Legacy and Longevity: Kevin Ferguson on Bay Area Wine, Family, and the Judgment of Paris

Welcome to another episode of Beats, Vines & Life! In this episode, host MJ sits down with David Garrett, co-founder of dVin, a trailblazer at the crossroads of music, lifestyle, technology, and fine wine. With over 25 years of experience spanning tech, finance, and the luxury wine industry, David is leading a movement to revolutionize wine ownership through blockchain and tokenization, making a traditionally exclusive world more transparent, accessible, and community-driven.Together, MJ and David uncork stories from his fascinating journey—starting as a tech entrepreneur in the 1990s, venturing into Argentina's vineyards after the dot-com boom, and ultimately pioneering innovative projects like Club dVin and dVin Labs. Along the way, they share personal anecdotes about growing up in Michigan, discovering the international worlds of wine and technology, and creating real-life experiences that connect people to wine culture.Get ready to explore how music, real-world assets, and the future of fine wine collide, and learn why the next generation of wine lovers cares about more than just what’s in the glass. Pour yourself something special and join the conversation!For more information about Club dVin click the link!For more information about dVin Labs click the link!Follow Club dVin on IG!Are you a collector who takes wine seriously? The Genesis tier of Club dVin is closing permanently on April 11, 2026. Click here to become a lifetime member. Again, the founding circle closes on April 11. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Tell them MJ sent you!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.)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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IGSign up for Totally Biased Wine Reviews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to another episode of Beats, Vines & Life! This time, host MJ Towler heads to the heart of Napa Valley for a refreshing and thoughtful conversation with Jack Bittner, the managing partner of Accendo Estate. With a rich background in business, global investment, and a deep-rooted love for fine wine, Jack B brings an owner’s mindset and a collector’s palate to every decision at Accendo.In this episode, you’ll hear about Jack B’s journey from a small town near Boston to becoming a Napa Valley tastemaker, how philosophy and a curious spirit shaped his path, and how he sees wine as an ever-evolving puzzle—one that keeps even the sharpest minds guessing. The discussion covers everything from the art of precision viticulture and what truly defines a “sense of place” in wine, to wild stories from his early days managing a wine shop (while still underage!) and insights on the challenges and future of Napa Valley’s luxury wine scene.But it’s not all business—expect plenty of laughs, tales of family legacy, creative collaborations in winemaking, and the sometimes-overlooked romance and grit that goes into every bottle. Whether you’re a wine aficionado, a lover of good stories, or just craving inspiration, this episode serves up a glassful of wisdom, warmth, and life lessons you won’t want to miss. For more information about Accendo Estate click the link!Follow Accendo Estate on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.)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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IGSign up for Totally Biased Wine Reviews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Beats, Vines & Life. In today’s episode, host MJ Towler is joined by Victor and Chloe Schwartz – wine importers who just became victorious plaintiffs in a groundbreaking Supreme Court case: VOS Elections versus Donald Trump. Together, they’re uncorking more than just their favorite bottles (including a Domaine de Banneret 2003 Châteauneuf-du-Pape); they’re sharing the inside story of a real “David vs. Goliath” battle.This episode isn’t just about politics and legal drama—it’s about the culture of wine, the grind of running a small business, and the tenacity it takes to stand up for what’s right. You’ll hear how the wine industry was blindsided by tariffs, how grassroots alliances formed to protect small importers, and how the Schwartzes turned a family business legacy into a landmark legal precedent.We’re digging into life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – all over a glass of good wine, of course. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about courage, community, and living your values. Cheers to mavericks, philosophers, and Donald Trump ass-kickers. Let’s get started.Read the Landmark Supreme Court Case HERE!For more information about VOS Selections click the link!Follow VOS Selections on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.)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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IGSign up for Totally Biased Wine Reviews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a special edition of Beats, Vines & Life, where music, wine, and authentic stories always take center stage. In today’s episode, host MJ Towler dives deep into the soulful landscape of California’s Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, joined by an incredible lineup of winemakers and growers: Gary Francioni, a true multi-generational farmer; Moret Brealynn, whose expressive Pinot Noirs and standout rosés are capturing the region's essence; and the Pinot legend himself, Adam Howard Lee.Together, they explore the origins and evolution of Santa Lucia Highlands—its mission roots, family stories, and passionate commitment to growing world-class grapes. From blending philosophies to vineyard tales, love for terroir, and even a little friendly competition (both in wine and on the golf course), the conversation celebrates community, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.Tune in as this group of wine superstars shares their journey, their craft, and what’s next for this unique California region—an episode filled with laughter, learning, and a toast to the future.For more information about the Santa Lucia Highlands click the link!Follow SLH Wine on IG!For more information about ROAR Winery click the link!Follow ROAR on IG!For more information about Moret Brealynn Wines click the link!Follow Moret on IG!For more information about Clarice Wine Company click the link!Follow Adam on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.)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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of Beats, Vines & Life! In today’s episode, “Gemello Audio,” host MJ Towler sits down with Bay Area writer, wine historian, and longevity researcher Kevin Ferguson. Growing up surrounded by the orchards of Mountain View, California, Kevin Ferguson comes from a family with deep roots in winemaking—his grandfather, Mario Gemello, ran the historic Gemello Winery for nearly five decades. As the 50th anniversary of the legendary Judgment of Paris approaches, Kevin shares the incredible story of his family’s journey through Prohibition, the Great Depression, and their surprising triumph at the 25th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris blind tasting.Along the way, MJ and Kevin dive into multigenerational family life, the transformation of Silicon Valley from orchards to tech hub, and how sports, culture, and a passion for storytelling intersect in Kevin’s life. From epic basketball moments to the science of longevity inspired by Kevin’s 104-year-old grandmother, this conversation is all about history, legacy, and celebrating the Mavericks and centenarian wine drinkers shaping our world. So grab a glass and get ready for a fascinating blend of music, wine, family, and life’s biggest stories.For more information about Gemello Winery follow Kevin’s Substack!Follow Gemello on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! 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.)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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IGSign up for Totally Biased Wine Reviews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Beats Vines & Life, where we dive into the intersection of wine, business, and modern living. In this episode, host MJ Towler sits down with Ben Salisbury, renowned consultant, coach, and creator of the Wine Sales Stimulator training program. With over four decades of experience in the wine and spirits industry, Ben has worked with major players like Constellation Brands and St. Michelle Wine Estates, and now champions a fresh, tech-driven approach to sales and marketing.Together, MJ Towler and Ben tackle everything from the realities of the three-tier system, the pitfalls of outdated sales playbooks, and the game-changing power of focusing your efforts where it counts. They discuss the need for scalable systems, efficient use of time, and the value of CRM tools—all with an eye toward sustainable growth for wineries, distilleries, and beverage brands in a rapidly evolving market.Whether you're an industry insider, a passionate consumer, or just curious about what makes the modern wine business tick, this episode is full of actionable insights, sharp commentary, and a little New England grit. Tune in and discover why the old hustle mentality might just be holding your brand back, and how to move past it for lasting success.For more information about Ben’s Wine Sales Stimulator click the link!Follow Ben on Linkedin!Remember to use CODE: BWG8020 to receive a 10% discount on Ben’s flagship program during the month of February only.____________________________________________________________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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IGSign up for Totally Biased Wine ReviewsGo 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.

