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In Episode 90 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by business partners Joe Bates and Chris Botting, along with Joe’s brother-in-law visiting from Washington State, for a spirited blind wine tasting showdown featuring wines under $20 from California vs the Pacific Northwest.

This episode puts everyday, affordable wines to the test as the group samples bottles sourced locally — including real-world footage of Adam and Joe shopping for the wines at ABC Liquor (and getting politely asked to stop filming). The conversation is honest, unscripted, and exactly how real consumers experience wine buying in the wild.

As the glasses are poured and labels stay hidden, the debate centers on one key question: Just how “solid” are these wines at this price point? The panel breaks down flavor, structure, value, and drinkability while comparing West Coast regions head-to-head — California versus Washington and Pacific Northwest contenders.

This episode is perfect for:

• Wine drinkers looking for great wines under $20

• Fans of blind tastings and honest wine opinions

• Restaurant professionals and retailers curious about value-driven wine programs

• Anyone who loves unscripted debate, real reactions, and a little chaos along the way

If you’ve ever wondered whether affordable wine can truly deliver — and which region does it better — this episode delivers clarity, laughs, and practical takeaways you can use on your next wine run.

🎙 Grapes & Debates is presented by SoNapa Grille, where wine, hospitality, and real conversations collide.

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In Episode 89 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by business partners Joe Bates and Chris Botting for a no-labels, no-bias blind tasting of three highly rated Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons: Double Diamond by Schrader, Faust Cabernet Sauvignon, and Salus by Staglin.

With reputations built on 90+ point scores and cult-level followings, these wines are put to the ultimate test — tasted blind, judged honestly, and debated openly. The conversation quickly moves beyond the glass as the hosts challenge the traditional 100-point wine rating system, questioning whether numerical scores still matter to modern consumers, restaurants, and wine professionals.

Adam, Joe, and Chris break down:

• How point scores influence buying decisions in restaurants and retail

• Whether blind tasting reveals uncomfortable truths about “top-rated” wines

• Why consumers are trusting experience, storytelling, and personal taste over critics

• A newly proposed alternative wine rating system designed to be more relatable, honest, and guest-friendly

This episode is equal parts wine education, industry critique, and spirited debate — perfect for wine lovers, sommeliers, restaurant owners, and anyone curious about how wines should be evaluated today.

If you enjoy Napa Valley Cabernet, blind tastings, insider wine conversations, and bold opinions that challenge the status quo, Episode 89 delivers.

🍷 Wines Featured:

• Double Diamond by Schrader

• Faust Cabernet Sauvignon

• Salus by Staglin

🎙 Grapes & Debates is presented by SoNapa Grille, where Napa and Sonoma wines meet honest conversation and real-world hospitality experience.

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In Episode 88 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by Crystalyn and Doug Hackett, owners and winemakers of Spicy Vines Winery, for an inspiring deep dive into entrepreneurship, winemaking, and terroir.

Crystalyn shares her remarkable journey from a naïve college graduate with a dream to building Spicy Vines into a respected boutique winery. The conversation explores the realities of launching a wine startup, the lessons learned along the path to growth, and what it truly takes to survive and thrive in today’s competitive wine industry.

Adam and Doug then step into a classic wine debate: mountain fruit versus valley floor fruit. They break down the differences in elevation, structure, sun exposure, acidity, and flavor profiles — with Doug ultimately delivering a winemaker’s perspective that both terrains have their rightful place in crafting exceptional wines.

This episode is packed with:

• Boutique winery startup insights

• Winemaker career development

• Mountain fruit vs. valley floor comparisons

• Behind-the-scenes stories from Spicy Vines Winery

• Real-world lessons in wine entrepreneurship

Whether you are a wine professional, aspiring winemaker, restaurant owner, or passionate wine enthusiast, this episode delivers both education and inspiration straight from the vineyard and the business front lines.

🎙 Grapes & Debates is proudly presented by SoNapa Grille — where Napa Valley and Sonoma County wines meet bold conversation and hospitality leadership.

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In Episode 87 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by business partner Chris Botting as they welcome special guest Danielle Frank, author of A Wine Lover’s Guide to Parenting: The Fine Art of Wine & Whine Management. With co-host Joe Bates away for Thanksgiving, this episode shifts into an insightful and entertaining conversation that blends the worlds of wine, parenthood, and publishing.

