Beats Vines and Life – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome back to another episode of "Beats Vines & Life" with your host MJ Towler. Today, we're honored to have the legendary winemaker Donald Patz joining us. From his early days as a wine salesman in Oregon to establishing the renowned Patz and Hall winery in California, Donald has experienced the wine industry's evolution firsthand. 

After parting ways with his former business for personal and estate planning reasons, he's now pioneering new ventures like Maritana and Secret Door, focusing on wines that reflect his family's preferences and his current tastes.

Donald will share his insights on the diversity of Sonoma's vineyards, the significance of single vineyard designate wines, and the intriguing stories behind his collaborations with wine legends like Francois Villard from the Rhone Valley. We'll also discuss the intriguing historical connections of Beckstoffer’s vineyards, the spiritual experience of visiting historic sites, and the challenges winemakers face in balancing traditions with innovations.

Whether you're a wine aficionado or just curious about the winemaking process, this episode is packed with valuable insights. So, pour yourself a glass of your favorite vintage, sit back, and join us as we journey through the life and craft of Donald Patz on "Beats Vines & Life." Cheers!

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A Massive THANK YOU to DONALD PATZI!!! 

Follow Donald on IG!

For more information about Maritana Vineyards click the link!

Follow Maritana on IG!

For more information about Secret Door Winery click the link!

Follow Secret Door Winery on IG!

For more information about Terminim Wines click the link!

Follow Terminim Wines on IG!

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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

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Welcome back to another insightful episode of "Beats Vines & Life!" This week, we're diving deep into the world of winemaking, marketing, and the evolving landscape of the wine industry with our special guests, Barbara Gorder and Brian Baker.

We'll discuss niche market strategies, the critical importance of finding and bonding with your customer tribe, and the essential role of marketing in an industry often stuck in traditional methods. Barbara and Brian will share their vast expertise, from innovative wine promotions like Stella Rosa's Pineapple Chili to the shifting perceptions of sweeter wines and Rieslings. 

We also shine a light on the impactful "Free the Grapes" movement, aiming to open up wine shipping laws across all states, and the fascinating historical context behind America's complex wine distribution systems. Finally, expect insights about modern marketing tactics, the competition from cannabis and craft spirits, and the generational shift impacting wine sales.

Tune in for an episode packed with valuable lessons, from creating scarcity and authentic advertising to leveraging storytelling and embracing innovative outreach strategies. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a marketing professional, this episode is a treasure trove of information you don't want to miss. Let’s raise a glass and dive in!

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A Massive THANK YOU to BARBARA GORDER & BRIAN BAKERI!!! 

For more information about Project Wine: Lifting All Boats click the link!

Brian Baker

Cultivar Marketing

Website: https://cultivarmarketing.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (707) 363-5931

Barbara Gorder

Undisclosed Location

Website: www.unlo.com

Email:[email protected]

Phone: 312.972.2833 (PT)

Direct to Consumer Wine Symposium

Join us for the best DTC Wine education and networking in the business.

https://dtcwinesymposium.com/

January 21-23

Hyatt Regency Monterey, CA

Early Bird Tickets on Sale now until November 1, 2024

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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, everyone, to another exciting episode of Beats, Vines & Life. I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we have a truly inspiring guest joining us – Jordan Harris, the phenomenal winemaker at Heron Hill Winery in the Finger Lakes. 

Jordan's journey into the world of wine is nothing short of fascinating. From initially avoiding chemistry to winning a prestigious sommelier competition, and from Canada to the cool climate of Virginia and now the Finger Lakes, his story is a testament to passion and perseverance

. 

In this episode, we dive into Jordan's path from the restaurant industry to becoming an influential winemaker, crafting wines that have put the Finger Lakes on the map. We'll talk about his love for various wine styles, his approach to non-interventionist winemaking, and the exciting future of the Finger Lakes wine region.

Plus, we'll hear about Heron Hill Winery's unique wine program and the community efforts Jordan is involved in. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just love a good success story, this episode has something for everyone. So, pour yourself a glass and join us for an enlightening conversation with Jordan Harris. 

Let's get started!

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A Massive THANK YOU to JORDAN HARRIS!!! 

For more information about Heron Hill click the link!

Follow Heron Hill on IG!

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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, Finger Lakes Wine Country. The following episodes are brought to you by Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York State’s world-class wine destination producing the most award-winning wines in the Northeast, just a short drive away.

