The Black Wine Guy Experience

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 seasoned restaurateur, chef, and wine critic. After seamlessly transitioning from law to the restaurant industry, Bobby has become an expert on Italian cuisine and wines. This episode, we'll be exploring Italy's southern regions, focusing on the rich cultures and vineyards of Campania, Abruzzo, and Apulia. Whether you've got a taste for the bold flavors of Alianico or you're curious about the history and influence that shaped Southern Italy's wine scene, you won't want to miss this deep dive into the heart of Italian viticulture. Grab a glass, and let's get started!A Massive THANK YOU to BOBBY RALLO!!! For more information about Rallo Hospitality click the link!!Follow Birravino on IG!Follow Bobby on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeThank you to our sponsor, The Best Shake Ever. Fuel Your Body, Elevate Your Life with Shakeology! Looking for a delicious, nutrient-packed shake that supports your health and wellness goals? Shakeology is your all-in-one superfood solution! Packed with premium proteins, fiber, probiotics, antioxidants, and essential vitamins.For more information, go to The Best Shake Ever____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife

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 Italian cuisine and culture. Together, they embark on an engaging exploration of Bobby's journey from his roots growing up in New Jersey, to his seamless transition from earning a JD to diving into the restaurant industry. Through lively conversation and a shared love for great food and wine, MJ and Bobby reminisce about past collaborations, Italian festivals, and life's serendipitous experiences that have shaped their paths. They also dive into the nuances of Italian wine regions, revealing Bobby's philosophy of focusing on Italian wines that are as diverse and vibrant as the regions themselves. Throughout their chat, Bobby shares insights from his numerous travels and experiences in Italy, highlighting the integral relationship between food and wine in Italian culture. Join MJ and Bobby for a rich tapestry of stories, laughs, and heartfelt reflections as they sip an exceptional wine from Mount Etna, and toast to the passions that drive their lives.A Massive THANK YOU to BOBBY RALLO!!! For more information about Rallo Hospitality click the link!!Follow Birravino on IG!Follow Bobby on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeThank you to our sponsor, The Best Shake Ever. Fuel Your Body, Elevate Your Life with Shakeology! Looking for a delicious, nutrient-packed shake that supports your health and wellness goals? Shakeology is your all-in-one superfood solution! Packed with premium proteins, fiber, probiotics, antioxidants, and essential vitamins.For more information, go to The Best Shake Ever

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 world of hospitality, cocktails, and culinary creativity. Joining us is Billy Vegas, a bartender extraordinaire and owner of Vegas Hospitality. Billy is not just a local legend but also a visionary in the dining world, known for his unique take on food and drinks. He's the ringleader of the Billy Vegas Supper Club, a traveling band of hospitality misfits bringing unforgettable dining experiences to the Tri-State area. In this episode, we'll dive into Billy's journey from a tech professional and musician to a renowned figure in hospitality. We'll explore his passion for crafting exquisite cocktails and creating memorable culinary events. Billy also shares insights into his YouTube show, Bits and Bites, where he highlights food and drinks from around the world. So grab your favorite drink, sit back, and let's get into the world of flavors and creativity with Billy Vegas on Beats, Vines & Life!A Massive THANK YOU to THE BILLY VEGAS!!! For more information about The Billy Vegas Supper Club click the link!!Follow Billy on IG!Follow Bits & Bites on YouTube!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeThank you to our sponsor, The Best Shake Ever. Fuel Your Body, Elevate Your Life with Shakeology! Looking for a delicious, nutrient-packed shake that supports your health and wellness goals? Shakeology is your all-in-one superfood solution! Packed with premium proteins, fiber, probiotics, antioxidants, and essential vitamins.For more information, go to The Best Shake Ever

