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The Black Wine Guy Experience
Vines and Punchlines: John Coyle Talks Wine, Comedy, and Authenticity
Season 6, Ep. 146
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Welcome back to "The Black Wine Guy Experience," where your host MJ Towler takes you on a flavorful journey of wine, life, and laughter. In episode 146, we're joined by the effervescent John Coyle, a man as rich in stories as he is in his knowledge of wine.
Today, we're popping the cork on an array of topics; we'll dribble into tales of full-court basketball at Boston Garden and saunter through the vineyards of John's path from the hard streets of Roxbury to the eclectic essence of Venice, California.
We'll sip on the bold flavors of John's experiences as he shares his antics at the Harvey Krishna Center, his leap into the world of wine inspired by a past partner's passion for the vineyard's nectar, and his ambitious strides in the entertainment industry.
As we swirl our glasses, we'll get intoxicating insights into the hustle of comedy, the tenacity required to fuel a podcast for over 230 episodes, and the grit needed to make it in the competitive arenas of acting, stand-up, and sales.
Our glasses will brim with honesty as we touch on the transformative power of genuine connections in an age overshadowed by technology, the need for a balance with our libations, and the comedic drama that can unfold on the stages of New York City's revered Comedy Store.
With laughter and reflections on societal shifts, we'll clink to the impact of storytelling in our lives, the cultural tapestry of Boston, and the significance of embracing our roots and rites of passage.
Prepare to be entertained and engaged as MJ Towler and John Coyle discuss everything from non-alcoholic beers to the spiritual reverence of Syrah—this is an episode that's as diverse and storied as the guests themselves.
So pour yourself a glass, settle in, and let's dive into this riveting episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience. Cheers!
A Massive THANK YOU to JOHN COYLE!!!
This episode’s wines: 2021 Clément & Florian Bertjier “Terre De Silex”
2020 Fabrizio Dionisio Linfa Cortona Syrah
For more information about DOTJ Podcast click the link!
Follow John on IG!
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Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!
Subscribe and give The Black Wine Guy Experience a 5-star review on whichever platform you listen to.
For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show, sign up at
Follow MJ @blackwineguy
Thank 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 GrenacheFest
Follow GrenacheFest on IG GrenacheFest
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01:58:07||Season 8, Ep. 173Welcome 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 GrenacheFest172. Behind the Bottle: Jeremy Hart Talks Wine, Entrepreneurship, and Authenticity in the Beverage Industry
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01:46:11||Season 7, Ep. 170Welcome back to another captivating episode of Beats, Vines & Life! I'm your host, MJ Towler. Today, we've got an incredible story to tell with our special guest, Justin Harmon, winemaker extraordinaire from Sonoma County and Napa Valley. In this episode, we dive into the heart of wine culture and reveal what it takes to start and run a first-generation family winery with no external funding. Justin reflects on a significant moment that sparked his passion for wine at a wedding and shares the trials and triumphs of creating his acclaimed wines, from Pinot Noir to Cabernet Sauvignon, all made with love and dedication. We explore the intricate details of wine production, the effects of extreme heat on vineyards, and the unique terroir of regions like Bennett Valley and Sonoma Mountain.But it's not just about the wine. We get personal as Justin opens up about the challenges of non-rehearsed, raw, and authentic social media engagement, his deep dive into wine history and culture, and how his chemistry background paved the way for his winemaking journey. Plus, we'll hear anecdotes about unexpected fans, wine-tasting adventures, and the meaningful names behind wines like "Rosetta" and "Babel." And if you're a fan of Spanish and Portuguese wines, you're in for a treat—we discuss their exceptional value and quality. With humor, banter, and a sprinkle of music references, this conversation is as multifaceted as the wines themselves. So grab a glass, sit back, and enjoy an inspiring journey through winemaking with us on Beats, Vines & Life. Cheers!---A Massive THANK YOU to JUSTIN AND BETH HARMONI!!! This episode in-studio wines: Argot 2022 “Bastard Tongue” Sonoma County Pinot NoirArgot 2021 “Babel” Napa Valley Cabernet SauvignonArgot 2021 “Rosetta” Sonoma County SyrahFor more information about Argot Wines click the link!Follow Argot Wines 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 GrenacheFest169. Crafting Legacies in Wine: Donald Patz’s Journey from Patz and Hall to Secret Door, Maritana, and Beyond
01:38:17||Season 7, Ep. 169Welcome back to another episode of "Beats Vines & Life" with your host MJ Towler. Today, we're honored to have the legendary winemaker Donald Patz joining us. From his early days as a wine salesman in Oregon to establishing the renowned Patz and Hall winery in California, Donald has experienced the wine industry's evolution firsthand. After parting ways with his former business for personal and estate planning reasons, he's now pioneering new ventures like Maritana and Secret Door, focusing on wines that reflect his family's preferences and his current tastes.Donald will share his insights on the diversity of Sonoma's vineyards, the significance of single vineyard designate wines, and the intriguing stories behind his collaborations with wine legends like Francois Villard from the Rhone Valley. We'll also discuss the intriguing historical connections of Beckstoffer’s vineyards, the spiritual experience of visiting historic sites, and the challenges winemakers face in balancing traditions with innovations.Whether you're a wine aficionado or just curious about the winemaking process, this episode is packed with valuable insights. So, pour yourself a glass of your favorite vintage, sit back, and join us as we journey through the life and craft of Donald Patz on "Beats Vines & Life." Cheers!---A Massive THANK YOU to DONALD PATZI!!! Follow Donald on IG!For more information about Maritana Vineyards click the link!Follow Maritana on IG!For more information about Secret Door Winery click the link!Follow Secret Door Winery on IG!For more information about Terminim Wines click the link!Follow Terminim Wines 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 GrenacheFest168. Wine Marketing Mastery: Barbara and Brian on Modernizing Wine Marketing and Overcoming Industry Challenges
01:12:44||Season 7, Ep. 168Welcome back to another insightful episode of "Beats Vines & Life!" This week, we're diving deep into the world of winemaking, marketing, and the evolving landscape of the wine industry with our special guests, Barbara Gorder and Brian Baker.We'll discuss niche market strategies, the critical importance of finding and bonding with your customer tribe, and the essential role of marketing in an industry often stuck in traditional methods. Barbara and Brian will share their vast expertise, from innovative wine promotions like Stella Rosa's Pineapple Chili to the shifting perceptions of sweeter wines and Rieslings. We also shine a light on the impactful "Free the Grapes" movement, aiming to open up wine shipping laws across all states, and the fascinating historical context behind America's complex wine distribution systems. Finally, expect insights about modern marketing tactics, the competition from cannabis and craft spirits, and the generational shift impacting wine sales.Tune in for an episode packed with valuable lessons, from creating scarcity and authentic advertising to leveraging storytelling and embracing innovative outreach strategies. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a marketing professional, this episode is a treasure trove of information you don't want to miss. Let’s raise a glass and dive in!---A Massive THANK YOU to BARBARA GORDER & BRIAN BAKERI!!! For more information about Project Wine: Lifting All Boats click the link!Brian BakerCultivar MarketingWebsite: https://cultivarmarketing.com/Email: brian@cultivarmarketing.comPhone: (707) 363-5931 Barbara GorderUndisclosed LocationWebsite: www.unlo.comEmail:Barbara.gorder@unlo.comPhone: 312.972.2833 (PT) Direct to Consumer Wine SymposiumJoin us for the best DTC Wine education and networking in the business.https://dtcwinesymposium.com/January 21-23Hyatt Regency Monterey, CAEarly Bird Tickets on Sale now until November 1, 2024____________________________________________________________Thank 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