For more information about Finger Lakes Wine Country click the link

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MJ’s guest today is Co-owner and Winemaker of the McLaren Vale’s Brash Higgins Winery. Brash Higgins is committed to producing wines from little-known or outre varietals. In this episode MJ and Brad discuss his journey from being a world traveling couch-surfer to the working in some of the finest Michelin starred restaurants in NYC. And how that led him into pushing boundaries and redefining the terroir of one of South Australia’s premier wine regions.

A huge thank you to Brad Hickey!

Follow her on IG at @brashhiggins

Check out their website: https://www.brashhiggins.com/

This episode’s in studio wine:

2021 Brash Higgins ZBO Ricca Terra Farms The Riverland Zibibbo 

2020 Brash Higgins CINS Lennon Vineyard McLaren Vale Cinsault

Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 

Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to 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 

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

MJ’s guest today is James Beard Award winning wine journalist and author Alice Feiring. Alice was proclaimed “the queen of natural wines” by the Financial Times. She publishes the authoritative natural wine newsletter, The Feiring Line. And Alice has recently released her 6th book,  To Fall in Love, Drink This: A Wine Writer’s Memoir. In this episode they discuss why there’s no place like NYC, the “Parkerization of Wine” and MJ finally gets a working definition of “Natural Wine.” Grab a glass of something Natty and enjoy!

A huge thank you to Alice Feiring!

Follow her on IG at @alice.feiring

Check out her website:https://thefeiringline.com/

This episode’s in studio wine:

2021 Bichi “Como vino al mundo” Red Wine Tecate-Cuchuma

Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 

Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to 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 

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

MJ’s guest today is Proprietor of Sonoma’s Winery Sixteen 600 and co-host of the highly regarded The Winemakers Pod Sam Cotturi.

In this episode, MJ and Sam talk about Sam’s early days growing up in the Moon Mountain District of Sonoma County. His life as the son of an organic farming pioneer. Joining the family business and launching a boutique label with an industry legend. They discuss everything from Hippies, Hip-Hop and Podcast Host Life. Go ahead and grab a glass and get ready to see grapes from a different view.

A huge thank you to Sam Cotturi!

Follow him on IG at @grapeswithaview and @sixteen600 @winemakerspod

Check out his website: https://www.winerysixteen600.com/

Check out his podcast: https://radiomisfits.com/podcasts/thewinemakers/

This episode’s in studio wine:

2018 Á DEUX TÊTES Rossi Ranch Sonoma Valley Grenache

2021 Sixteen 600 Mixed Whites (Cans)

2021 Sixteen 600 Primitivo Rosé (Cans)

Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 

Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to 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 

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

MJ’s guest today is the Brand Manager at DAMILANO Barolo Thomas Cuni. In addition to his focus on the US Market, Thomas is also in charge of worldwide export. He is a graduate of the University of Bologna where he studied Food Science and Oenology. Thomas moved to the US in 2006 and began his career in luxury wine. 

In this episode MJ and Thomas discuss his journey from the son of hardworking blue-collar parents in Emilia-Romagna to running one of the most historic estates in all of Italy.

A huge thank you to Thomas Cuni!

Follow him on IG at @thomas_cuni and @damilanobarolo

Check out Damilano’s website: http://cantinedamilano.it/ 

This episode’s in-studio wine:

2004 Damilano Barolo Liste 

Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 

Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to 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

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

MJ’s guest today is the Managing Director of Napa Valley’s Rudd Estate Oscar Henquet.

In this episode, MJ and Oscar talk about how he found his passion for the luxury hospitality industry at a very young age while working with his family’s hotel business in The Netherlands. The importance and value of understanding various cultures. Life as a 6’4 European living in China. His first week on the job in NYC. Monkey Bar, and how he came to work with Richard Gere.

A huge thank you to Oscar Henquet!

Follow Rudd Estate on IG at @ruddestate

Check out the websites of The Rudd Portfolio: http//www.ruddwines.com https://www.crossroadsbyrudd.com/ and https://www.pressnapavalley.com/

This episode’s in studio wines:

2018 Rudd Oakville Estate Red

2018 Rudd Oakville Estate Samantha’s Cabernet Sauvignon

2020 Rudd Mt. Veeder Estate Sauvignon Blanc

Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 

Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to 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 

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

MJ’s guest today is described as the “always theorizing and experimenting Vineyard Manager” at Stolpman Vineyards since 1994, Ruben Solorzano! 

