Episode 54: Grapes & Debates | Blind Tasting Pinot Grigio | California vs. Italy | National Joe Day & The Free Bread Debate

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In Episode 54 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates are joined by guest host Emily Dunbar, SoNapa’s very own Marketing & Events Director, for a lively and flavorful showdown. The trio blind tastes four Pinot Grigios—two from California and two from Italy—in a battle of Old World vs. New World. Which region will win the crown for crisp, refreshing supremacy?

The conversation doesn’t stop with the wine. In celebration of National Joe Day, the group raises a glass to co-host Joe Bates and dives headfirst into one of the restaurant industry’s most debated topics: Should bread be free?

Tune in for expert opinions, blind tasting surprises, and a bit of restaurant industry controversy—all served with a splash of Pinot Grigio. Whether you’re a wine lover, hospitality pro, or just here for the debates, this episode delivers.

Episode 53: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Paso Robles vs. Napa & Sonoma | Featuring Rouge Wave Wine Bar

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In Episode 53 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer, Joe Bates, and Chris Botting sit down with special guest host Nate Goldstein, a young entrepreneur and owner of the newly opened Rouge Wave Wine Bar in New Smyrna Beach.

Together, they explore the bold flavors of Austin wines from Paso Robles, then blind taste Papillon by Orin Swift and Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon. The conversation heats up as they debate how Paso Robles wines stack up against the world-renowned regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

This episode is a must-listen for wine lovers, industry professionals, and anyone curious about the rising reputation of Paso Robles wines. Tune in for tasting notes, entrepreneurial insight, and a lively debate on California’s premier wine regions.

Episode 52: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Cakebread Chardonnay & Stags Leap Petite Syrah | The Best Drinking Holiday Debate

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In Episode 52 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates dive into a spirited wine tasting featuring Cakebread Chardonnay and Stags Leap Petite Syrah—two iconic wines that showcase Napa Valley’s craftsmanship.

But the real debate? Which holiday is the ultimate drinking holiday? From New Year’s Eve to St. Patrick’s Day, Fourth of July to Thanksgiving, Adam and Joe go head-to-head, making their case for the best occasion to raise a glass.

Tune in for expert wine insights, entertaining banter, and the kind of debate only Grapes & Debates can deliver. Don’t miss this fun, wine-fueled showdown! 🍷🔥 #WineTasting #GrapesAndDebates #Cakebread #StagsLeap #BestDrinkingHoliday

Episode 51: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Wine Tasting with Foley Family Wines | Alan Crawford’s Journey in the Wine Industry

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In Episode 51 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates sit down with Alan Crawford, National Sales Manager for the Luxury Division of Foley Family Wines, and Kim Braddock, North Florida Sales Manager for Foley Family Wines. Together, they explore an exceptional lineup of wines, including Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay, Knights Valley Cabernet, and Cinq Cépages—a Bordeaux-style blend that showcases Foley Family Wines’ commitment to excellence.

Beyond the tasting, the conversation delves into Alan Crawford’s impressive career in the wine industry, his journey with Foley Family Wines, and insights into the world of luxury wine sales. Whether you’re a restaurateur, sommelier, or wine enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways about fine wines, career growth in the industry, and the evolving landscape of premium wine distribution.

Tune in for a deep dive into the craftsmanship behind Foley Family Wines and expert insights on navigating the wine business! 🍷

Episode 50: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Winemaker Todd Graff of Frank Family Vineyards | SoNapa Wine Club Exclusive

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In this milestone 50th episode of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates sit down with Todd Graff, the Winemaker and General Manager of Frank Family Vineyards. Together, they explore a selection of Frank Family Wines, delving into Todd’s winemaking philosophy, his career journey, and what makes these wines stand out in Napa Valley.

Adam and Joe also share exciting news—Frank Family wines have been a favorite in the SoNapa Wine Club, and their Chardonnay will be featured for Member Monday at SoNapa Grille. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a restaurant professional, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at premium winemaking and how SoNapa curates wines for its guests.

