MJ Towler

Executive Producer/Host, Beats Vines & Life Podcast

MJ Towler is the Host, Executive producer, and creator of the Beats Vines & Life 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 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 baskets of the wine business, from retail, wholesale, auctions, and wine consulting. MJ is known for his unique ability to explain complex concepts in terms that everyone can understand in a light and humorous manner.

His podcast, Beats Vines & Life debuted at number 17 in the food category when it launched in October 2020. He has a growing and loyal following on and off of social media.

MJ has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Jeb Dunnuck .com, The Grape Collective, New Jersey’s Best, and Mazerow Wine Merchants Voices, to name a few. He was named a Future 40 Tastemaker for 2022 by The Wine Enthusiast Magazine and named to The Imbibe 75 Tastemakers list for 2023. Most recently, MJ made the Wine Business Monthly’s Industry Leaders List for 2023.