Beats Vines and Life artwork

Food · Marvin J. Towler

Beats Vines and Life

by Marvin J. Towler

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.  These days, he is a podcaster and journalist who travels the globe, having conversations with the movers, shakers, and disruptors in the worlds of food, wine, music, and more.   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 Beats Vines and Life.  For more information and exclusive content, go to beatsvinesandlife.com  Follow MJ on IG @blackwineguy @beatsvinesandlife   Podcast produced by Marvin J. Towler Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

Leveling Up in Wine: Peter Yeung Talks Napa, Luxury Wine Marketing, and Shaping Wente’s Legacy

On this episode of Beats Vines & Life, host MJ Towler sits down with Peter Yeung—a strategic wine business leader, author of Luxury Wine Marketing, and co-host of the Ex-

Oct 12
1 h 32 min

Exploring Wine’s Human Side: Ray Isle on Authenticity, Storytelling, and the Soul of Wine

On this episode of Beats Vines & Life, MJ Towler welcomes celebrated wine journalist and editor Ray Isle for a deep, wide-ranging conversation that flows from Houston chi

Sep 28
1 h 33 min

From Bartenders to Podcast Pioneers: The Restaurant Guys’ Journey Through Cocktales, Wine and Life

Welcome to Beats, Vines & Life, where Gen X culture, music, and the philosophy of coming together over good wine take center stage. In this episode, MJ sits down with Mar

Sep 14
1 h 52 min

The Great American Wine Tour aka The Gospel of Keith Beavers

Welcome to another episode of Beats Vines & Life, where we blend the soundtrack of Gen X culture with stories from the heart of American wine country. This time, the conv

Aug 31
1 h 27 min

From Football to Fine Wine: How an Injury Redirected Elia Pellegrini into Tuscan Winemaking

On this episode of Beats, Vines & Life, we’re diving deep into the rhythms of Gen X culture, Italian style, and the art of coastal winemaking with Elia Pellegrini, fourth

Aug 17
1 h 36 min

Exploring Gen X Culture, Wine, and Filmmaking with Christopher McGilvray of Nomadic Bear Productions

Welcome to another episode of Beats, Vines & Life! Today, host MJ Towler sits down with award-winning filmmaker, storyteller, and founder of Nomadic Bear Productions, Chr

Aug 3
1 h 43 min

Master Sommelier Vinny Morrow on Wine, Leadership and Hospitality Excellence

On this episode of Beats, Vines & Life, host MJ Towler sits down with Vincent Morrow—“Vinny” to his friends—a master sommelier, educator, and hospitality executive whose

Jul 20
2 h 01 min

Thirst Trap Live: How Andre Mack is Bridging the Gap Between Wine, Music, and Pop Culture for a New Generation

On this special bonus episode of Beats Vines & Life, host MJ Towler sits down with the legendary Andre Mack, award-winning sommelier, creative force behind Maison Noir wi

Jul 13
36 min

Cultivating Legacy: Altamura’s Story of Wine, Family, and Italian Heritage

In this episode of Beats Vines & Life, host MJ Towler welcomes Giancarlo Altamura, assistant winemaker and next-generation voice of Napa Valley. Hailing from a family wit

Jul 6
1 h 27 min

Building Tribes and Telling Stories: How Placebos, Status, and Story Shape Wine and Life with Seth Godin

Welcome to another life-focused edition of Beats, Vines & Life. Today, MJ Towler sits down with renowned entrepreneur, teacher, and bestselling author Seth Godin. Known f

Jun 22
42 min

Okay Player: Angela Nissel Talks Laughter, Loss, Hollywood and that Illadelph Life.