Tune in for an insightful discussion filled with exceptional wine, expert insights, and engaging conversation!

Episode 49: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Tasting EOS Wines & The House Wine Debate

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In Episode 49 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer, Joe Bates, and their business partner Chris Botting sit down to explore the world of EOS Wines, a premium house wine served at SoNapa Grille. Together, they sample and discuss the unique characteristics of these wines while diving into a spirited debate on the role of house wines in the restaurant industry.

Should house wines be budget-friendly crowd-pleasers, or should they reflect a higher standard, like EOS? How do restaurants balance quality, brand perception, and profitability when selecting a house wine? This episode is a must-listen for wine lovers and restaurant professionals looking to elevate their wine programs.

Tune in for expert insights, industry strategies, and, of course, a fantastic wine-tasting experience! 🍷

Episode 48: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Beringer Private Reserve & Quilceda Creek Cabernet | Is Beef Wellington Fancy or Outdated?

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In this lively episode of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates welcome special guests Charley Barley and Don Simmons, owner of Norwood’s Restaurant & Treehouse. Together, they embark on an exceptional wine tasting featuring Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet, a Napa Valley classic, and Quilceda Creek Cabernet from Columbia Valley—bringing a bold Washington State contender into the mix.

Beyond the wine, the group dives into a spirited debate: Is Beef Wellington a timeless fine-dining masterpiece, or an outdated relic of the past? This discussion blends culinary history with modern restaurant trends, offering insights for food lovers and industry pros alike.

Don’t miss this engaging episode packed with expert wine analysis, restaurant industry talk, and a fun food debate! 🍷🔥 Listen now and join the conversation.

Episode 47: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | White House Wines for Presidents Day | U.S. Presidents & Wine History

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In this special Presidents Day episode of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates explore wines that have been served at the White House, tasting through Silverado Sauvignon Blanc, Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Pinot Noir, and Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot—a wine flight available at all three SoNapa locations on Presidents Day.

Beyond the tasting, Adam and Joe engage in a spirited debate: Which U.S. president drank the most wine? And who was the biggest advocate for California wines? From the Founding Fathers to modern leaders, they dive into presidential wine preferences, their impact on the American wine industry, and historical White House selections.

Tune in for a fascinating blend of wine, history, and debate, perfect for oenophiles and history buffs alike!

Episode 46: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Mer Soleil Silver & Decoy Merlot | Best Wine & Cheese Pairings

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In Episode 46 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates put two exceptional wines to the test—Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay and Decoy by Duckhorn Merlot. As they sip and savor, they dive into a lively debate: Which wine pairs best with cheese?

From creamy Humbolt Fog to whipped burrata, Adam and Joe explore the nuances of pairing wine with different cheeses, breaking down the combinations for flavor balance, texture, and overall enjoyment. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just looking to elevate your next charcuterie board, this episode is packed with insights, tasting notes, and expert pairing tips.

Tune in to discover which wine reigns supreme in the ultimate cheese-pairing showdown! 🍷🧀 #GrapesAndDebates #WinePairing #SoNapaGrille

Episode 45: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Wente Riesling Tasting & National Carrot Cake Day Pairing

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In this deliciously unique episode of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates explore a perfect pairing just in time for National Carrot Cake Day! They sample Wente Riesling from Livermore Valley, a bright, aromatic wine known for its balanced acidity and floral notes.

Together, they dive into the art of wine and dessert pairings, discussing how the sweetness and spice of Carrot Cake complements the crisp, fruit-forward profile of this celebrated Riesling. Whether you’re a wine lover, a restaurateur looking for creative pairings, or just a fan of indulgent treats, this episode is packed with insights and flavor inspiration.

Tune in and discover how to elevate your wine pairings just in time for this sweet occasion! 🍷🥕🍰