Beats Vines and Life

On this episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience, my guests are Brian Larky and Scott Ades of Dalla Terra Winery Direct. Dalla Terra, which means “of the earth” in Italian, is a national agent and direct importer of a small and select group of leading, family-owned wineries and spirits producers in Italy. Dalla Terra was founded in 1990 by Brian Larky.  Brian Larky is a wine enthusiast fascin...

On this episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience, my guest is Cliff Lede, winemaker Chris Tynan. Chris and discuss his passion for winemaking and his path to success. This episode will delve into Chris’s deep knowledge of wine production, farming practices, wineries, and vintages. We talk about how his style and approach to winemaking have evolved, and he has achieved balance in their wines by bri...

On this episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience, my guest is Chef Tanya Holland a renowned culinary expert who has made a name for herself in the food industry. Born and raised in a diverse community, Chef Tanya grew up experiencing a unique blend of cultures and economic classes. Her passion for food began at a young age. After majoring in Russian literature at UVA, she found her way into the wo...

On this episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience, MJ’s guest is winemaker Adam Howard Lee. MJ and Adam discuss his journey into winemaking. From discussing the decision to sell his winery, Siduri, to the benefits of screw caps over cork closures, the conversation is as varied as it is intriguing.  From Dial Tone and Busy Signal to Moret-Brealynn Wines, we talk about all the projects Adam has...

On this episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience, I talk with former LVMH CEO turned Vigneron Philliope Pascal. Following a successful career in the luxury goods industry, Pascal and his wife Catherine have focused on restoring the historic Domaine Cellier aux Moines in Givry. The Domaine has been producing wine for 9 centuries in the heart of Burgundy . We discuss how climate change affects winem...

On this episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience, we talk with Bibi Graetz, the iconoclast Winemaker and Owner of Bibi Graetz Wines. We take a deep dive into the world of old vineyards and winemaking with a passionate Italian winemaker.  Learn about Bibi’s journey, from doubting himself as an artist to falling in love with winemaking and striving to make the best wines in the world. Discover...

In this episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience, MJ’s guests are Co-Owners of Chosen Family Wines Channing Frye and Jacob Gray. They share their journeys to the world of wine and how they found a passion for the business.  Channing Frye is a former American professional basketball player and wine enthusiast. He believes that wine shouldn’t only be high-end and exclusive. But also accessible...

In this episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience, MJ’s guest is proprietor and winemaker at Melville Vineyard, Chad Melville. We hear about the importance of being open to learning and committing to doing things right.  Chad shares his connection to nature and growing high-quality wine grapes. We dive deep into the specifics of wine regions like Knights and Alexander Valley and learn why Alex...

On this episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience, we talk with Bernardino Sani, the Winemaker, and CEO of the historic Argiano estate., who shares about the restoration of the property and their organic vineyard practices. We explore the beautiful region of Montalcino between Sienna and Florence, known for its wine and food.  We dive into the differences between Chianti Classico and Brunello...

MJ's guest in this episode is Michael Cruse, winemaker and owner of Cruse Wine Co. and Ultramarine Wines. Michael is a renowned winemaker passionate about crafting artisanal wines using traditional techniques and modern technology.  In this episode, MJ and Michael discuss his journey From Biology to Winemaking. Michael shares his journey from studying molecular biology to becoming a winemaker...

MJ's guest in this episode is the owner and winemaker of Hirsch Vineyards in Sonoma, CA, Jasmine Hirsch.     In this episode, MJ and Jasmine talk about her family's history in the wine industry and how she became interested in winemaking. She shares the story of Hirsch Vineyards and the unique terroir of the Sonoma Coast. Jasmine discusses the philosophy behind Hirsch Vineyards...

MJ guest in this episode is a 6th Generation Winemaker and Proprietor of Fruli’s historic Marco Felluga Estate, Ilaria Felluga.   In this episode, MJ and Ilaria discuss how residing in two cities helped to form her character. What it was like growing up the daughter of one of Italy’s most renowned producers. Living abroad in London. The lessons she learned running the estate’s Bed &...

MJ’s guest today is a 5th Generation Northern Californian with a distinguished 25-year + career in the wine industry Tony Biagi. Tony graduated from UC Davis and began his winemaking journey with his first internship in 1992. Since then, he has worked with scores of highly acclaimed wines, earning him a reputation as one of Napa Valley's most dynamic winemakers. He is known amongst his peers for h...