Welcome back to Beats Vines & Life! In this special bonus episode, host MJ Towler reunites with the dynamic and trailblazing winemaker Brenae Royal for part two of their powerful conversation. After the overwhelming response to her first appearance, Brenae Royal returns to dive deeper into her incredible journey—sharing how she’s navigated the challenging world of wine, achieved rapid success with her brand Violet’s Paradise, and what it means to break ground as a Black woman in the vineyard and beyond.Together, they dig into the hustle behind securing wine distribution, building authentic mentorship, and the realities of balancing personal values with the demands of growing a business. Brenae Royal opens up about honoring her late dog Violet May through her brand, the lessons she’s learned from vineyard life, and how she’s paving the way for a new generation of diverse winemakers. Along the way, they share stories about excellence, community, and staying true to yourself in a landscape where representation and resilience matter more than ever.Tune in for real talk, big lessons, and inspiration—whether you’re into wine, entrepreneurship, or just living your purpose to the fullest.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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IGSign up for Totally Biased Wine ReviewsGo 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.

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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IGSign up for Totally Biased Wine ReviewsGo 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.

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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IGSign up for Totally Biased Wine ReviewsGo 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.

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.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeFollow Totally Biased Wine Reviews on IGSign up for Totally Biased Wine ReviewsGo 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.