
150 episodes

The Black Wine Guy Experience Marvin J. Towler
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4.9 • 141 Ratings
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MJ Towler aka the Black Wine Guy went from a totally obsessed wine newbie to the world's first-ever African-American fine and rare wine auctioneer in less than 3 years.
This show pairs his passion for complex, interesting wines with complex, interesting guests. These are deep thinkers and Mavericks talking about their passions, life lessons, and inspirations - while drinking a bottle of something listeners will definitely want to savor for themselves.
Sit back, listen, learn and laugh. This is The Black Wine Guy Experience.
For more information and exclusive content go to blackwineguyexperience.com
Follow MJ on IG
@blackwineguy
Podcast produced by Marvin J. Towler
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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From Street Teams to Wine Zines! Exploring Wine, Music, and Culture with Stacy Buchanon!
Welcome to The Black Wine Guy Experience! In today's episode, our host, MJ Towler, sits down with the extraordinary Stacy Buchanon, who delves deep into his diverse and captivating journey. From pioneering street team marketing for major corporations to venturing into the wine industry and creating the innovative "Blood of Gods" zine, Stacy's story is nothing short of enthralling.
Stacy Buchanon was born in Walla Walla in 1980, where his family has been involved in wheat farming and barley for generations. Growing up, he was unaware of the burgeoning wine industry in his hometown but later discovered its slow rise. After leaving Walla Walla for 8 years to work in the music industry, Stacy returned to find his sleepy town transformed by the growing wine industry.
During their conversation, Stacy shares his experiences in the music industry, his transition to the wine world, and the intricacies of launching an independent print magazine. They discuss the rich culture in Walla Walla, the nuances of wine varieties, and the value of family and community support.
Tune in as Stacy shares his unique perspectives, insights into the wine and heavy metal industries, and the inspiration behind his remarkable projects. Get ready for an episode filled with engaging anecdotes, valuable lessons, and a celebration of passion and creativity. Stay tuned for an unforgettable experience with Stacy Buchanon on The Black Wine Guy Experience!
A Massive THANK YOU to STACY BUCHANON!!!
This episode’s wines: None
To learn more about Blood of Gods, click the link!
Follow Blood of Gods on IG!
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Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophiss, 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.com
Follow MJ @blackwineguy
Thank 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!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Snowboarding, Winemaking, and the Pursuit of Passion: Seth Kitze's Journey From Half-Pipes to Vineyards!
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 Franzisca
To 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
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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 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
Thank 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!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Exploring Terroir: Christophe Baron's Journey from Champagne to “The Stones” of Walla Walla Valley.
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!
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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 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
Thank 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!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Navigating the Wine Industry: Perspectives from Importers, Winemakers, and Wine Ambassadors. Recorded at Wine2Wine Verona!
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 IG
Follow Tenute Bosco on IG!
Follow Sofia 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 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
Thank you to our sponsor, Grenache Study. The Grenachenaissance© is upon us! Find out more at Grenache Study
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
Unveiling West Sonoma Coast's Unique Terroir: A Conversation with Vintner Andy Peay
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 Coast
To learn more about Peay Vineyards, click the link!
Follow Peay Vineyards 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 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
Thank you to our sponsor, Grenache Study. The Grenachenaissance© is upon us! Find out more at Grenache Study
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. -
From Shelf Stocker to Winemaker: Chris Cottrell's Remarkable Journey from Shaolin to Sonoma!
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 Valley
To 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!
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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 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
Thank you to our sponsor, Grenache Study. The Grenachenaissance© is upon us! Find out more at Grenache Study
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Customer Reviews
Great wine podcast
Really enjoy this wine podcast. One of the most entertaining you will find.
Refreshing
Insightful, humorous and good vibes! Absolutely chill!
Perfect for dark fall evenings, mood lighting, and connected HomePods throughout the house.
Not a single bottle of Grenache in our cellar, but I’m looking into it. White Burgundy ✅.
Layman
Love the dialogue and narrative conversation style with unexpected gems of wisdom about the world we inhabit. A good listen less after session