MJ’s guest today is the Owner and Winemaker at Kobayashi Winery Travis Allen! Kobayashi is a small family-owned winery making wines from premium vineyards in WA State. They are focused on making the best and most “interesting” wines in the world. In this episode, MJ and his guest Travis Allen discuss a life-changing decision at the age of 18 that led him to Japan. How a trip to Hospice du Rhone sh...

MJ’s guest today is the co-owner and winemaker of the Extradimensional Wine Co Yeah! Hardy Wallace! In this episode MJ and Hardy discuss everything from Northern Indian percussion to opening up for De la Soul, A Tribe Called Quest. How the dirty South informed his first project and how Extradimensional Wine Co Yeah! is redefining blending and terroir while being socially responsible. That's just t...

MJ’s guest today is the Managing Director of storied retailer Grapes The Wine Company Daniel Posner! In this episode, MJ and Daniel discuss overcoming tragedy. Daniel’s unique foray into the world of wine. Wine ratings, wine legislation. The astronomical rise in the Bordeaux and Burgundy wine markets and the importance of finding a trusted retailer.   A huge thank you to Daniel Posner!&n...

MJ’s guest today is a businessman, philanthropist, NCAA Champion, World Champion, and legendary sports icon Isiah Thomas! In this episode MJ and “Zeke” discuss growing up as the youngest of 9 children. The guiding influence of his mother. Aretha Franklin, Fred Hampton, Bill Russell, and the Civil Rights Movement. And how he created a seamless flow from NBA star to CEO of the first ever African-Ame...

MJ’s guests today are 100-point winemaker Don Burns of Turtle Rock and tech entrepreneur Mike Downey.  In Part 2 of this episode, MJ, Don, and Mike talk about the convergence of wine and technology. How Rare Liquid is working to solve wine’s provenance problem and how blockchain technology can empower artisans and bring more equity to the industry. A huge thank you to Don Burns!  For inf...

MJ’s guest today is a Paso Robles native and 100-point winemaker Don Burns of Turtle Rock.  In Part 1 of this episode, MJ and Don discuss growing during the '80s in Paso Robles. A life-changing sailing trip. Steakhouses, Zinfandel, learning from Justin Smith and what makes Paso such a unique AVA. A huge thank you to Don Burns!  For information about Turtle Rock Vineyards click the link....

In this episode, MJ recorded on location at the Free the Grapes Direct to Consumer Symposium in Concord CA with his good friends from The Winemakers Pod Bart Hansen and Sam Coturri ! We hope you enjoy these conversations. Hugh Scallon of Vayner Media. https://vaynermedia.com Steve Gross, VP, State Relations, Wine Institute  https://wineinstitute.org Jason Hass of Tablas Creek www.tablascreek....

MJ’s guest today is a wine enthusiast, Lawyer, and long-time entrepreneur, "OG" in the Co-working movement Benjamin Dyett. Benjamin is a Partner at Deco Group and is a Flexible Workplace Strategist. He is a current board member and past President of the Board of Directors for Shelter Manor. He is a Rear Commodore / Officer of the Shelter Island Yacht Club Benjamin is also the first African-America...

MJ’s guest today is a Food Lover, Actor, Producer, and TV Personality widely known as the Host of Man v. Food! In this episode MJ and Casey discuss all things NJ like pork roll, The Windmill, Action Park, high school football rivalries, and everything that makes growing up at the Jersey Shore so special. They also discuss how changing his attitude and perseverance led him to host his show on the F...

MJ’s guest today is the legendary importer and relentless advocate for the wines of Spain, Jorge Ordonez! In this episode, MJ and Jorge discuss growing up in Málaga. His family’s origins in the wine business. Introducing Albariño to America, refrigerated wine shipping, 100% new oak, and handing over the reins to the next generation.   A huge thank you to Jorge Ordóñez! Follow him on IG at @jo...

MJ’s guest in this episode is the only American to have won every major wine award given in the English language Karen MacNeil! MJ and Karen discuss her humble beginnings. Driving across the country to move to NYC. The ups and downs of being a wine journalist. Radio, PBS, and how she penned the Bible of Wine. A huge thank you to Karen MacNeil! Follow her on IG at @karenmacneilco Check out her webs...

In this episode MJ and his guest, Cleo Pahlmeyer discuss English as a second language, growing up in Napa Valley, the world of fine art, and assuming the reins of one of Napa Valley's legendary wineries and her passion for Pinot Noir.   A huge thank you to Cleo Pahlmeyer Follow her on IG at @wayfarervineyard Check out their website: https://www.wayfarervineyard.com/ This episode’s in studio w...