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. Keith's journey is an eclectic mix of experiences that take listeners from his roots in Syracuse, New York, through the twists and turns of his life in several U.S. cities, including a pivotal move to New York City. This fascinating journey not only led to his love of wine but also his involvement in the vibrant hospitality scene of New York's East Village. Along the way, Keith's dedication and passion for wine education shine through as he reminisces about establishing his wine bar and shop, his time spent exploring American wines, and his commitment to making wine accessible to everyone. Tune in for a candid conversation filled with stories about the wine industry, unexpected encounters, and a sprinkle of humor that only Keith can deliver. Cheers to a fun and informative ride with Beats Vines & Life!---A Massive THANK YOU to KEITH BEAVERS!!! For more information about VinePair click the link!!Follow Keith on IG!Follow VinePair on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeThank you to our sponsor, The Best Shake Ever. Fuel Your Body, Elevate Your Life with Shakeology! Looking for a delicious, nutrient-packed shake that supports your health and wellness goals? Shakeology is your all-in-one superfood solution! Packed with premium proteins, fiber, probiotics, antioxidants, and essential vitamins.For more information, go to The Best Shake Ever

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 Vinous, Eric Guido. Eric is not just a wine connoisseur but also a man of many talents with a rich background in music and an active lifestyle. Throughout this episode, we delve into Eric's candid perspectives on the wine industry, where he emphasizes the importance of honesty in writing and critiques the often superficial trends on social media.Eric’s love for wine goes beyond just tasting; he shares his journey from his early encounters with wine to memorable experiences like savoring a 1990 CInIello Barolo, which deepened his appreciation for the intricacies of wine. You’ll also hear about the dynamic changes in wine regions and the need for consumers to explore beyond the popular labels to discover hidden gems, especially in regions like Barolo and Paso Robles.But that’s not all—Eric’s life is a blend of passions. He talks about his days as a goth music enthusiast, his transition to culinary arts, and how his martial arts training shaped his approach to life. We’ll touch on his unique experiences with music production and promotion in New York City’s vibrant club scene and explore his transformative journey from the military to becoming a respected figure in the wine world.So, tune in as we unpack these captivating stories with Eric Guido and gain insights into the essence of wine, music, and life. Don't forget to check the show notes for details on the wines discussed, Instagram links, and where you can follow Eric’s extraordinary work. Let’s get started!---A Massive THANK YOU to ERIC GUIDO and MIKHAIL LIPYANSKIY!!! For more information about Vinous Media click the link!!Follow Eric on IG!Follow Vinous on IG!Follow Lipyanskiy Photo on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife

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 journey with John Olney, the Chief Operating Officer and head winemaker at Ridge Vineyards.In this episode, we explore John Olney's remarkable path in the wine industry. Along the way, we'll uncover the influence of legendary figures like Paul Draper and Kermit Lynch on his career, delve into Ridge's rich history and sustainable practices, and discuss the evolution of California wines from Zinfandel to Cabernet Sauvignon.John also shares his deep appreciation for Sonoma's diverse wine culture, the complexities of managing high-quality wine production, and a few light-hearted anecdotes that reflect the nuances of his journey.Grab a glass of your favorite wine and join us as we unravel the stories and philosophies that shape today's vibrant wine landscape. Cheers!---A Massive THANK YOU to JOHN OLNEY and RIDGE VINEYARDS!!! For more information about Ridge Vineyards click the link!!Follow Ridge Vineyards on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeThank you to our sponsor, GrenacheFest. The Second Annual Grenache Festival in Walla Walla, Washington, will be held on November 8th, 2024. It will feature a seated comparative seminar, followed by live music, food, plenty of Grenache wines, and tons of fun.For more information, go to GrenacheFestFollow GrenacheFest on IG GrenacheFest

