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Beats Vines and LifeWhere music, food, wine and life collide. Author: Marvin J. Towler
MJ Towler aka the Black Wine Guy went from a totally obsessed wine newbie to the world's first-ever African-American fine and rare wine auctioneer in less than 3 years. These days, he is a podcaster and journalist who travels the globe, having conversations with the movers, shakers, and disruptors in the worlds of food, wine, music, and more. This show pairs his passion for complex, interesting wines with complex, interesting guests. These are deep thinkers and Mavericks talking about their passions, life lessons, and inspirations - while drinking a bottle of something listeners will definitely want to savor for themselves. Sit back, listen, learn, and laugh. This is Beats Vines and Life. For more information and exclusive content, go to beatsvinesandlife.com Follow MJ on IG@blackwineguy@beatsvinesandlife Podcast produced by Marvin J. Towler Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Legacy and Longevity: Kevin Ferguson on Bay Area Wine, Family, and the Judgment of Paris
Episode 202
Monday, 23 February, 2026
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.
