In Episode 74 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates taste through three incredible wines — Jax Winery Cabernet Franc, Inglenook 1882 Cabernet Sauvignon, and Elizabeth Rose Pinot Noir.

The conversation kicks off with a look at SoNapa’s new menu, featuring exciting changes and an expanded wine list that highlights wines from a variety of Napa Valley AVAs. Using the 5 S’s of wine tasting — See, Swirl, Smell, Sip, and Savor — the hosts break down the flavors, structure, and style of each wine, giving listeners a true behind-the-glass experience.

Then, the debate turns toward the industry hot topic: “No Tax on Tips.” Adam, Chris, and Joe explore what eliminating taxes on tipped income could mean for tipped employees, and the hospitality industry as a whole.

This episode blends wine education, restaurant insight, and real-world debate, making it a must-listen for wine lovers, restaurant professionals, and anyone interested in the future of hospitality.

In Episode 73 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates are joined by Marketing Director Emily Dunbar for another lively conversation blending wine tasting and bold debates.

The team samples two Napa Valley classics — Sequoia Grove Chardonnay and Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon — while exploring the winemaker’s philosophy behind these beautifully crafted wines. Expect insights into Napa winemaking traditions, tasting notes, and how Sequoia Grove continues to set itself apart in the California wine scene.

Then, the discussion takes a fun twist as the hosts debate the ever-growing list of quirky “National Today” holidays. From National Red Wine Day to some of the most ridiculously made-up celebrations, the Grapes & Debates crew asks: Are these holidays brilliant marketing tools… or just plain silly?

This episode is equal parts educational and entertaining — perfect for wine lovers, restaurant professionals, and anyone who enjoys a good laugh with their Cabernet.

In Episode 72 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates welcome special guest Ray Shaefer, founder of Gravity Architecture + Design and the creative mind behind the design of both SoNapa Grille locations in Ormond Beach and Jacksonville Beach.

Over glasses of Faust Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, the group dives into Ray’s fascinating background as an architect, his transition into hospitality design, and the vision behind creating warm, inviting restaurant spaces that capture the spirit of Napa and Sonoma wine country.

Ray also shares behind-the-scenes stories about some of his most memorable projects and clients — including his unique experience working with Lisa Marie Presley. From global design projects to the intimate details of restaurant layouts, this episode blends wine, design, and storytelling in true Grapes & Debates fashion.

Finally, the group debates a timeless question: What matters more in a restaurant experience — the wine in your glass, or the space that surrounds you?

In Episode 71 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates are joined by Marketing Director Emily Dunbar for a mix of wine tasting and rapid-fire business talk.

The team samples some of their all-time favorite wines, including:

Joe’s go-to favorite: EOS Pinot Grigio

Adam’s pick: Priest Ranch

Plus an all-star lineup: Roth Cabernet Alexander Valley, Silver Oak Cabernet Alexander Valley, Foley Johnson Napa Valley, Paradigm Oakville, Ghost Block Oakville, Trefethen Oak Knoll, and Frog’s Leap Rutherford.

After the tasting, Emily puts Adam and Joe on the spot with rapid-fire questions about restaurant ownership—digging into the misconceptions, challenges, and realities that come with running a successful hospitality business. Expect raw insights, laughter, and the kind of straight talk that only veteran restaurant owners can deliver.

✅ Which wines from Napa & Sonoma the SoNapa team can’t stop pouring 🍇
✅ Why EOS Pinot Grigio gets Joe’s stamp of approval ✨
✅ Adam’s love for bold Napa Cabernets like Silver Oak & Paradigm 🍷
✅ The truth about restaurant ownership: challenges vs. misconceptions
✅ Rapid-fire questions that reveal the heart of hospitality leadership

Grapes & Debates is the official podcast of SoNapa Grille, where wine meets real talk. Each week, founders Adam Barringer and Joe Bates, joined by rotating guests, explore wines from Napa Valley and Sonoma County while debating the hottest topics in the restaurant and wine industry.

In Episode 70 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates welcome two industry guests: Andrew Dutell, Northeast Manager for Constellation Brands, and Alyssa Lasky, Regional Sales Representative for Icon Brands within the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits portfolio.

