Episode 78: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Blind Tasting Priest Ranch, Roth, Chockablock & The VineKeeper | Florida Minimum Wage Debate

In Episode 78 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is once again joined by business partner Joe Bates for a head-to-head blind tasting of four bold red wines:

  • Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

  • Roth Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley, Sonoma)

  • Chockablock Red Blend (Napa Valley)

  • The VineKeeper by Bonanza (California)

The duo puts their palates to the test, uncovers which bottle rises to the top, and delivers honest opinions on flavor, structure, and value. 🍇

But this episode doesn’t stop with wine — Adam and Joe dive into a heated debate on the impact of Florida’s minimum wage increase for tipped employees, which currently stands at 415.93% higher than the federal minimum wage. They break down how this shift is challenging the business model for full-service independent restaurants and share real-world insights on how operators can adapt.

👉 Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, sommelier, or restaurant owner looking to stay ahead in a changing labor market, this episode offers the perfect blend of wine education and business conversation.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • How to blind taste red wines

  • Flavor and style differences  cabs vs. red blends

  • Why Florida’s wage laws are reshaping restaurant operations

📍 Presented by SoNapa Grille — transporting you to California wine country through chef-driven cuisine and world-class wines from Sonoma County & Napa Valley.

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