Welcome to another enriching episode of "Beats Vines & Life." I'm your host, MJ Towler. Today, we dive deep into the crossroads of winemaking, sustainability, and personal journey with John Olney, the Chief Operating Officer and head winemaker at Ridge Vineyards.

In this episode, we explore John Olney's remarkable path in the wine industry. Along the way, we'll uncover the influence of legendary figures like Paul Draper and Kermit Lynch on his career, delve into Ridge's rich history and sustainable practices, and discuss the evolution of California wines from Zinfandel to Cabernet Sauvignon.

John also shares his deep appreciation for Sonoma's diverse wine culture, the complexities of managing high-quality wine production, and a few light-hearted anecdotes that reflect the nuances of his journey.

Grab a glass of your favorite wine and join us as we unravel the stories and philosophies that shape today's vibrant wine landscape. Cheers!

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A Massive THANK YOU to JOHN OLNEY and RIDGE VINEYARDS!!!

For more information about Ridge Vineyards click the link!!

Follow Ridge Vineyards 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

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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 to another episode of "Beats, Vines & Life"! This time, we have the pleasure of hosting Morgan Twain-Peterson, a Master of Wine and co-owner of Bedrock Wine Co. Join us as we delve into Morgan's multifaceted journey—from his love for trail running, his college days at Vassar, and intriguing familial ties to the Manhattan Project to the evolution of Bedrock Wine Co. Learn how his pastimes and academic ventures influenced his winemaking career, and how Bedrock turned from a small startup into an industry staple.

In this episode, we also explore Morgan’s unique perspectives on sustainable agriculture, non-tillage practices, and his aspirations for regenerative organic farming. We'll discuss the challenges and triumphs faced in producing world-class wines with a strong focus on preserving the heritage of historic vineyards.

Moreover, Morgan shares fascinating anecdotes from his personal and professional life, including his schooling on the East Coast, experiences at wineries around the globe, and his passionate commitment to wine education.

Get ready for engaging conversations on the art of winemaking, the significance of old vine Zinfandel, and a playful wine game segment we call "Slap, Lick, Fondle." Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about this rich tapestry of stories, there’s something here for everyone.

So grab your favorite glass and join MJ Towler and Morgan Twain Peterson as we explore the vibrant world of wine, lifestyle, and everything in between!

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A Massive THANK YOU to MORGAN TWAIN-PETERSON!!!

For more information about Bedrock Wine Co. click the link!!

Follow Bedrock Wines on IG!

Follow Morgan 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

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

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of "Beats Vines & Life," where we dive deep into the rhythms of winemaking, the melodies of life, and everything in between. I’m your host, MJ Towler, and today, we have a remarkable guest who encapsulates the spirit of Napa Valley’s wine legacy.

Today, we sit down with Bruce Neyers, a pioneer who has combined the best Old World wine traditions with California's dynamic winemaking landscape. Bruce's journey takes us from his roots in Wilmington, Delaware, to the expansive vineyards of Napa Valley.

We’ll explore Bruce's challenges and triumphs—from custom crush operations at Rombauer Vineyards to establishing his own thriving winery with ingenuity and perseverance. We'll uncover his insightful philosophy on winemaking, honoring the Old World while embracing New World innovation, and delve into his hands-on approach, including the charming tradition of foot-crushing grapes like Carignan.

We'll also touch on Bruce's expansive career, from a pivotal harvest in Germany’s Nahe region to his influential role with Kermit Lynch's renowned wine portfolio. Join us as Bruce shares stories of family, friendships, and the serendipitous moments that shaped Neyers Vineyards’ legacy—culminating in his daughter Lizzie’s recent involvement and a promising partnership with the Trinchero family as Bruce plans a well-deserved retirement.

So pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine, settle in, and let's embark on this flavorful journey with Bruce Neyers. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one!

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A Massive THANK YOU to BRUCE & BARBARA NEYERS!!!

Fore more information about Neyers Vineyards, click the link!!

Follow Neyers Vineyards 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.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

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