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In this high-energy episode of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by business partner Joe Bates as they host the 4th Annual SoNapa Happy Hour 5K Run in Ormond Beach, Florida! 🏃‍♂️🍷

This special race-day episode brings the excitement of community, hospitality, and wine together. The hosts sit down with a lineup of guests — including Jeep Beach representatives, the Mayor of New Smyrna Beach, and local partners — as they celebrate fitness, fun, and food culture.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Grapes & Debates without wine! 🍇 Adam and Joe sample a stellar lineup from world-class producers:

• Foley Family Wines 🍷

• Caymus Vineyards 🍇

• Winebow Imports 🌍

Together, they highlight each wine’s unique style while discussing how events like the Happy Hour 5K build stronger community connections and showcase SoNapa Grille’s mission: Taste – Toast – Together.

The episode closes with a debate true to the Grapes & Debates spirit: How do wine, wellness, and community events intersect — and can they change the way people experience hospitality?

🔑 What You’ll Learn in Episode 80

• How SoNapa Grille brings wine country culture to Florida’s coast

• The role of community events like Jeep Beach and the Happy Hour 5K in building lasting connections

• Insights into world-class wines from Napa, Sonoma, and beyond (Foley, Caymus, Winebow)

• How restaurant leadership and hospitality brands use events to grow loyalty and visibility

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In Episode 78 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is once again joined by business partner Joe Bates for a head-to-head blind tasting of four bold red wines:

• Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

• Roth Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley, Sonoma)

• Chockablock Red Blend (Napa Valley)

• The VineKeeper by Bonanza (California)

The duo puts their palates to the test, uncovers which bottle rises to the top, and delivers honest opinions on flavor, structure, and value. 🍇

But this episode doesn’t stop with wine — Adam and Joe dive into a heated debate on the impact of Florida’s minimum wage increase for tipped employees, which currently stands at 415.93% higher than the federal minimum wage. They break down how this shift is challenging the business model for full-service independent restaurants and share real-world insights on how operators can adapt.

👉 Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, sommelier, or restaurant owner looking to stay ahead in a changing labor market, this episode offers the perfect blend of wine education and business conversation.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to blind taste red wines

• Flavor and style differences  cabs vs. red blends

• Why Florida’s wage laws are reshaping restaurant operations

📍 Presented by SoNapa Grille — transporting you to California wine country through chef-driven cuisine and world-class wines from Sonoma County & Napa Valley.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for new episodes every week.

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In this special edition of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by longtime friend and fellow triathlete Chad Michaelson in Augusta, Georgia, just ahead of competing in a Half Ironman.

Together, they discuss one of Adam’s favorite wines — Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon — and share stories about training, endurance racing, and the balance between discipline and enjoyment. The conversation naturally turns into a lighthearted debate: Can you be a serious competitive athlete and still enjoy wine?

From the rigors of triathalon preparation to the relaxation of savoring a bold Napa Cabernet, this episode blends the worlds of wine, fitness, and lifestyle balance in a way only Grapes & Debates can deliver.

👉 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Adam & Chad’s journey as endurance athletes 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️

• A discussion of Priest Ranch Cabernet 🍷

• The debate: Athlete discipline vs. wine indulgence

Whether you’re a wine lover, a triathlete, or simply curious about how passion and balance intersect, this episode offers a unique perspective at the crossroads of Napa Valley wine culture and Ironman endurance training.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to Grapes & Debates for weekly episodes featuring wine tastings, industry insights, and bold conversations that matter to restaurateurs, wine enthusiasts, and hospitality pros.

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In Episode 76 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates explore the art of wine tasting and holiday wine buying. The team kicks things off by sampling a selection of Amici Wines, getting ready for the upcoming Feast of San Gennaro Wine Dinner at SoNapa Grille.

Then, the conversation shifts to a debate every wine lover can relate to: Can you bring a $20 bottle of wine to a holiday party and still be proud of it? The hosts weigh in with real examples — Roth Cabernet Sauvignon, Decoy Merlot, and Chalk Hill Chardonnay — discussing quality, value, and whether price truly dictates perception.

This episode blends the elegance of Napa and Sonoma wines with the practical side of wine buying for holiday gatherings, offering listeners both professional insights and approachable advice.

👉 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Behind-the-scenes look at Amici Wines and what makes them special 🍇

• How to choose a budget-friendly wine that still impresses at the table 🍷

• Expert opinions on Roth, Decoy, and Chalk Hill wines 🥂

• Why wine value isn’t always about price — it’s about context and taste

Perfect for wine enthusiasts, holiday hosts, and anyone who’s ever stood in the wine aisle wondering which bottle will make the best impression.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to Grapes & Debates for weekly wine tastings, winemaker interviews, and unfiltered conversations about the restaurant and hospitality industry.

#GrapesAndDebates #SoNapaGrille #AmiciWines #RothCabernet #DecoyMerlot #ChalkHillChardonnay #WinePodcast #HolidayWine #WineDebate #SonomaWine #NapaWine #RestaurantPodcast

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In Episode 75 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates are joined by Emily Dunbar, Director of Marketing for SoNapa, along with special guest Andrew Hoxsey, owner of Ghost Block Winery in Napa Valley.

Together, they uncork the rich history of the Pelissa family, who have been farming Napa Valley land for more than 120 years, and dive into the story behind Ghost Block’s celebrated wines. Andrew also shares the influential role his grandfather, Andrew Pelissa, played in the creation of the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve, which helped protect the region’s vineyards and heritage for generations to come.

As the group tastes through Ghost Block wines, they explore the connection between Napa’s farming traditions, family legacy, and the modern wine industry. This episode blends wine education, Napa Valley history, and insider perspectives from one of the region’s most iconic winery families.

👉 Perfect for: wine lovers, Napa Valley enthusiasts, sommeliers, hospitality professionals, and anyone interested in the story of how family, farming, and preservation shaped one of the world’s most famous wine regions.

🔔 Subscribe to Grapes & Debates for weekly wine tastings, winemaker interviews, and honest debates about the wine and restaurant world.

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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.

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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.

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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