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! --- A Massive THANK YOU to JOHN OLNEY and RIDGE VINEYARDS!!!  For more information about Ridge Vineyards click the link!! Follow Ridge 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.