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Summer is officially in the glass as Adam, Chris, Joe, and guest host Doug Long are joined by a mortgage specialist for an entertaining conversation that blends wine, business, and today’s economic realities.

The crew kicks things off by tasting three standout rosé wines perfect for warm-weather sipping:

• Jax Y3 Rosé
• Ferrari-Carano Rosé
• A classic Rosé from Provence

From there, the discussion shifts from the vineyard to the balance sheet. Is owning a home really more expensive than owning a restaurant? The panel explores the financial realities, hidden costs, and risks behind two very different investments before tackling another headline making waves—Apple’s latest price increases and what they say about today’s economy and consumer expectations.

Whether you’re a wine lover, homeowner, entrepreneur, or just enjoy a spirited debate, this episode delivers plenty to sip on and think about.

In this episode:

• Rosé wine recommendations for summer
• Tasting notes on three distinctive rosés
• Home ownership vs. restaurant ownership: Which is the bigger financial commitment?
• A mortgage expert’s perspective on today’s housing market
• Apple’s price increases and what they mean for consumers
• Great conversation, friendly debate, and plenty of laughs

Grab a glass, join the conversation, and let us know—which side of the debate are you on?

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In this episode of *Grapes & Debates*, Adam and Joe welcome Tony Azzollini, Sales Representative for Winebow Group, and Patrick Madden, Florida Sales Manager for Hall Wines, for an engaging tasting and discussion featuring some of Napa Valley’s most celebrated wines.

The journey begins with the elegant wines of Walt Wines, showcasing the beauty of site-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, before moving into the bold and adventurous portfolio of BACA Wines. The conversation then turns to Hall Wines, where the group explores the craftsmanship and philosophy behind one of Napa Valley’s premier Cabernet Sauvignon producers.

The tasting reaches its peak with Katherine Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, the flagship wine that represents the highest expression of the Hall portfolio. Along the way, Tony and Patrick share insights into the vineyards, winemaking approach, and the stories that have helped shape these iconic brands.

As always, the wine is only part of the conversation. The episode wraps up with a spirited debate on the use of the Coravin wine preservation system—is it an essential tool for wine lovers or an unnecessary gadget? Adam, Joe, Tony, and Patrick each weigh in, making for a lively finish that every wine enthusiast will appreciate.

From Pinot Noir to powerhouse Cabernet—and a little wine-tech controversy—this episode offers plenty to sip, savor, and debate.

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What happens when you put three turkey and provolone subs, two iconic wines, and a couple of strong opinions at the same table?

In this episode of Grapes & Debates, Adam and Joe put Publix, Jersey Mike’s, and Firehouse Subs head-to-head in a tasting battle to determine which turkey and provolone sandwich deserves the crown.

But they didn’t stop there.

After debating the best sub, they took things a step further by pairing each sandwich with two very different California wines: the rich, creamy Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay and the bold, fruit-forward Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon.

Would the buttery Chardonnay complement the sandwich better? Or could a big California Cabernet pull off the upset?

Tune in as Adam and Joe break down flavor, texture, value, and pairing chemistry in a debate that proves great wine discussions don’t always require fine dining.

In this episode:

• Publix vs. Jersey Mike’s vs. Firehouse Subs
• Blind tasting reactions and rankings
• Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay pairing analysis
• Caymus Cabernet pairing analysis
• Which sub won the showdown
• Which wine delivered the best pairing

One thing is certain: lunch will never look the same again.

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What happens when you combine a blind wine tasting with a conversation about global economics?

In this episode of Grapes & Debates, the hosts put their palates to the test with two blind matchups. First, JACE Cellars Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma) squares off against ZD Sauvignon Blanc (Napa). Then the reds take center stage as JACE Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon faces The Debate Cabernet from Artalade Vineyard. The tasting sparks plenty of surprises, but the conversation quickly expands beyond the glass. The debate shifts to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its impact on global energy markets. As oil prices fluctuate and fuel costs rise, the ripple effects reach far beyond the gas pump—impacting transportation, food costs, supply chains, and ultimately the restaurant industry. The hosts explore how geopolitical events can influence everything from operating expenses to menu prices and consumer spending. Recent reporting has linked the conflict to higher gasoline, diesel, and transportation costs that businesses across the hospitality sector continue to navigate. From blind tasting notes to real-world economic consequences, this episode delivers a unique blend of wine, business, and spirited debate.

Featured Wines: JACE Cellars Sauvignon Blanc ZD Sauvignon Blanc JACE Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon The Debate Cabernet Sauvignon (Artalade Vineyard)

Topics Discussed: Blind wine tasting results Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet comparisons The impact of rising fuel prices on restaurants Supply chain and food cost pressures How global events affect local businesses Wine, economics, and healthy debate Pour a glass and join the conversation.

