The Black Wine Guy Experience

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 hands-on vineyard stories—like starting Cedar Rose Vineyards with literally a chainsaw and a dream—to inside looks at the upcoming New Jersey Wine Expo, the episode explores how local wineries are redefining East Coast wine culture and building genuine connections with their communities.Tune in to hear about unique grape varietals, the spirit of New Jersey winemaking, how food and wine experiences are leveling up across the state, and why NJ might be your next wine destination. You’ll also get tips on pairing local wines, stories about life in the vineyards, and reflections on what it takes to build a growing wine region in an unlikely place.Grab a glass, settle in, and join the journey—because in Jersey, it’s all about celebrating mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and all you wine drinkers!For more information about the NJ Wine Expo click the link!For more information about New Jersey Wine Month click the link!Follow New Jersey Wine on IG!Follow Cedar Rose Winery on IG!Follow Hank 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 @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IG

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 the future for importers and wine lovers alike.This episode isn’t just about wine—for MJ Towler and Lyle Fass, culture and business blend with a healthy dose of digression and candor, touching on everything from the emotional resonance of wines and the nuances of international law to the ripple effects on middle-class wine buyers, small business, and lifestyle itself. If you want unfiltered truth, some cinematic metaphors, and a few unexpected cat cameos, you’re in the right place.Pour a glass, settle in, and get ready for a passionate, sometimes provocative conversation that’s as much about enjoying life’s finer things as it is about understanding how politics and power reshape our experiences. Welcome to Beats Vines & Life—where wine is joy, truth is essential, and the margins matter.For more information about Fass Selections click the link!Follow Fass Selections on IG!Follow Lyle on IG!Subscribe to The Beautiful and the Horrible on Substack____________________________________________________________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 @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IGThank you to our sponsor, The Conaway Fund. The Conaway Fund is a philanthropic initiative under The Prosperity Foundation that allows donors to contribute to a fund that supports various causes such as scholarships, nonprofit organizations, schools, and families facing financial challenges. Donors can recommend where the funds should be directed, providing a flexible way to make a positive impact in communities. The Conaway Fund embodies the spirit of giving and community support, aiming to create a lasting impact through strategic philanthropy.For more information, go to The Conaway Fund and please donate!

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 and champion its world-class potential.In this lively and candid conversation, MJ Towler and Jeff Cole reminisce about Napa’s small-town past, dig into the cyclical nature of wine trends, and explore the inside story behind Sullivan’s focus on Merlot, including how the estate’s legacy and new ownership are shaping its future. Along the way, you’ll get a window into the real work behind “glamorous” winemaking, the role of immigrants in shaping American wine, and a taste of Jeff’s favorite vintages.So pour yourself a glass, settle in, and join us as we go deep into the stories, struggles, and triumphs behind the bottle—this is Beats Vines & Life with Jeff Cole.For more information about Sullivan Rutherford Estate click the link!Follow Sullivan Rutherford Estate on IG!Follow Jeff 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 @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IGThank you to our sponsor, The Conaway Fund. The Conaway Fund is a philanthropic initiative under The Prosperity Foundation that allows donors to contribute to a fund that supports various causes such as scholarships, nonprofit organizations, schools, and families facing financial challenges. Donors can recommend where the funds should be directed, providing a flexible way to make a positive impact in communities. The Conaway Fund embodies the spirit of giving and community support, aiming to create a lasting impact through strategic philanthropy.For more information, go to The Conaway Fund and please donate!

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 the art of crafting wine across the globe, the vibrant lifestyle in Mendoza, and the unique culture and community behind The Vines—where guests can blend their own wines, relax in a world-class resort, and connect with music, food, and immersive travel experiences. From stories of wild campaign days to blending Barolo in Italy and hosting unforgettable events with musicians and chefs, this episode uncorks the intersection of wine, music, and living boldly.Pour a glass and join the conversation as we explore how passion, adventure, and a touch of serendipity created a global community for lifestyle lovers and wine drinkers alike.For more information about The Vines of Mendoza click the link!Follow The Vines of Mendoza on IG!Follow The Vines Resort & Spa on IG!Follow Michael 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 @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IGThank you to our sponsor, The Conaway Fund. The Conaway Fund is a philanthropic initiative under The Prosperity Foundation that allows donors to contribute to a fund that supports various causes such as scholarships, nonprofit organizations, schools, and families facing financial challenges. Donors can recommend where the funds should be directed, providing a flexible way to make a positive impact in communities. The Conaway Fund embodies the spirit of giving and community support, aiming to create a lasting impact through strategic philanthropy.For more information, go to The Conaway Fund and please donate!

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 Tongue Pinot Noir, hedonistic Syrahs, Chardonnay, and—today’s focus—their serious, crowd-pleasing Napa Cabs.From Sunday “fun day” nostalgia to breaking into Napa’s exclusive vineyard network, the conversation is candid and lively, filled with tasting notes, wine geekery, talk of terroir, and relatable laughter (and even a few burger pairings).Whether you’re a dedicated wine lover or just love stories of mavericks pursuing big dreams, this Totally Biased Wine Review will have you thirsty for a glass—and inspired to live life deliciously. Cheers!For more information about Argot Wines click the link!Follow Argot 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 @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IGThank you to our sponsor, The Conaway Fund. The Conaway Fund is a philanthropic initiative under The Prosperity Foundation that allows donors to contribute to a fund that supports various causes such as scholarships, nonprofit organizations, schools, and families facing financial challenges. Donors can recommend where the funds should be directed, providing a flexible way to make a positive impact in communities. The Conaway Fund embodies the spirit of giving and community support, aiming to create a lasting impact through strategic philanthropy.For more information, go to The Conaway Fund and please donate!

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 that twisted its way into winemaking greatness. You'll hear how a food-and-beverage director on tall ships wound up creating some of California's most sought-after Zins, collaborating with vineyard legends, and why his relentless curiosity—plus a few serendipitous friendships—shaped both his winemaking and his approach to life.Along the way, MJ and Jeff dig into why wine is meant to be shared, the stories behind cult vineyards, and what it means to live in the "wine bubble." And as Jeff pours from an exceptional lineup of bottles, you’ll get the inside scoop on legendary cellar experiments, the wild California terroirs, and the relationships that fuel true wine culture.So pour yourself a glass and settle in! You’re about to discover the music, lifestyle, and unfiltered joy that drives a winemaker who’s always on a quest to make wines he loves to drink—and friends he loves to drink them with.For more information about Jeff Cohn Cellars click the link!Follow Jeff 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 Conaway Fund. The Conaway Fund is a philanthropic initiative under The Prosperity Foundation that allows donors to contribute to a fund that supports various causes such as scholarships, nonprofit organizations, schools, and families facing financial challenges. Donors can recommend where the funds should be directed, providing a flexible way to make a positive impact in communities. The Conaway Fund embodies the spirit of giving and community support, aiming to create a lasting impact through strategic philanthropy.For more information, go to The Conaway Fund and please donate!