Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:40 — 688.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube Music | More

In Episode 71 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates are joined by Marketing Director Emily Dunbar for a mix of wine tasting and rapid-fire business talk.

The team samples some of their all-time favorite wines, including:

• Joe’s go-to favorite: EOS Pinot Grigio

• Adam’s pick: Priest Ranch

• Plus an all-star lineup: Roth Cabernet Alexander Valley, Silver Oak Cabernet Alexander Valley, Foley Johnson Napa Valley, Paradigm Oakville, Ghost Block Oakville, Trefethen Oak Knoll, and Frog’s Leap Rutherford.

After the tasting, Emily puts Adam and Joe on the spot with rapid-fire questions about restaurant ownership—digging into the misconceptions, challenges, and realities that come with running a successful hospitality business. Expect raw insights, laughter, and the kind of straight talk that only veteran restaurant owners can deliver.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ Which wines from Napa & Sonoma the SoNapa team can’t stop pouring 🍇
✅ Why EOS Pinot Grigio gets Joe’s stamp of approval ✨
✅ Adam’s love for bold Napa Cabernets like Silver Oak & Paradigm 🍷
✅ The truth about restaurant ownership: challenges vs. misconceptions
✅ Rapid-fire questions that reveal the heart of hospitality leadership

📍 About Grapes & Debates

Grapes & Debates is the official podcast of SoNapa Grille, where wine meets real talk. Each week, founders Adam Barringer and Joe Bates, joined by rotating guests, explore wines from Napa Valley and Sonoma County while debating the hottest topics in the restaurant and wine industry.