The conversation kicks off with a tasting of the Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, exploring its hallmark style and connection to the history of Napa winemaking. From there, the group tackles a hot-button industry topic — the recent sale of Woodbridge and Robert Mondavi Private Selection to The Wine Group — and whether these entry-tier wines have diluted the prestige of a Napa legend.

The tasting continues with Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet by Schrader, a wine that earned the coveted #1 Wine in 2022 from Wine Spectator. The hosts and guests break down its what makes it worthy of its award-winning status and placement on the SoNapa wine list.

From legacy brand reputation to portfolio strategy and premium Cabernet craftsmanship, this episode blends insider wine industry perspectives with engaging tasting notes and honest debate.

👉 Perfect for: Wine lovers, Napa & Sonoma enthusiasts, sommeliers, wine collectors, hospitality professionals, and anyone following trends in the wine business.

Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet tasting

The Wine Group acquisition of Woodbridge & Robert Mondavi Private Selection

Napa Valley wine industry news

Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet by Schrader (#1 Wine Spectator 2022)

Napa Valley vs. brand dilution debate

Constellation Brands & Southern Glazer’s insights

Napa Cabernet Sauvignon reviews & tasting notes

In this must-listen bonus episode of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates are joined by Marketing Director Emily Dunbar and the legendary Tim Hanni — the first American to earn the prestigious title of Master of Wine.

Recorded over Zoom, this dynamic conversation dives into Tim’s incredible journey through the wine and hospitality industry — from his early career to becoming one of the most respected and unconventional voices in the world of wine. Known for challenging long-held industry myths, Tim pulls no punches as he explains why most of what we’ve been taught about food and wine pairings is complete nonsense… and what SoNapa should focus on instead.

Along the way, Adam, Joe, and Emily explore Tim’s consumer-centric approach, his philosophy on personal taste preferences, and how his research is shaking up traditional wine education. Expect a blend of expert insight, thought-provoking discussion, and a few laughs along the way as they debunk the “rules” that have dominated the wine world for decades.

Whether you’re a wine lover, a sommelier, a hospitality pro, or just someone who’s tired of being told what should pair with your favorite glass, this episode will change how you think about wine forever.

👉 Perfect for: Wine enthusiasts • Restaurant professionals • Sommeliers • Hospitality leaders • Food & wine skeptics

#GrapesAndDebates #SoNapaGrille #TimHanni #MasterOfWine #WinePodcast #WinePairingMyths #FoodAndWine #HospitalityPodcast #WineEducation #WineTasting #WineIndustry #NapaValley #SonomaCounty #HospitalityLeadership #RestaurantPodcast #WineLovers #WineExpert #SommelierTips #WineTruths

In Episode 69 of Grapes & Debates, the band is back together! SoNapa Grille founders Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates reunite to sip, swirl, and debate some of the most iconic names in Napa Valley history.

🎙️ Featured Wines:

Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc – A crisp nod to Napa’s pioneering spirit

Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon – A bold classic from Napa’s first commercial winery

Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc – The wine that redefined California Sauvignon Blanc

🍷 As they taste these historic wines, the hosts dive into a passionate debate:

Who had the biggest impact on Napa Valley’s rise to global wine stardom?

Charles Krug – Founder of Napa’s first commercial winery in 1861

Robert Mondavi – Visionary who put Napa on the world stage with innovation and marketing

Chateau Montelena – The underdog that shocked the wine world by winning the 1976 Judgment of Paris

From the vineyard to the legacy, this episode blends California wine education with restaurant industry insight and high-energy discussion, making it a must-listen for wine lovers, sommeliers, hospitality pros, and history buffs alike.

👉 Whether you’re building your wine list, planning a Napa trip, or just pouring a glass after work — Episode 69 delivers taste, truth, and a toast to the legends who made Napa what it is today.

📍 Presented by SoNapa Grille – A wine country-inspired dining experience rooted in the best of Sonoma & Napa, with locations in Jacksonville Beach, Ormond Beach, and New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & wherever you sip your audio.

