Beats Vines and Life Marvin J. Towler

Hey everyone, welcome back to a BONUS episode of Beats Vines & Life! Today, I sit in with Sam Coturri & Brian Casey of The Winemakers Pod as we have an extraordinary guest join us—Todd Alexander, a trailblazing winemaker who decided to shake things up by exploring the Pacific Northwest
Todd shares personal stories about his passion for wine, the changing landscapes of downtown Walla Walla, and his thoughts on the future of the wine industry. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a lover of travel stories, or someone who enjoys hearing about life's unique journeys, this episode has something for everyone. 
Stay tuned as Sam, Brian and I chat with Todd Alexander on this captivating episode of Beats Vines & Life!
A Massive THANK YOU to THE WINEMAKERS POD!!!
This episode’s wines: Some Winery Sixteen/600 Shit!
To learn more about Holocene Wines, click the link! Follow Holocene Wines on IG!
To learn more about Force Majeure Vineyards, click the link!Follow Force Majeure on IG!
To learn more about Beatus Wine click the link!Follow Todd on IG!
To learn more about Atelier Freewater click the link! Follow Atelier Freewater on IG!
To learn more about Weathereye Vineyards click the link! Follow Weathereye on IG! 
To learn more about Cimento click the link! Follow Cimento 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.
Follow MJ @blackwineguy
Follow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife
Thank you to our sponsor, GrenacheFest. The Second Annual Grenache Festival in Walla Walla, Washington, will be held on November 8th, 2024.
For more information, go to GrenacheFest
Follow GrenacheFest on IG GrenacheFest


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another captivating episode of "Beats Vines & Life," where we blend the rich worlds of music, wine, and personal journeys. Today's episode features the intriguing Randall Grahm, a vintner and trailblazer in the wine industry, renowned for founding Bonny Doon Vineyard and his innovative approaches to winemaking.
In this session, we dive into Randall's colorful background, starting from his youthful days in Los Angeles to his philosophical studies at UC Santa Cruz, and how these experiences shaped his visionary pursuits in the world of wine.
 
Randall shares heartfelt stories about his family, including the significant influence of his music-loving grandfather and his mother's unexpected role in his business. We'll explore Randall's radical shift from aspiring to produce the great American Pinot Noir to his love affair with Rhône varieties, and his current endeavors with the Language of Yes project in Modesto. 
Throughout the episode, Randall reflects on the evolution of LA, his transformative college years, and his profound experiences with wines that eventually led him to a life dedicated to viticulture. 
Join us as we uncork the essence of creativity and heritage with Randall Grahm, and perhaps, discover a renewed appreciation for the art and story behind every bottle.
A Massive THANK YOU toRANDALL GRAHM!!!
This episode’s wines: 2023 The Language of Yes “Les Fruits Rouge” Pink Wine
  2022 The Language of Yes Grenache Rancho Réal   
  2022 The Language of Yes “Cuvée Sinso” Red Wine
  2022 The Language of Yes Syrah Rancho Réal
To learn more about The Language of Yes, click the link!
Follow The Language of Yes on IG!
To learn more about Popelouchum, click the link!

____________________________________________________________
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.com
Follow MJ @blackwineguy
Follow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife
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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this week’s episode of Beats Vines & Life, where we journey into the fascinating intersections of culture, sports, and the wine industry with our guest David Bowler. 
This episode takes a deep dive into David's unique career trajectory, transitioning from a budding musician navigating the vibrant punk scenes of New York City to becoming a revered figure in the wine industry. 
We'll explore his days at the iconic wine shop Crossroads, his encounters with film and music legends, and ultimately, how he established his own successful wine distribution company. 
Along the way, we'll discuss David’s views on various topics, from the influence of wine critic Robert Parker to the cultural shifts within the wine market, and how social media is reshaping the industry. 
We’ll also look at the personal side of David, reflecting on his upbringing, early interests in sports, and how personal experiences and relationships have shaped his approach to business and life. 
So pour yourself a glass of your favorite vintage, and join us as we uncork the rich stories of David Bowler’s life and insights.
A Massive THANK YOU to DAVID BOWLER!!!
This episode’s wine: 2022 Bodega Sierra de Toloño La Dulu Garnacha de Altura
To learn more about Bowler Wine, click the link!
Follow Bowler Wine 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.com
Follow MJ @blackwineguy
Follow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife
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