Although no wine is consumed during this episode, the discussion is rich with perspective as Danielle shares the inspiration behind her book, her journey as an author, and how wine culture intersects with the realities of modern parenting. The hosts and Danielle explore the balance between family life, career, and personal passion, while also touching on her favorite wine and how it fits into her lifestyle.

This episode is perfect for wine lovers, parents, entrepreneurs, and aspiring authors who enjoy thoughtful conversation with a relatable and humorous edge. It is a refreshing departure from the tasting format, offering a more personal and literary perspective within the Grapes & Debates universe.

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In Episode 84 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer and business partner Joe Bates raise their glasses in honor of Napa Valley’s legendary winemaking history. As they prepare to host “The History of Napa in 4 Glasses,” a private wine dinner for the Rotary Club District 6970 Wine Fellowship, the two explore four iconic wines that defined generations of craftsmanship and innovation.

Together, Adam and Joe taste through Napa’s legacy:
🍷 Charles Krug – Napa’s first commercial winery and a symbol of California’s pioneering spirit
🍷 Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) Private Reserve Cabernet – a benchmark in American Cabernet excellence
🍷 Chateau Montelena – the Chardonnay that shocked the world at the 1976 Judgment of Paris
🍷 Oakville Cabernet by the Pelissa Family – a tribute to the families who built Napa’s agricultural heritage

As they sip and savor, the hosts debate a timeless question:

Which winery had the greatest impact on the history of Napa Valley?

This episode delivers equal parts education, storytelling, and lively conversation — perfect for wine enthusiasts, history lovers, and restaurant professionals alike.

Tune in to experience a masterclass in Napa Valley’s evolution — one glass at a time.

🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music
📍Presented by: SoNapa Grille — where Sonoma County & Napa Valley wines meet chef-inspired cuisine.

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In Episode 82 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by his business partner Joe Bates and Marketing & Events Director Emily Dunbar for a special tasting of exclusive SoNapa Wine Club selections.

These wines aren’t available on retail shelves — you can only find them direct-to-consumer (DTC) or directly at the winery. This episode features two iconic Foley Family wineries:

• Chateau St. Jean “8555” Red Blend – named after the winery’s historic address, this bold blend is listed at $85.

• Ferrari-Carano Viognier & Sangiovese – two stunning expressions of lesser-known varietals, priced at $45 and $55 respectively.

As they sip and share tasting notes, the hosts open up a lively debate: Could a lesser-known grape varietal truly sell on a restaurant menu? The conversation dives into guest psychology, wine education, and the balance between adventurous options and proven best-sellers.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a restaurant professional, or simply curious about the world of Napa & Sonoma wines, this episode offers insider insights, wine club exclusives, and a candid discussion about how varietals shape dining experiences.

👉 Perfect for: wine lovers, sommeliers, hospitality leaders, and anyone curious about Foley Family Wines, Ferrari-Carano, and Chateau St. Jean.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more tastings, debates, and behind-the-scenes wine education from the team at SoNapa Grille.

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In Episode 81 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer, business partner Joe Bates, and Marketing & Events Director Emily Dunbar host a captivating conversation with Andrew Hoxsey, proprietor of Ghost Block Winery and a 4th generation Napa Valley grape grower.

Together, they explore the rich history of Bonded Winery #9, one of Napa Valley’s most iconic and historically significant wineries. Andrew shares personal stories about his family’s deep roots in grape growing, the heritage of Ghost Block, and how his family has helped shape Napa’s reputation as a world-class wine region.

The conversation then pivots into a lively debate on the changing and challenging wine consumption market — tackling questions like:

• How are younger generations shifting their drinking habits?

• What strategies can wineries and restaurants adopt to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving market?

Of course, no Grapes & Debates episode would be complete without tasting and discussing outstanding Napa Valley wines along the way. 🍷

👉 Perfect for: wine lovers, sommeliers, restaurant owners, and anyone curious about Napa Valley history, Ghost Block wines, and the future of wine culture in America.

🔔 Subscribe now for weekly episodes featuring Napa and Sonoma winemakers, restaurant industry insights, and bold debates on the business of wine and hospitality.