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In this episode of Grapes & Debates, Joe and Adam welcome two key members of the SoNapa leadership team—Nick Antalek and Leslie Hall—for a conversation centered around growth, leadership, and the exciting future of The Shores SoNapa.

The episode kicks off with everyone’s favorite wines before shifting to some spirited debate surrounding the opening of the newest SoNapa location. Nick reflects on his journey from General Manager of SoNapa Ormond Beach to his new role as Managing Partner of The Shores SoNapa, while Leslie shares her perspective as one of the newest additions to the leadership team.

Together, they discuss the opportunities, challenges, and decisions that come with opening a new restaurant, proving that great leadership—like great wine—is best enjoyed through conversation.

In this episode:

• 🍷 The wines everyone is enjoying
• 🎉 Nick’s promotion to Managing Partner of The Shores SoNapa
• 👥 Welcoming Leslie Hall to the leadership team
• 🏗️ Behind-the-scenes discussions on opening a new restaurant
• 🎙️ Friendly debates on leadership, operations, and preparing for launch

Whether you’re passionate about hospitality, leadership, or simply enjoy great conversations over great wine, this episode offers an inside look at what it takes to build something special.

Pour a glass and join the debate.

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In this flavorful episode of Grapes & Debates, Adam, Joe, and Chris put their palates to the test with a double blind tasting challenge.

First, the guys sample three California Zinfandels without knowing what’s in the glass:

• Sin Zin by Alexander Valley Vineyards
• Home Base by BACA (the sister winery to Hall Wines)
• Rubicon Estate Edizione Pennino Red Zinfandel

Then they raise the stakes by pairing the wines with blind samples of BBQ from a couple of local restaurants, debating which smoked meats deserve a return visit—and which pair best with bold California Zinfandel.

But the conversation doesn’t stop at food and wine.

As plans move forward for their new restaurant in The Shores, the discussion shifts to one of today’s hottest topics: Artificial Intelligence. Can AI make the construction process faster, smarter, and more efficient? Where should technology help, and where should human experience still lead the way? The hosts dive into the opportunities, concerns, and real-world implications of bringing AI into restaurant development.

From bold reds and smoky barbecue to the future of construction, this episode serves up plenty to taste—and even more to debate.

Pour a glass, grab a plate, and join the conversation.

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What defines an American icon? Is it a legendary winery, a trailblazing brewery, or a game-changing distillery?

In this special episode of The Great American Debate, Adam, Joe, Chris, and guest host Charley Barley pour, taste, and debate three of the country’s most recognizable beverage brands—each representing the pinnacle of American wine, beer, and spirits.

From history and craftsmanship to cultural impact and taste, the panel weighs what truly makes a brand iconic. Along the way, expect spirited conversation, surprising opinions, plenty of laughs, and perhaps a few controversial picks.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, craft beer fan, whiskey lover, or simply enjoy a great debate, this episode raises a glass to the brands that helped shape America’s drinking culture—and asks the ultimate question: Which one deserves the title of the most iconic American beverage brand?

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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.