Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:17 — 1.5GB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube Music | More

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:50 — 1.0GB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube Music | More

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:35 — 167.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube Music | More

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?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 17:45 — 551.3MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube Music | More

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:54 — 801.0MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube Music | More

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:51 — 1.7GB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube Music | More

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:38 — 1.2GB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube Music | More

In Episode 61 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates sit down with special guest Emily Dunbar, Marketing Director for SoNapa Grille, to reflect on an unforgettable trip to California wine country hosted by Foley Family Wines.

Together, they share behind-the-scenes stories, favorite moments, and top takeaways from their vineyard visits, private tastings, and conversations with some of the leading winemakers in Napa and Sonoma. From scenic views to standout vintages, this episode offers an insider’s look at what makes Foley Family Wines a key player in the industry.

Whether you’re a wine lover, restaurant professional, or just curious about what happens on a hospitality-focused wine country trip, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a touch of vineyard magic.

Tune in to hear how this journey will influence upcoming wine dinners, marketing initiatives, and guest experiences at SoNapa Grille.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:08 — 970.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube Music | More

In Episode 59 of Grapes & Debates, hosts Adam Barringer and Joe Bates are joined by Eddie Gallagher, General Manager of SoNapa Grille in New Smyrna Beach, for a special on-location recording at Roth Winery in Sonoma County. This immersive episode features an exclusive conversation with head winemaker Henry de Lambert and Nick Sijan, Southeast Regional Sales Manager for Foley Family Wines.

The team dives deep into Henry’s winemaking background, his philosophy on crafting bold, expressive wines, and what makes Roth’s portfolio a standout in Sonoma’s Alexander Valley. As they taste through a curated selection of Roth wines, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look into the passion, precision, and personality behind every bottle.

Perfect for wine lovers, hospitality professionals, and anyone who wants to learn more about Foley Family Wines, this episode blends rich storytelling with expert-level wine education.

Listen now to experience the flavors of Roth and the insights of industry leaders shaping the future of wine.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 14:39 — 587.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube Music | More

In Episode 58 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates are joined by their dynamic marketing director, Emily Dunbar, for a lively and insightful conversation. Together, they welcome special guest Harley Aveiro, Regional Southeast Manager for the prestigious Paul Hobbs Winery.

This engaging episode highlights an exclusive look into the Paul Hobbs portfolio, and discussions of Paul Hobbs.  Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, restaurant owner, or marketing professional, this episode delivers a look inside the icon brand of Paul Hobbs.