The Black Wine Guy Experience

In this episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience, host MJ Towler sits down with special guest Seth Kitze for an insightful and engaging conversation. Seth grew up in the Yakima Valley, where wine grapes were just starting to gain popularity. Although there were only a few vineyards in the area, people were beginning to make quality wine. However, at that time, Washington state consumers were not as passionate about wine as they are today. Seth observed the growth of the wine industry and the expansion of the Tri-Cities area, which used to primarily focus on cherries and apples. Despite the limited resources, Seth witnessed the evolution of winemaking in the region.They delve into not only Seth's experiences in the snowboarding industry and the challenges of making ends meet but also his transition into the world of winemaking and the unique journey that led him to become a co-owner and winemaker of Kinsey Cellars Upside Down and the Devil is a Liar Wine. The discussion spans from the techniques of winemaking to the personal journey and passion that fuels Seth's dedication to creating exceptional wines. Join us as we explore the intersection of athleticism, determination, and the art of winemaking in this captivating episode.A Massive THANK YOU to SETH KITZE!!!This episode’s wines: 2022 Upsidedown Columbia Valley Roussanne     2021 Upsidedown Washington State “Sage’s Wine “     2018 Giovanni Montisci Barrosu Vino Rosso FranziscaTo learn more about Upsidedown Wines, click the link!Follow Seth & Audrey on IG!To learn more about The Devil is a Liar Wines, click the link!Follow The Devil is a Liar Wine on IG____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and give The Black Wine Guy Experience 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 @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor, Walla Walla Wine. The primary mission of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is to build an internationally acclaimed Walla Walla Valley wine brand among consumers, media, and trade by providing marketing programs on behalf of member wineries, vineyards, and partners. The Wine Alliance functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media, and members of the trade interested in learning more about the Valley’s wine industry.Find out more at Walla Walla Wine!

In today's episode, host MJ Towler delves into the fascinating world of wine creation with special guest Christophe Baron. Get ready to uncork your curiosity as we explore Christophe's innovative approach to crafting exceptional wines.In this episode, Christophe shares the story behind his vineyard's unique use of horsepower, paying homage to his ancestors who relied on draft horses in French vineyards. We learn about his experimentation with high-density planting, resulting in riper stems and lower alcohol levels. Christophe also discusses how this method could offer a solution in the face of global warming. You'll also discover Christophe's dedication to biodynamic farming and his role as a steward of the land, ensuring sustainable practices in all his brands.Join us as Christophe takes us on a journey to the exciting world of Bionic Wines. Learn about their flagship Syrah, affectionately named "Bionic Frog," and the philosophy behind their gorgeous labels. Plus, gain insight into the inspiration and techniques behind their other brand, "No Girls," empowering women in the wine industry.Throughout the episode, MJ Towler and Christophe explore topics ranging from unique terroirs and the intricacies of white wine to the importance of having a discerning palate. They even discuss Christophe's passion for Champagne, his longtime love affair with wine, and the hilarious game of "slap, lick, Fondal."So, if you're ready to dive deep into the world of winemaking, don't miss out on this captivating episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience. Tune in to gain exclusive access to the insights and wisdom of Christophe Baron, a visionary winemaker shaping the future of the industry.A Massive THANK YOU to CHRISTOPHE BARON!!!To learn more about Bionic Wines, click the link!Follow Bionic Wines on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and give The Black Wine Guy Experience 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 @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor, Walla Walla Wine. The primary mission of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is to build an internationally acclaimed Walla Walla Valley wine brand among consumers, media, and trade by providing marketing programs on behalf of member wineries, vineyards, and partners. The Wine Alliance functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media, and members of the trade interested in learning more about the Valley’s wine industry.Find out more at Walla Walla Wine!

Welcome back to The Black Wine Guy Experience! In today's BONUS episode from "Wine 2 Wine," we have an exciting lineup of guests joining our host, MJ Towler. Get ready to dive into the world of wine with our special guests: Sofia, Hermione, Alice, Adam, and Michele.Michele, a director at a family-run wine importer and Italian wine ambassador, shares his expertise from Italy and the UK. We then shift gears and hear from Adam and Hermione, who are involved in publishing wine-related books. Join us as they share their insights on the importance of storytelling in the wine industry and their experiences with AI.Alice kicks off the conversation by sharing a memorable wine experience with a story about Shiraz from Australia, which her partner helped her study blind tastings with. Sofia takes us on a journey through her winemaking ventures in Sicily, particularly on Mount Etna. She reveals the unique qualities of Mount Etna wines and her passion for showcasing quality Italian wines in the US.So grab a glass of your favorite wine, sit back, and enjoy this enriching episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience: "Wine 2 Wine." Cheers!A Massive THANK YOU to Michele Longari, Hermione Ireland, Adam Lechmere, Alice Wong & Sofia Ponzinil!!!To learn more about Hay Wines, click the link!Follow Michele on IG!To learn more about Académie du Vin Library click the link!Listeners can use code BWG5 it will give $5 off all of our books *(with the exception of a couple of distributed titles.)Follow Académie du Vin Library on IG!Follow Hermione  on IG!Follow Adam on IG!To learn more about Vin Etude Asia click the link!Follow Alice on IGFollow Tenute Bosco on IG!Follow Sofia on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and give The Black Wine Guy Experience 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 @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor, Grenache Study. The Grenachenaissance© is upon us!  Find out more at Grenache Study