Ruben was crowned “the Grape Whisperer” by Wine Enthusiast (Journalist Matt Kettmann). Through Ruben’s vineyard management company - Coastal Vineyard Care Associates - he controls several of the best sites from the Western edge of STA Rita Hills through Happy Canyon. Ruben focuses on innovation throughout his viticultural empire. His partnership wine brand with the Stolpman family is named in honor of his wife, “Para Maria” - For Maria.

Ruben shares stories of his childhood growing up as the youngest of eleven children in Mexico. His early years working outdoors shaped his future as he tells MJ of following his older brothers to California  - harrowingly crossing the border - to begin his incredible career in wine. And what a career it has been! Grab a glass and get ready to drink in Ruben’s beautiful story of finding your calling in the vineyards of California! 

A huge thank you to Ruben Solorzano! 

Follow him on IG at @ruben_solorzano_ruelas_

Keep up with his Para Maria wines: https://www.stolpmanvineyards.com/Wine/Para-Maria

This episode’s in studio wines:

2019 El Padrino de la Cuadrilla 

2018 Sun & Earth  GSM

Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 

Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to 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: Taub Family Selections. Taub Family Selections is a dynamic fourth generation, family-owned wine import company with a truly enviable portfolio of fine wines from 11 countries. They are proud to represent an exceptional portfolio of high quality, terroir centric and historic producers from around the world. Learn more at www.taubfamilyselections.com

Thank you to our sponsor: Independence Wine and Spirits - or IWS. IWS is owned by the Taub family, who have re-entered the NY wholesale market, bringing the family back to its roots in distribution where they held court from 1951 – 2004. 

To learn more about IWS go to: https://independencewine.com

Thank you to our sponsor: Grapes The Wine Company. Looking to special order that bottle you had on vacation? Need to find a bourbon your boss has never tried? How about wrapped bottle gifts for teachers, coaches or your salesforce? Grapes The Wine Company can provide all this and more! Zoom tastings, winemaker dinners, wine driven charity events, cellar consultations, stellar suggestions… they do it all. To learn more about GTWC go to: https://www.grapesthewineco.com/

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

MJ’s guest today is the fourth generation of his family to play an instrumental role in the fine wine and spirits realm in the United States. He's Director of Business Development at the Taub family’s NYC-based wholesale business, Independence Wine & Spirits (IWS), Jake Taub! In 2020, Jake joined IWS as a key account manager and was quickly promoted to director of business development. Jake has increased national sales at his family’s proprietary California wineries, Saracina in Mendocino and Taub Family Vineyards Napa.

On this episode, MJ and Jake discuss The Taub Family business, dating back to prohibition. Jake reveals the story behind his grandfather bringing Pinto Grigio over to the states, and how the family business got its name. This episode takes you behind the curtain on a family-run dynasty that’s impressive and tres magnifique. À ta santé!

A huge thank you to Jake Taub! 

Follow him on IG at @jaketaub 

🍷 @drinkiws

🇺🇸 @taubfamilyselections

🍇 @saracinavineyards

🌎 @palmbayinternational

Check out the IWS website: https://independencewine.com/ 

Taub Family Selections website: https://www.taubfamilyselections.com/

This episode’s in studio wine:

2013 Travaglini Nebole Metodo Classico 

Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 

Don’t forget to subscribe and be sure to 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: Taub Family Selections. Taub Family Selections is a dynamic fourth-generation, family-owned wine import company with a truly enviable portfolio of fine wines from 11 countries. They are proud to represent an exceptional portfolio of high-quality, terroir-centric and historic producers from around the world. Learn more at www.taubfamilyselections.com

Thank you to our sponsor: Independence Wine and Spirits - or IWS. IWS is owned by the Taub family, who have re-entered the NY wholesale market, bringing the family back to its roots in distribution where they held court from 1951 – 2004. 

To learn more about IWS go to: https://independencewine.com

Thank you to our sponsor: Grapes The Wine Company. Looking to special order that bottle you had on vacation? Need to find a bourbon your boss has never tried? How about wrapped bottle gifts for teachers, coaches or your salesforce? Grapes The Wine Company can provide all this and more! Zoom tastings, winemaker dinners, wine-driven charity events, cellar consultations, stellar suggestions… they do it all. To learn more about GTWC go to: https://www.grapesthewineco.com/

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