Welcome to The Black Wine Guy Experience, the podcast where we discover some of the fascinating stories behind wines and the personalities behind them. In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Singer. Stephen has been a wine retailer and consultant. He is a restaurateur and was involved with Chez Panisse, Table 29, and César Stephen has been an importer of the finest olive oils. He is now a vintner passionate about delivering the finest representation of his vineyard in California. Stephen Singe...
Jun 19, 2023•1 hr 39 min•Season 6Ep. 116
Welcome to a bonus episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience. In this episode, I was joined by guests Lisa Tosolini and Michael Wangbickler to discuss the intricacies of Grappa, an Italian spirit distilled from grape skins. The episode began with the announcement of some upcoming events, including two master classes at Bar Convent, two workshops at Eataly Flatiron, and a Mixology contest at Hometown BBQ in Industry City on Thursday, June 15th. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Gr...
Jun 13, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Season 6Ep. 115
On this episode of The Black Wine Guy Experience, my guest is Count Michael Goëss-Enzberg, caretaker of the historic Manincor Estate in Caldaro, Alto Adige. The historical buildings date back to 1608. They were built by Hieronymus Manincor. For his loyalty to the Crown of Austria, the Emperor elevated him to nobility status and bestowed him with land on the shores of Lake Kaltern. Hieronymus adapted his family’s coat-of-arms to symbolize “Man-in-cor” (meaning “Hand on the heart”). It can still b...
Jun 05, 2023•1 hr 37 min•Season 6Ep. 114
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 fascinated by Italy's vast selection of over 600 varietals. He fell in love with working in the Italian wine ind...
May 30, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Season 6Ep. 113
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 bringing down alcohol levels. They emphasize the importance of organic farming practices to produce hig...
May 22, 2023•1 hr 30 min•Season 6Ep. 112
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 world of hospitality. Chef Tanya gained valuable experience working in restaurants and catering compan...
May 15, 2023•1 hr 47 min•Season 6Ep. 111
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 his hands in. Listeners will also learn about creating the unique BeauMarchais Pinot Noir, a collaborative...
May 08, 2023•1 hr 48 min•Season 6Ep. 110
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 winemaking, the importance of diversity in vineyards, and the challenges of switching to organic and biod...
May 01, 2023•1 hr 41 min•Season 6Ep. 109
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 the challenges and rewards of constantly caring for and attending to the vineyards to produce a distinct a...
Apr 24, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Season 6Ep. 108
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 to people of all backgrounds. Frye decided to create his own wine label that is affordable yet of excellen...
Apr 17, 2023•1 hr 39 min•Season 6Ep. 107
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 Alexander Valley wines can be less expensive than Napa wines even though they are nearby. He discusses his fam...
Apr 10, 2023•1 hr 41 min•Season 5Ep. 106
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 di Montalcino, their production regulations, and the historical significance of food and wine in the regio...
Apr 04, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Season 5Ep. 105
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. He talks about his passion for wine and how he learned the craft by working with renowned winemakers in ...
Mar 27, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Season 5Ep. 104
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 and their commitment to sustainability. Why did they move to biodynamic farming, and how that differs from natural wine? Th...
Mar 20, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Season 5Ep. 103
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 & Breakfast. And how she was able to persevere and take the reins of the family business at such a young age follo...
Mar 13, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Season 5Ep. 102
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 his razor-sharp palate, tasting recall, and comprehensive knowledge of winemaking history and techniq...
Mar 06, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Season 5Ep. 101
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 shaped the trajectory of his winemaking career. And how Kobayashi’s pursuit of precision has married w...
Feb 27, 2023•1 hr 43 min•Season 5Ep. 100
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 the tip of the iceberg, there's so much more. Hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! A hu...
Feb 20, 2023•1 hr 40 min•Season 5Ep. 99
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! For information about Grapes The Wine Co. click the link. Follow Daniel on Instagram Follow Grapes The Wine Co. o...
Feb 13, 2023•1 hr 46 min•Season 5Ep. 98
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-American-owned Champagne House Cheurlin 1788! This is a great interview! Grab a bottle pull the cork an...
Feb 06, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Season 5Ep. 97
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 information about Turtle Rock Vineyards click the link. Follow Turtle Rock on IG __________________________________...
Jan 30, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Season 5Ep. 96
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. Follow Turtle Rock on IG _____________________________________________________________ Until next time, cheers t...
Jan 25, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 95
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.com Shana Bull is a Digital Storyteller + Marketing Educator, and Children’s Book Author https://shanabull...
Jan 23, 2023•1 hr 51 min
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-American member of The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. In this episode MJ and his guest discuss growi...
Jan 16, 2023•1 hr 34 min•Season 5Ep. 94
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 Food Network. A huge thank you to Casey Webb! Follow him on IG at @iamhusky4life This episode’s in-st...
Jan 09, 2023•1 hr 39 min•Season 5Ep. 93
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 @jorgeordonezselections Check out his website: https://www.jorgeordonezselections.com/ _______________________...
Dec 27, 2022•1 hr 39 min•Season 5Ep. 92
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 website: https://www.karenmacneil.com/ Subscribe to her newsletter: https://winespeed.com/subscribe/ ___...
Dec 19, 2022•1 hr 29 min•Season 5Ep. 91
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 wines: 2020 Wayfarer WF2 Chardonnay 2019 Wayfarer Estate Pinot Noir ________________________________________...
Dec 12, 2022•1 hr 22 min•Season 5Ep. 90
MJ’s guest today is Winemaker, Environmentalist, and Outdoor Enthusiast Alisa Jacobsen. In this episode, Alisa and MJ discuss her remarkable career. Everything from growing a major brand, making wine around the world, purchasing her own vineyards, and launching her Turning Tides label. It’s a raucous episode filled with insights and laughter. A huge thank you to Alisa Jacobsen Follow her on IG at @winesbyaj @turningtidewines @rarenorthwines Check out her website: https://www.turningtidewines.com...
Dec 05, 2022•1 hr 42 min•Season 5Ep. 89
This is the most important episode of the podcast recorded to date. In this episode MJ and Anne-Charlotte Melia-Bacha discuss the origins of her family's historic estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the current tragic situation in which it is currently embroiled. It's a heavy episode... Anne-Charlotte opens up about some of her initial feelings and thoughts about how she initially looked at handling the situation. And... How her vulnerability ignited her community to rally behind her. We are askin...
Dec 01, 2022•1 hr 31 min•Season 5Ep. 88