Welcome to The Black Wine Guy Experience! In this episode, host MJ Towler sits down with special guest Andy Peay, co-founder of Peay Vineyards, to have an in-depth conversation about wine, winemaking, and the unique journey that led Andy to where he is today. They dive into a wide range of topics, including Andy's background, his family's influence on his love for wine, the founding of Peay Vineyards, and the intricacies of winemaking on the West Sonoma Coast.From discussing sustainable food initiatives and organic farming practices to exploring the distinct qualities of their 2021 vintage wines, this episode offers a fascinating look into the world of winemaking and the passion that drives Andy's approach. Join us as we uncork the stories behind the bottles and gain a deeper understanding of what makes Peay Vineyards a truly special part of the wine industry.A Massive THANK YOU to Andy Peayll!!!This episode’s wines: 2021 Peay Chardonnay West Sonoma Coast                      2021 Peay ‘Pomarium’ Estate Pinot Noir West Sonoma CoastTo learn more about Peay Vineyards, click the link!Follow Peay Vineyards on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and give The Black Wine Guy Experience 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 @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor, Grenache Study. The Grenachenaissance© is upon us!  Find out more at Grenache Study

Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience! In today's episode, we have a special guest joining us, the incredible Chris Cottrell. Chris is a true wine industry enthusiast with a fascinating journey into the world of wine. From his humble beginnings as a shelf stocker, Chris has grown to become a respected figure in the industry. Join our host, MJ Towler, as they dive into Chris's experiences, starting with the unexpected job he found through Craigslist. They reminisce about the vibrant energy of the early 2000s wine industry and the cool projects they were a part of.But it wasn't just about the job for Chris. He was drawn to the artistry and storytelling of wine, developing his palate by tasting different wines at Crush. With a fondness for Zinfandel and a particular love for the Old Hill vineyard, Chris's passion for wine is evident in every conversation. But that's not all! Chris also drops some exciting news – he's getting married in May. Tune in to hear more about this upcoming celebration and his thoughts on the future of the wine industry. So grab a glass of your favorite red, sit back, and join us for this captivating episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience with our special guest, Chris Cottrell!A Massive THANK YOU to Chris Cottrell!!!This episode’s wines: 2011 Under The Wire Sparkling Wine Chardonnay          Brosseau Vineyard           2021 Bedrock Morgan Red Wine Old Hill Ranch Sonoma     2017 Sky Vineyards Mt. Veeder Syrah Napa ValleyTo learn more about Under The Wire Wines, click the link!Follow Chris on IG!To learn more about Bedrock Wine Co. click the link!Follow Bedrock Wine  on IG!Listen to Bedrock Wine Conversations Podcast!To learn more about Sky Vineyards click the link!Follow Sky Vineyards on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and give The Black Wine Guy Experience 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 @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor, Grenache Study. The Grenachenaissance© is upon us!  Find out more at Grenache Study

Welcome to The Black Wine Guy Experience, where we dive deep into the world of taste and flavor. In today's episode, we have an exceptional guest, Mandy Naglish, a renowned food and beverage journalist, beer educator, and author. Mandy is here to share her expertise on tasting and exploring flavors and how they can truly enhance our life experience.  MJ and Mandy delve into the fascinating realm of blind tasting, exploring how visual perception can influence taste perception. They discuss the impact of different visual cues on our experience of beer and wine and how being mindful of flavor can make every sip more enjoyable. They also touch on the often overlooked aftertaste of wine and the importance of paying attention to it when pairing with food. Mandy shares insights from her book, "How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life," which covers topics ranging from wine and cheese to ice cream, honey, tea, chocolate, and even water. Throughout the episode, MJ and Mandy weave together their expertise to uncover the secrets of tasting and savoring flavors, opening up a world of possibilities for our palates.So join us on this exciting journey as we learn how to get more enjoyment from what we taste on The Black Wine Guy Experience with MJ Towler and special guest Mandy Naglish!A Massive THANK YOU to Mandy Naglischi!!!This episode’s wine: Campo Viejo Cava Brut Reserva NVTo learn more about How to Taste, click the link!Follow How to Tatse Book on IGFollow Mandy  on IG____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and give The Black Wine Guy Experience 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 @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor, GrenacheFest. The First Annual Grenache Festival in Walla Walla Washington is coming to the Motor Co. on Friday, November 3rd, 2023, starting at 5 pm with a seated comparative seminar, followed at 7 pm by live music, food, plenty of Grenache wines and tons of fun!Purchase your tickets at GrenacheFest.Follow GrenacheFest on IG

