reviews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #215

  Master Sommelier Vinny Morrow on Wine, Leadership and Hospitality Excellence

  Jul 20, 20262h 1mS11

  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 from a college soccer player in Arizona to overseeing beverage programs for Union Square Hospitality Group is nothing short of inspiring. Vinny shares how his early experiences in iconic California wineries like Ridge Vineyards and his time in legendary dining rooms like The French Laundry and Gary Danko shaped his unique perspective on wine, service, and leadership. MJ and Vinny dive into what it takes to build a legendary palate (and a legendary wine list), the realities of restaurant life behind the Instagram gloss, their favorite music for pre-service motivation, and the lessons gleaned from both high-pressure kitchens and the wide world of wine. Along the way, Vinny’s stories connect the dots between craft, culture, hustle, and the pursuit of authentic hospitality—from Napa all the way to New York City. Whether you’re a wine lover, music head, or just trying to find your lane in the lifestyle you’re building, this conversation is full of real talk, big laughs, and insights you won’t want to miss. For more information about Union Square Hospitality Group click the link! Follow Vinny on IG! ____________________________________________________________ Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!  Grenache Fest is BACK!!! Grenache Fest is coming to Waitsburg, Washington, bringing with it a focused, celebratory spotlight on one of the world’s most important and expressive grapes. This year, we will start with a blind tasting seminar hosted by MJ Towler, Chauncey Arkfeld, and Michael Alberty, followed by smaller breakout sessions across town. Subscribe and give Beats Vines and Life 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.com Follow MJ @blackwineguy Follow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife Follow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IG Sign up for Totally Biased Wine Reviews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #214

  Cultivating Legacy: Altamura’s Story of Wine, Family, and Italian Heritage

  Jul 6, 20261h 28mS11

  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 in Napa since the mid-1800s, Giancarlo Altamura grew up immersed in the rhythms of farming, winemaking, and tight-knit community life. He shares stories of hands-on vineyard work, navigating family dynamics, and the evolution of Napa from small-town camaraderie to global destination. Listeners will get an inside look at what it means to steward an estate winery—where patience, tradition, and innovation intersect to create wines that express both land and season. Giancarlo Altamura discusses the challenges and rewards of being a boutique producer, the family’s focus on estate-grown wines, and their commitment to authenticity in both wine and cuisine—from their acclaimed Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon to their Italian restaurant Ciccio. Join us for a conversation about roots, legacy, and the real lifestyle of winemakers, as we uncork a story that’s equal parts hustle, heritage, and heart. For more information about Altamura Vineyards click the link! Follow Altamura on IG! For more information about Ciccio Napa Valley click the link! Follow Ciccio Napa Valley on IG! ____________________________________________________________ Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!  Grenache Fest is BACK!!! Grenache Fest is coming to Waitsburg, Washington, bringing with it a focused, celebratory spotlight on one of the world’s most important and expressive grapes. This year, we will start with a blind tasting seminar hosted by MJ Towler, Chauncey Arkfeld, and Michael Alberty, followed by smaller breakout sessions across town. Subscribe and give Beats Vines and Life 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.com Follow MJ @blackwineguy Follow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife Follow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IG Sign up for Totally Biased Wine Reviews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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