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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.