Ladies and gentlemen, wine enthusiasts, and curious minds welcome to The Black Wine Guy Experience! In today's episode, "JM’shi Urban Wine Tribe," we dive deep into wine culture, diversity, and the relentless pursuit of creating and challenging oneself. Our host, MJ Towler, sits down with the incredible JM, a passionate wine influencer and content creator who believes that the wine industry lacks diversity and aims to create his own vibrant subculture within it. Join us as JM shares his vision of making wine more accessible, exploring personal preferences, and bridging different worlds together. From his unique journey, including an unexpected foray into the wine world after a poker club endeavor, to hisr love for creating iconic pairings, JM captivates with his dynamic personality and keen insights. Get ready to sip, savor, and explore the fascinating world of wine with JM and MJ on this exhilarating episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience!  So, grab your favorite glass, settle in, and let's uncork the stories and flavors that await us. Cheers!A Massive THANK YOU to JM!!!This episode’s wines: 2021 Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay Reserve      2019 Johanneshof Reinisch St. LaurentTo learn more about Urban Wine Tribe, click the link!Follow JM on IGSubscribe to Urban Wine Tribe TV YouTube!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and give The Black Wine Guy Experience 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 @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor, GrenacheFest. The First Annual Grenache Festival in Walla Walla, Washington, is coming to the Motor Co. on Friday, November 3rd, 2023, starting at 5 p.m. with a seated comparative seminar, followed at 7 p.m. by live music, food, plenty of Grenache wines, and tons of fun.Purchase your tickets at GrenacheFestFollow GrenacheFest on IG GrenacheFest

Welcome back to another episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience! I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today, we are thrilled to have an incredible guest joining us, Malek Amrani. Malek's story is a true testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. From his humble beginnings in Morocco to becoming a renowned figure in the wine industry, Malek has overcome countless obstacles to achieve success. In this episode, Malek takes us on a journey through his life, sharing his challenges, the pivotal moments that shaped his path, and the passion and drive propelling him forward. Get ready to be inspired by Malek Amrani's incredible rags-to-riches story. Let's dive in!A Massive THANK YOU to Malek Amrani!!!This episode’s wines: 2021 The Vice Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon     2018 The Vice “Night Cap” Napa Valley Port of Petite Sirah To learn more about The Vice Wine, click the link!Follow The Vice Wine on IGFollow Malek Idea on IG____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and give The Black Wine Guy Experience 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 @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor, GrenacheFest. The First Annual Grenache Festival in Walla Walla, Washington, is coming to the Motor Co. on Friday, November 3rd, 2023, starting at 5 pm with a seated comparative seminar, followed at 7 pm by live music, food, plenty of Grenache wines, and tons of fun!Purchase your tickets at GrenacheFest.Follow GrenacheFest on IG

Welcome to The Black Wine Guy Experience! In this episode, a special guest joins MJ: the world-renowned hip-hop music producer, MC, and entrepreneur Will Tell. With an impressive roster of collaborations featuring artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan, and Daryl DMC McDaniels, Will has significantly impacted the music industry. But that's not all - he is also the CEO of the True Wine Connoisseurs Group and a board member of The Felix Organization. In this conversation, MJ and Will delve into the multifaceted world of hip-hop, exploring the concept of respect and understanding in the music industry. They discuss the importance of not only one's lyrical prowess but also the business acumen needed to thrive in the industry. From Rakim's underappreciated legacy to Jay-Z's successful venture into entrepreneurship, they examine artists' different paths to earn respect and recognition.But that's not all this episode has to offer. Will also shares his passion for wine and his journey to becoming a connoisseur. From discovering Amarone wine while working for Winebow to his love for big, bold, dry red wines, Will's insights into the wine world are not to be missed.So join us as we dive into the fascinating world of hip-hop, wine, and the intersection of artistry and business with the one and only Will Tell. Get ready for an engaging and enlightening conversation on The Black Wine Guy Experience. A Massive THANK YOU to Will Tell!!This episode’s wines: True Wine Connossiuers NV Prosecco     True Wine Connossiuers 2020 U.N.I.T.Y Pinot Grigio D.O.C     True Wine Connossiuers 2019 "When in Rome" Cabernet IGTFollow True Wine Connossieurs on IG!Follow Will Tell on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and give The Black Wine Guy Experience 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 @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor, GrenacheFest. The First Annual Grenache Festival in Walla Walla Washington is coming to the Motor Co. on Friday, November 3rd, 2023, starting at 5 pm with a seated comparative seminar, followed at 7 pm by live music, food, plenty of 1Grenache wines and tons of fun.Purchase your tickets at GrenacheFestFollow GrenacheFest on IG GrenacheFest