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!

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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.

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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.)

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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!

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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

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.

Exploring Homegrown Wines, Culinary Pairings, and Community at New Jersey’s Wine Expo LIVE

Welcome to another episode of Beats Vines & Life! This week, we're coming to you LIVE from the energetic halls of the New Jersey Wine Expo at Bell Works in Holmdel, New Jersey. Hosted by MJ Towler and joined by a dynamic crew including industry guests like Devon Perry, Ed Wengryn, Hank Zona, Sharyn Kervyn, Edward Miller, Vanessa Hoffman, Lisa Granik MW, and Chef Rich Krug, this episode dives deep into the heart of New Jersey’s emerging wine scene.

We’ll take you behind the scenes as state agriculture leaders discuss the crossroads of farming, hospitality, and winemaking. You'll hear the story of local innovation and resilience, from producers embracing homegrown grapes, to chefs weaving New Jersey wines into their menus, and wine journalists chronicling the state’s evolving identity on the global map.

Together, we explore themes of local pride, collaboration across industries, the movement toward “farm-to-glass,” and—of course—the sheer joy of sharing a glass among friends, all while celebrating the diversity and roots of Jersey viticulture. Whether you’re passionate about wine, food, music, or simply living well, join us for an episode that captures the spirit of community, creativity, and connection that make the Garden State’s wine revolution worth raising your glass to.

For more information about New Jersey Wine Month click the link!

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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

Follow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IG

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