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 us as we delve into Morgan's multifaceted journey—from his love for trail running, his college days at Vassar, and intriguing familial ties to the Manhattan Project to the evolution of Bedrock Wine Co. Learn how his pastimes and academic ventures influenced his winemaking career, and how Bedrock turned from a small startup into an industry staple.In this episode, we also explore Morgan’s unique perspectives on sustainable agriculture, non-tillage practices, and his aspirations for regenerative organic farming. We'll discuss the challenges and triumphs faced in producing world-class wines with a strong focus on preserving the heritage of historic vineyards.Moreover, Morgan shares fascinating anecdotes from his personal and professional life, including his schooling on the East Coast, experiences at wineries around the globe, and his passionate commitment to wine education.Get ready for engaging conversations on the art of winemaking, the significance of old vine Zinfandel, and a playful wine game segment we call "Slap, Lick, Fondle." Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about this rich tapestry of stories, there’s something here for everyone. So grab your favorite glass and join MJ Towler and Morgan Twain Peterson as we explore the vibrant world of wine, lifestyle, and everything in between!---A Massive THANK YOU to MORGAN TWAIN-PETERSON!!! For more information about Bedrock Wine Co. click the link!!Follow Bedrock Wines on IG!Follow Morgan on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeThank you to our sponsor, GrenacheFest. The Second Annual Grenache Festival in Walla Walla, Washington, will be held on November 8th, 2024. It will feature a seated comparative seminar, followed by live music, food, plenty of Grenache wines, and tons of fun.For more information, go to GrenacheFestFollow GrenacheFest on IG GrenacheFest

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 host, MJ Towler, and today, we have a remarkable guest who encapsulates the spirit of Napa Valley’s wine legacy.Today, we sit down with Bruce Neyers, a pioneer who has combined the best Old World wine traditions with California's dynamic winemaking landscape. Bruce's journey takes us from his roots in Wilmington, Delaware, to the expansive vineyards of Napa Valley. We’ll explore Bruce's challenges and triumphs—from custom crush operations at Rombauer Vineyards to establishing his own thriving winery with ingenuity and perseverance. We'll uncover his insightful philosophy on winemaking, honoring the Old World while embracing New World innovation, and delve into his hands-on approach, including the charming tradition of foot-crushing grapes like Carignan.We'll also touch on Bruce's expansive career, from a pivotal harvest in Germany’s Nahe region to his influential role with Kermit Lynch's renowned wine portfolio. Join us as Bruce shares stories of family, friendships, and the serendipitous moments that shaped Neyers Vineyards’ legacy—culminating in his daughter Lizzie’s recent involvement and a promising partnership with the Trinchero family as Bruce plans a well-deserved retirement.So pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine, settle in, and let's embark on this flavorful journey with Bruce Neyers. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one!---A Massive THANK YOU to BRUCE & BARBARA NEYERS!!! Fore more information about Neyers Vineyards, click the link!!Follow Neyers Vineyards on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeThank you to our sponsor, GrenacheFest. The Second Annual Grenache Festival in Walla Walla, Washington, will be held on November 8th, 2024. It will feature a seated comparative seminar, followed by live music, food, plenty of Grenache wines, and tons of fun.For more information, go to GrenacheFestFollow GrenacheFest on IG GrenacheFest

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 candid conversation, Artie shares his incredible journey from working luxurious posts at renowned places like the Versace Mansion and Nobu to becoming a celebrated winemaker.Join us as we explore the intricacies of European and American wine production, the economic challenges faced by the industry, and the efforts required to maintain high-quality standards. We’ll also touch upon Artie’s sports background and his transition to the restaurant business, illustrating how resilience and adaptability have shaped his career. Prepare for a deep dive into topics ranging from the importance of innovation in winemaking to personal anecdotes that highlight the essence of balancing professional and family life. We'll also discuss Artie's entrepreneurial spirit, the strategic move to Napa, and the reality of chasing passion amid uncertainties.Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates a well-rounded conversation, this episode is packed with insights and humor that blend professional wine talk with our guest's vibrant storytelling. Grab your favorite glass of vino and get ready to be inspired by the authentic journey of Artie Johnson on "Beats Vines & Life." 🍷✨---A Massive THANK YOU to ARTIE JOHNSONI!!! Follow Le Artishasic, on IG!Follow Artie on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeThank you to our sponsor, GrenacheFest. The Second Annual Grenache Festival in Walla Walla, Washington, will be held on November 8th, 2024. It will feature a seated comparative seminar, followed by live music, food, plenty of Grenache wines, and tons of fun.For more information, go to GrenacheFestFollow GrenacheFest on IG GrenacheFest