Ep. 816 MJ Towler | Voices With Cynthia Chaplin

Episode 816 Cynthia Chaplin interviews MJ Towler, in this new installment of Voices, on the Italian Wine Podcast. About today’s guest: MJ Towler is the host executive producer and creator of The Black Wine Guy Experience podcast MJ got his start and wine in 1998 working at storied retailer Acker Wines in New York City. From there he became Assistant Wine Director at the Sparrow Wine & Liquor Co. in Hoboken NJ before heading out West landing in Santa Barbara California. MJ became the retail store manager and Sommelier at The Montecito Wine Bistro. In April of 2000 MJ became the first ever African-American fine and rare wine auctioneer participating in Acker's 1.5 million dollar spring auction at the Helmsley Park Lane Hotel in New York City MJ has worked in all facets of the wine business from retail, wholesale, auctions and wine consulting. MJ is known for his unique ability to explain wine in terms everyone can understand in a light and humorous way. His podcast The Black Wine Guy Experience debuted at number 17 in the food category when it launched last October He has a growing and loyal following on and off of social media. If you want to learn more about today’s guest, you can by visiting: www.linkedin.com/in/marvintowler linktr.ee/BlackWineGuy (Personal Website) Twitter: MarvinTowler About today’s Host: Cynthia Chaplin is a Vinitaly International Academy certified Italian Wine Ambassador, a professional sommelier with Fondazione Italiana Sommelier, a member of Le Donne del Vino, and a Professor of Italian wine and culture. Born in the USA, Cynthia moved to Europe in 1990 where she has lived in Spain, Belgium, England and Italy. She chose to center her career in Rome and immerse herself in the Italian wine sector, which is her passion. She has taught university students and expats, works with embassies, corporations and private clients, creating and presenting tastings, events, seminars and in-depth courses. Cynthia is a wine writer, translator, and a judge at international wine and sake competitions. She consults with restaurants and enotecas assisting in the development of comprehensive wine lists and excellent food pairings, as well as advising private clients who want to develop a comprehensive Italian wine collection. She lives with her British photographer husband on the shore of Lake Bracciano, north of Rome, where they share their beautiful garden with one massive grapevine, two border collies and an arrogant diva cat. If you want to learn more about today’s host, you can by visiting: Facebook: Italian Wines in English Instagram: kiss_my_glassx Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-chaplin-190647179/ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram @italianwinepodcast Facebook @ItalianWinePodcast Twitter @itawinepodcast Tiktok @MammaJumboShrimp LinkedIn @ItalianWinePodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!