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

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

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Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Beringer Private Reserve & Quilceda Creek Cabernet | Is Beef Wellington Fancy or Outdated?

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

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

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

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! 🍷🥕🍰

Episode 44: Grapes & Debates | ZD Winery | Napa Valley Wines & The Meaning Behind “Zero Defects”

In this exciting episode of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates explore the exceptional wines of ZD Winery, a celebrated producer in Napa Valley. While sampling ZD’s renowned wines, the hosts tackle the intriguing question: does ZD stand for the founders’ names or the winery’s commitment to “Zero Defects”?

Join the conversation as they sip, savor, and share their insights into ZD Winery’s history, winemaking philosophy, and its place in Napa Valley’s prestigious wine landscape. Perfect for wine lovers and restaurant professionals alike, this episode blends tasting notes with captivating stories behind the label.

Don’t miss out—tune in to uncover the secrets of ZD Winery and take your wine knowledge to the next level!

Episode 43: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Tasting Monsieur Touton Wines | Band of Vintners

In Episode 43 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates take center stage as they explore a selection of wines from distributor Monsieur Touton. The highlight of the tasting is the Band of Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, alongside other exceptional wines from various AVAs.

The duo engages in a lively debate over which wine stands out as the best—and whether it deserves a spot on the SoNapa Grille menu. With their expert insights and passion for wine, this episode is packed with tasting notes, industry perspectives, and a dash of friendly competition.

Wine enthusiasts and restaurateurs won’t want to miss this deep dive into premium wines and the decision-making process behind curating a restaurant wine list. Tune in to discover which wine wins the debate!

Episode 42: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Yellow Dog Eats’ Founder Joins for Winter Reds & Party Wines

In this exciting episode of Grapes & Debates, the founders of SoNapa Grille—Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates—are joined by guest host “Fish,” founder and owner of Yellow Dog Eats and a proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America.

Together, they reflect on two standout articles, “15 Wines to Bring to a Party That Will Impress the Wine Snobbiest of Hosts” by Ray Isle and “15 Delicious Reds to Drink in the Winter” by Lucia Caprietta. From these expert-curated lists, they uncover two gems already featured on SoNapa Grille’s wine menu: Chalk Hill Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) and Priest Ranch Cabernet (Napa Valley).

In this lively and educational episode, they sample and discuss these exceptional wines, sharing insights on what makes them ideal choices for parties and winter enjoyment. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just curious about top-tier food and wine pairings, this episode is packed with value.

Tune in to savor the flavors and discover what makes these wines a must-have for your next gathering!

Episode 41: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Blind Tasting Faust Cabernet & Buena Vista Cabernet | The Future of Wine Consumption

In this exciting episode of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founders Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates are joined by guest host Emily Dunbar, SoNapa Grille’s Marketing Director, for an unforgettable blind tasting experience. The team evaluates the #4 wine of the year as rated by Wine Spectator—Faust Cabernet Sauvignon—side by side with the acclaimed Buena Vista Cabernet from Napa Valley.

After a blind tasting session, the decision is split between these two remarkable wines. Beyond the tasting, the group dives into a debate about the future of the wine industry as it grapples with declining consumption trends.

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a restaurateur seeking insights into the industry, this episode delivers engaging commentary, expert tasting notes, and thought-provoking discussion. Tune in to savor the experience and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing wine today!