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After nearly 20 years of serving and consuming the wines of Sonoma County and Napa Valley through SoNapa Grille, Joe, Adam, Chris, and Eddie are finally pouring a wine of their own.

In this special episode of Grapes & Debates, the four longtime friends and business partners share the story behind the launch of JACE Cellars—the culmination of two decades spent building relationships, discovering exceptional vineyards, and pursuing a vision that was always bigger than the bottle.

The conversation explores why they chose the rugged, high-elevation Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak AVA, how their partnership with acclaimed winemaker Doug Hackett brought the project to life, and what makes mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma County so distinctive.

Of course, no Grapes & Debates episode would be complete without a spirited argument. The hosts put their first vintage to the test and tackle a bold question:

Can a Pine Mountain Cabernet stand shoulder-to-shoulder with any Cabernet produced in Sonoma or Napa?

Friendship, craftsmanship, mountain fruit, and a little healthy debate—this episode uncorks the story behind JACE Cellars and the journey that turned four friends’ dream into a bottle worth sharing.

Taste. Toast. Together.

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Adam, Joe, and Chris are coming to you live from the front lawn of the historic Hennessey Estate Bed & Breakfast in Napa, reflecting on what’s already been an unforgettable SoNapa adventure. Between hosting the SoNapa Wine Club, working alongside the culinary team, and gearing up for upcoming tastings and winery tours with the General Managers, the trip has quickly turned into equal parts production, hospitality, and organized chaos.

The crew laughs about the realities of driving cross-country packed with catering equipment, cooking gear, and enough supplies to launch a traveling kitchen — all while trying to keep the wine flowing for club members. One unexpected lesson? They may have slightly underestimated just how much wine the SoNapa Wine Club members were prepared to enjoy. Fortunately, in Napa, running low on wine is less of a crisis and more of a rite of passage.

Set against vineyard views and classic Napa charm, the conversation captures the spirit of the trip: great food, great wine, long days, spontaneous moments, and the kind of behind-the-scenes stories that make SoNapa feel personal, unscripted, and real.

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dam & Joe head deep into Napa Valley for a behind-the-scenes look at some of wine country’s most iconic destinations. Filming from the beautifully remodeled Hennessey Estate — a luxury Bed & Breakfast that has hosted Grapes & Debates wine club members — the episode blends wine, hospitality, travel, and the stories that make Napa unforgettable.

Along the way, they visit legendary wineries including Caymus, Ghost Block, and Chappellet, sharing the atmosphere, experiences, and moments that make each stop unique. From estate views and Cabernet conversations to wine club memories and insider Napa culture, this episode captures the lifestyle behind the label.

Whether you’re a serious wine enthusiast or simply love the Napa experience, this episode delivers a relaxed, authentic look inside one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.

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Adam and Jade sit down with Anthony Tirello, Fine Wine Specialist at Breakthru Beverage, and Gavin Honig, fourth-generation vintner at Honig Vineyards. From the heart of Rutherford, they taste through the portfolio while unpacking what makes this historic Napa estate tick. The conversation blends legacy and logistics—diving into vineyard history, family stewardship, and how wines move from cellar to market. A grounded look at tradition, distribution, and what it takes to stay relevant in Napa today.

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Adam, Joe, and Jade are joined by Jacob Jata, Southeast Regional Sales Manager for Chappellet, for a deep dive into one of Napa Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries. From Pritchard Hill terroir to the evolution of mountain-grown Cabernet, the group explores what makes Chappellet wines distinctive—while tasting through the lineup and debating what truly defines Napa excellence.

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Episode 109 brings something new to the table—literally.

Adam and Joe are joined by Jade Sullivan, the team’s new Event and Marketing Coordinator.  To break Jade in properly, they throw her straight into a blind tasting featuring three very different wines: an Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a California Merlot, and a French Bordeaux blend.

Without labels (or safety nets), assumptions get challenged, palates get tested, and the results don’t go exactly as expected. Along the way, Jade gets introduced to one of the more “colorful” wine descriptors—grippy—and starts to find her footing in the language of wine.

After the tasting, the conversation shifts from the glass to what’s ahead. The group previews a lineup of upcoming events, including the Chappellet Wine Dinner, the Monique Burr Foundation’s A Night in the Vineyard annual fundraiser, and a series of catering experiences—highlighted by an intimate in-home Caymus Wine Dinner.

It’s part education, part initiation, and part reminder that wine is always better when it surprises you.