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Beats Vines and Life

Beats Vines and Life

By: Marvin J. Towler
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About this listen

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.

Marvin J. Towler
Art Cooking Food & Wine Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Wine, Life, and Laughter: Rob and Laura Schermeister Unfiltered on Beats Vines and Life
    Jan 27 2026

    Welcome back to Beats Vines & Life! In this episode, hosts MJ Towler and Rob S introduce us to the vibrant world of Schermeister Audio, featuring the dynamic winemaking duo Laura S and Rob S. Get ready for an unfiltered and wildly entertaining conversation that blurs the lines between wine, music, and living life to the fullest.


    From tales of Idaho roots to tattoo regrets, bold love stories, and the art of crafting wines that are as memorable as they are delicious, this episode peels back the curtain on what it really takes to make it in the wine industry—and have a little fun along the way. The trio dive into why wine is so much more than what’s in the glass: it’s a social lubricant, a marker of life’s big moments, a creative journey, and yes, sometimes it’s "tits in a glass."


    So pour yourself something bold and get ready for laughs, revelations, and a behind-the-scenes look at a Sonoma couple rewriting the rules of wine, love, and lifestyle. This is the episode where high art, irreverence, and heartfelt storytelling meet. Cheers!


    For more information about Schermeister Wineryclick the link!

    Follow Schermeister Winery 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

    Follow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IG

    Sign up for Totally Biased Wine Reviews


    Go to the-vines.com and use code BLACKWINEGUY to unlock member pricing and join their community for just $395, plus get a case of wines they make with their partners. (U.S. addresses only.)



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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 45 mins
  • Grapes, Grit, and Growth: Brene Royale’s Unprecedented Journey from Vineyard Manager to Violet’s Paradise
    Jan 12 2026

    Welcome back to Beats Vines & Life, where music, wine, and stories of resilience intersect! In this episode, host MJ Towler sits down with Brene Royal—the trailblazing founder of Violet’s Paradise and Violet’s Paradise Scholarship. As a respected leader in Sonoma viticulture and a former vineyard manager at the iconic Monte Rosso Vineyard, Brene Royale shares her journey from humble beginnings in Biloxi, Mississippi, to managing one of California’s most esteemed vineyards.


    Get ready to dive into her unique approach to farming, her passion for crafting limited-production wines sourced from legendary vines, and how her late black lab, Violet, inspired an entire wine brand and scholarship. Throughout the conversation, MJ Towler and Brene Royal laugh about early wine discoveries, the realities of working the land, and the power of community, representation, and authenticity in the wine industry.


    Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a lover of good stories, or seeking inspiration to carve your own path, this episode invites you into Brene Royal’s world of Beats, Vines, and Life. Cheers, and let’s get started!


    For more information about Violet's Paradise Wines click the link!

    Follow Brenae on IG!

    Follow Violet’s Paradise 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.com

    Follow MJ @blackwineguy

    Follow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife

    Follow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IG

    Sign up for Totally Biased Wine Reviews


    Go to the-vines.com and use code BLACKWINEGUY to unlock member pricing and join their community for just $395, plus get a case of wines they make with their partners. (U.S. addresses only.)



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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 46 mins
  • Breaking Barriers in Wine, Business, and Politics: Kathryn Hall’s Inspiring Journey
    Dec 22 2025

    Welcome back to Beats Vines & Life, where music, culture, and the stories behind the wine flow together. In this episode, host MJ Towler sits down with the remarkable Kathryn Hall, a true pioneer whose journey transcends the vineyard. From her roots as a city attorney in Berkeley and a groundbreaking leader at Safeway, to her appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Austria and her deep ties to the California wine industry, Kathryn Hall brings a lifetime of passion, purpose, and a hefty pour of wisdom to the table.


    Together, they explore Kathryn Hall's dynamic path through law, politics, and wine—dishing on the culture of Berkeley, the evolution of Napa Valley, and what it really means to make a difference both in the community and in the bottle. Along the way, they dive into memorable wines from Kathryn Hall’s Hall, Walt, and BACA portfolios, share stories about activism, and celebrate the joy that great wine and good company can bring to life.


    Whether you’re here for the beats, the vines, or the life lessons, this conversation is a masterclass in following your passions—and making the world a little happier along the way. Pour yourself a glass and hit play: this episode is not one to miss.


    For more information about Hall Wines click the link!

    Follow Hall 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.com

    Follow MJ @blackwineguy

    Follow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife


    Follow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IG

    Sign up for Totally Biased Wine Reviews


    Go to the-vines.com and use code BLACKWINEGUY to unlock member pricing and join their community for just $395, plus get a case of wines they make with their partners. (U.S. addresses only.)



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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 28 mins
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