Welcome to "Beats, Vines & Life," where we blend conversations on music, culture, and the real moments that shape our lives. In today’s episode, sits down with Angela Nis

Jun 8
1 h 42 min

Small Wineries, Big Fines: Hoopes Vineyard vs Napa County in a High-Stakes Fight for Survival

Welcome to another episode of Beats Vines & Life! Today’s conversation focused on the fight to preserve independent winemaking, family legacy, and the spirit of Napa Vall

May 25
1 h 12 min

Exploring Wine and Life: Elton Slone on Mountain Vineyards, Music Icons, and Napa’s Future

Welcome to another episode of Beats Vines & Life! Today, we're diving deep into music, wine, and lifestyle with a special guest who embodies the spirit of innovation and

May 11
1 h 26 min

Leading in Healthcare, Living with Purpose: Cathy and Wright Lassiter on Family, Wine, and Adventure

Welcome back to Beats Vines & Life. In this special episode, MJ Towler sits down with Wright Lassiter and his wife, Cathy Lassiter—a dynamic couple whose journey blends m

Apr 27
1 h 54 min

Business, Bottles, and Barolo: Dave Wanek on Crafting Fine Wine and Building Legacy in Walla Walla’s Rocks District

Welcome to another episode of Beats, Vines & Life! Today, MJ sits down with Dave Wanek, a multifaceted leader whose journey winds from a small Nebraska town to the heart

Apr 13
1 h 36 min

Collecting Time: Brian Lau on Luxury Watches, Whiskey, and Collecting Culture

Welcome back to Beats, Vines & Life! In today’s episode, host Speaker A sits down with Brian Lau—entrepreneur, lifelong collector, and founder of One More Time Watches. B

Apr 6
44 min

From Tech to Terroir: David Garrett on Blockchain, Wine Collecting, and the Future of Community.

Welcome to another episode of Beats, Vines & Life! In this episode, host MJ sits down with David Garrett, co-founder of dVin, a trailblazer at the crossroads of music, li

Mar 30
1 h 31 min

Deep Thoughts: Jack Bittner on Building Legacy Estates and Navigating the Napa Wine Business

Welcome back to another episode of Beats, Vines & Life! This time, host MJ Towler heads to the heart of Napa Valley for a refreshing and thoughtful conversation with Jack

Mar 23
1 h 24 min

Courage, Constitution, and Châteauneuf: The Inside Story of the VOS Selections versus Donald J. Trump Supreme Court Victory

Welcome to Beats, Vines & Life. In today’s episode, host MJ Towler is joined by Victor and Chloe Schwartz – wine importers who just became victorious plaintiffs in a grou

Mar 16
1 h 33 min

Legacy in the Vines: Multigenerational Family, Farming, and Authenticity in Santa Lucia Highlands

Welcome to a special edition of Beats, Vines & Life, where music, wine, and authentic stories always take center stage. In today’s episode, host MJ Towler dives deep into

Mar 9
1 h 32 min

Chart trend

Position in the Food chart (US), last 90 days.

#75
all-time peak
7
days in the top 100 since Nov 2024

Chart positions

Where Beats Vines and Life ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 14, 2026).

#172 ▼ 12 Food US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

This is one of my favourite wine related podcasts! MJ’s interview style is really good and he gets his guests to tell their stories from a personal perspective. Sad to see this podcast go! However, there are some episodes I will listen to over again because they were that good! Listening from BERMUDA, great show!

MissT 21 · Apr 2024

Engaging and accessible podcast on wine. Great listen every episode no matter you knowledge level of wine.

s0upb0ne · Aug 2021

Every day I try to learn something new about wine. So about a week ago I picked up MJ’s podcast and I gotta say, it’s been truly great right from the start! From the incredible guests, to the banter, to the knowledge gained from listening - it’s all been top notch! It seems like everyone talking about wine wants to break it down and demystify the industry - but MJ does it naturally with ease and in a way that’s truly engaging. Truly a fresh voice and perspective for the wine industry. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

The_Colorado_Kid · Aug 2021

MJ doesn’t just talk about wine. It’s a show that brings the rich history of some of the biggest personalities who have built the modern day wine industry

Alexstrath1 · Jun 2021

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About Beats Vines and Life on Reason.fm

Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of Beats Vines and Life, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.

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