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this exciting episode of "Beats Vines & Life," where we're diving into a world of innovation and passion with our guest, Alex Mackh. Alex, the founder of Grassl Glass and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, is here to share his unique journey from the ski slopes of Austria to the world stage of wine glass design. 
Discover how Alex's heritage, education, and love for craftsmanship have shaped his approach to creating exquisite mouth-blown glassware that enhances the wine tasting experience. From his early days in a family business to revolutionizing the wine industry with his pioneering glass designs, Alex's story is steeped in tradition yet driven by innovation. 
Whether you're a wine aficionado or a lifestyle enthusiast, prepare to be inspired by Alex's dedication to quality, character, and the pursuit of excellence in every pour. Join us as we explore the nuances of wine culture, the art of glassmaking, and the personal journey behind Alex's success. Stay with us on "Beats Vines & Life," where stories and sips come together in perfect harmony.
A Massive THANK YOU to ALEX MACKH!!!
This episode’s wines: Not available in the US…
To learn more about Grassl Glass, click the link!
Follow Grassl Glass 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.com
Follow MJ @blackwineguy
Follow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife
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


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another captivating episode of Beats Vines & Life, where the rhythm of music meets the swirl of the glass. I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we have the incredible Tegan Passalaqua, winemaker for Turley Wine Cellars and owner of Kirschenmann Vineyard, joining us to uncork a vintage conversation.
In this episode, we'll venture through the fertile grounds of Lodi, California, and beyond, sipping the rich stories that lie within each vineyard. Tegan brings her deep-rooted passion for old vine varietals and forgotten classics to the table, along with tales of a landscape changing under the pressure of progress and perception. We'll explore the delicate dance of sustainable winemaking, the challenges faced by the industry, and the push for transparency and honesty in every bottle.
Get ready to learn about the nuances that make a red table wine, the impact of sand and clay on viticulture, and how a conversation and a taste of Lodi changed Tegan's path forever. We'll also touch on family histories intertwined with the land, the dynamics of local communities, and the importance of planning for the future. 
Pour yourself a glass of your favorite blend, sit back, and let's dive into the life and times of Tegan Passalaqua, right here on Beats Vines & Life.

A Massive THANK YOU to TEGAN PASSALAQUA!!!
This episode’s wines: 2021 Sanlands Kirschenmann Cinsault
    2021 Sandlands Red Table Wine
To learn more about Sandlands Vineyards, click the link!
Follow Tegan on IG!
To learn more about Turley Wine Cellars, click the link!
Follow Turley Wine 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.com
Follow MJ @blackwineguy
Follow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife
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


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to "Beats Vines & Life," where the melodies of music, the enchantment of wine, and the narratives of life converge. I'm your host, MJ Towler. Today, we uncork the essence of wisdom and wine with a very special guest: Lettie Teague, the renowned wine columnist for the Wall Street Journal and multi-time James Beard Award winner. This episode delves deep into Lettie's intriguing journey from a liquor store to the lustrous halls of wine-writing prominence. We get personal as Lettie reminisces about her early years working in her parents’ shop and the invaluable lessons learned under the mentorship of wine maven Roberta Morell. Despite a rocky start in wine wholesale, Lettie's admiration for the industry's assertive salespeople set the tone for a storied career. Our conversation turns the pages of the downward spiral magazines faced during the 2008 economic downturn, highlighting Lettie’s lament on content diversity, all while she honors the craft of journalists with a touching anecdote about her path to the Wall Street Journal. Lettie gives us a peek into her Rolodex of celebrity wine projects and the award-winning "Educating Peter" series, sprinkled with lighthearted banter about Napa extravagances and columnist budgets. We move on to the challenges and silver linings in the wine industry, from millennial accessibility to the joy of sharing a bottle regardless of prestige. Lettie shares her childhood memories, her Midwestern roots flavored with Gallo pink chablis, and her grandmother's influence on her writing dreams. We also throw in a dash about our fondest dining traditions and Coach Popovich’s unique connection to the wine world. Touching on the digital age's transformation of content consumption and the importance of informed curiosity, Lettie delivers anecdotes with a bold, robust finish – true to a fine wine’s character. Whether you're a wine aficionado or someone intrigued by the stories behind the label, there’s a pour of knowledge for you in this intimate tete-a-tete with Lettie Teague.Get ready to savor the blend of life experiences and fine wine on today's episode of "Beats Vines & Life." Cheers!
A Massive THANK YOU to LETTIE TEAGUE!!!
To learn more about Lettie, click the link!
Follow Lettie 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.com
Follow MJ @blackwineguy
Follow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife
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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.