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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

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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

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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

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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.

🍷 Featured Wines:

• 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

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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

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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?

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In this festive 4th of July edition of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer and business partner Chris Botting are joined by Executive Chef Sean Connors for a red, white, and bold episode that celebrates American wine and barbecue culture.

The trio blind tastes three powerhouse Red Zinfandels—O’Shaughnessy, Sin Zin, and Oakville Winery—and dives into how each wine stacks up when paired with classic BBQ fare. From smoky brisket to pulled pork and everything in between, they discuss flavor profiles, food pairing techniques, and what makes Red Zin the ultimate American cookout companion.

Then the debate heats up as they go toe-to-toe over regional BBQ styles:
🔥 Texas vs. Carolina vs. Kansas City vs. NorCal
Which is the ultimate BBQ style—and which wine pairs best?

With patriotic energy and culinary insight, this episode is a perfect blend of:

• 🇺🇸 4th of July spirit

• 🍷 Blind wine tasting

• 🍖 BBQ pairings

• 🎙 Honest, unscripted conversation

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, BBQ aficionado, or hospitality professional looking to elevate your food-and-wine game this summer, Episode 65 delivers flavor, insight, and fun.

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In Episode 64 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer and business partner Chris Botting are joined by special guest Chad Truxall, Executive Director of the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach. Together, they pour a glass of Trefethen Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District and dive into an inspiring conversation at the intersection of wine, sustainability, and conservation.

As they sip this expressive Cabernet, the trio explores the mission of the Marine Discovery Center — from coastal restoration to environmental education — and uncovers how its principles align with the deep-rooted values of Napa and Sonoma winegrowers, who champion land stewardship, sustainable farming, and long-term preservation of their terroir.

This episode is a must-listen for wine lovers, sustainability advocates, and restaurant industry professionals looking to build deeper meaning into their brands and operations. It’s a conversation about legacy, responsibility, and protecting what matters — whether it’s oceans or vineyards.

🍷 Wines Featured:

• Trefethen Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley)

🌊 Topics Covered:

• Environmental leadership & sustainability in hospitality

• How Sonoma and Napa vintners preserve the land for future generations

• The mission of the Marine Discovery Center

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In Episode 63 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer and business partners Chris Botting and Joe Bates welcome special guest Jack Holcomb, local business owner and passionate Pinot Noir enthusiast, for an unfiltered and highly entertaining episode.

The team kicks things off with a blind tasting of 2 Pinot Noir wines and a mystery wine, putting their palates to the test. As the glasses empty, the debates heat up…

From California’s controversial road conditions — a topic close to anyone who’s driven through Napa or Sonoma — to a spirited conversation about the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jack brings a personal twist to the table as his son plays for the team. That naturally opens the door to a debate on Aaron Rodgers, his recent signing, and what it means for the team.

This episode blends wine, wit, and real-world topics that connect the dots between passion, business, and football — all with a Sonoma-Napa backdrop.