🔎 Keywords:
#GrapesAndDebates #SoNapaGrille #NapaValley #CharlesKrug #RobertMondavi #ChateauMontelena #FumeBlanc #CabernetSauvignon #WinePodcast #NapaWineHistory #JudgmentOfParis #WineTastingPodcast #RestaurantIndustry #HospitalityPodcast #WineEducation #WineInfluencers

In Episode 68 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Chris Botting welcome a special guest: Justin Botha, Northeast Florida Sales Manager for Caymus Vineyards. This episode features an exclusive tasting of two exciting new releases from the Caymus portfolio — Bonanza Chardonnay and Bonanza “The Vinekeeper” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

These bold new wines deliver the quality and approachability Caymus is known for, and the team gives honest feedback for each. But the conversation doesn’t stop with wine.

After the tasting, the debate heats up: Can you drink wine and still live a fit, healthy lifestyle? Adam, a triathlete and restaurant entrepreneur, and Chris, a seasoned operator, explore how wine culture, moderation, and wellness intersect in the hospitality world. They  share personal experiences, and offer insights for anyone trying to balance the love of great wine with high performance and health goals.

🎧 Whether you’re a wine lover, Caymus fan, fitness-minded foodie, or restaurant professional looking to elevate your guest experience — this episode is a must-listen.

Bonanza Chardonnay – Crisp, fruit-forward, and a fresh new addition to the Caymus family

Bonanza “The Vinekeeper” Cabernet Sauvignon – A rich, structured Napa Cab from the winemakers behind Caymus

👉 Listen Now to Discover:

How Bonanza is reshaping the Caymus portfolio

Why The Vinekeeper Cabernet may be your next best-seller

Tips for staying fit while enjoying a wine-forward lifestyle

A no-BS debate on health, wine, and living with intention

In Episode 67 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates are joined by Marketing Director Emily Dunbar for one of the most forward-thinking episodes yet.

The trio explores the growing influence of AI in the wine and restaurant industry, asking the bold question:
👉 Can artificial intelligence actually replace a sommelier?

To test it out, they do what only Grapes & Debates would dare — they ask ChatGPT to recommend the wine lineup for the episode and drink two bottles that ChatGPT suggests. The result is a lively, hilarious, and thought-provoking debate that blends hospitality experience with cutting-edge tech trends.

🍷 Featured Topics:

AI vs. human intuition in wine service

The role of technology in restaurant hospitality

Flavor, pairing, and guest experience: what really matters?

What ChatGPT got right —

🎯 Whether you’re a restaurant professional, a wine enthusiast, or curious about the intersection of tech and hospitality, this episode brings flavor, fun, and future-focused insights to the table.

🔔 Subscribe to Grapes & Debates for weekly wine tastings, real-world restaurant talk, and hot-topic debates straight from the owners of SoNapa Grille.

📍Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and everywhere you listen.

#GrapesAndDebates #SoNapaGrille #WinePodcast #AIvsSommelier #ChatGPTWine #HospitalityTech #RestaurantPodcast #WineTasting #SommelierLife #NapaValleyWine #SonomaWine #RestaurantIndustry #WineEducation #MarketingMeetsWine #WineDebate #HospitalityInnovation

In Episode 66 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer and Marketing Director Emily Dunbar connect via Zoom with a special guest: Brandon Hanson, founder of Hanson of Sonoma Organic Vodka — a premium craft vodka distilled from organic grapes and produced in the heart of Sonoma County wine country.

What’s a vodka doing on a wine podcast?
Simple: Hanson Vodka is made from grapes — not grains — creating a bridge between the wine world and spirits. This episode dives deep into Hanson’s origin story, the family-owned distillery’s commitment to sustainability, and how crafting vodka from organic grapes delivers a cleaner, smoother spirit.

🍸 Featured Topics Include:

The history and evolution of Hanson Vodka

What makes grape-distilled vodka different (and better)

The sustainability practices behind the Sonoma-based distillery

Tasting notes and pairing ideas with SoNapa’s cuisine

A bold debate: Is Hanson Vodka better than Tito’s?

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, spirits connoisseur, or hospitality pro, this episode is packed with insights on crossover trends between the wine and spirits world, and why Sonoma County continues to lead the way in innovation.

🎧 Tune in and decide for yourself — has Hanson redefined what vodka can be?