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In Episode 83 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer and business partner Joe Bates are joined by two incredible guests — Pablo Alfaro from Pacific Southern Wine Company and Chuck Spelman, VP of Sales for Robert Craig Winery.

Together, the group explores the legendary wines of Robert Craig Winery, known for crafting bold, structured Cabernet Sauvignon sourced primarily from the high-elevation vineyards of Howell Mountain. As they taste through the lineup, the conversation flows from the technical artistry behind mountain-grown fruit to the contrasting elegance of valley floor wines.

The debate heats up as they tackle one of the most iconic questions in California winemaking:
👉 Does mountain fruit or valley floor produce the superior Cabernet Sauvignon?

Expect expert insights, tasting notes, and a few laughs as this crew uncorks the truth about terroir, elevation, and winemaking philosophy. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, hospitality pro, or collector, this episode offers a masterclass in what makes Napa’s mountain fruit so distinct — and why the valley floor still holds its own.

🍷 Featured Wines:
Selections from Robert Craig Winery, highlighting Howell Mountain and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

📍 Recorded at SoNapa Grille, where the passion for Napa and Sonoma wines meets Florida hospitality.

🔔 Subscribe to Grapes & Debates for weekly episodes blending wine education, restaurant leadership, and unfiltered conversations that celebrate the art and business of hospitality.

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In Episode 72 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates welcome special guest Ray Shaefer, founder of Gravity Architecture + Design and the creative mind behind the design of both SoNapa Grille locations in Ormond Beach and Jacksonville Beach.

Over glasses of Faust Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, the group dives into Ray’s fascinating background as an architect, his transition into hospitality design, and the vision behind creating warm, inviting restaurant spaces that capture the spirit of Napa and Sonoma wine country.

Ray also shares behind-the-scenes stories about some of his most memorable projects and clients — including his unique experience working with Lisa Marie Presley. From global design projects to the intimate details of restaurant layouts, this episode blends wine, design, and storytelling in true Grapes & Debates fashion.

Finally, the group debates a timeless question: What matters more in a restaurant experience — the wine in your glass, or the space that surrounds you?

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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.

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In Episode 62 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer and Marketing Director Emily Dunbar sit down with special guest Jake Lachowitzer, winemaker for Banshee Wines under the Foley Family Wines portfolio.

Jake shares his inspiring journey from Fargo, North Dakota to the heart of Sonoma County, detailing his rise from enologist to head winemaker. The conversation dives into Jake’s educational path, the challenges and opportunities of crafting wines in California, and the unique qualities that define Banshee’s approach to winemaking.

The episode features a tasting of several Banshee wines, showcasing the brand’s signature style and Sonoma terroir. Then, the debate heats up as Adam, Emily, and Jake tackle one of the most passionate questions in the wine world: Where does a winemaker have a better opportunity to shine — Sonoma or Napa?

Whether you’re a wine lover, industry professional, or simply curious about what it takes to make world-class wine, this episode offers expert insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and an honest debate that highlights the distinct personalities of Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

👉 Perfect for: wine enthusiasts, restaurant professionals, winemakers, sommeliers, and anyone exploring the world of Foley Family Wines, Banshee Wines, Napa Valley, and Sonoma County.

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In Episode 55 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates are joined by guest host Charley Barley for an eye-opening blind tasting of three bold Red Zinfandels: Oakville Winery (Napa Valley), Seghesio Red Zinfandel (Sonoma), and Sin Zin (Sonoma). With no labels in sight, the hosts put their palates to the test and reveal their honest take on these iconic California wines.

Following the tasting, the debate heats up as they tackle the controversial topic of tipping—specifically, whether or not customers should be expected to tip at fast casual spots like Chipotle, Starbucks, and beyond. Is the tipping culture out of control, or are service industry workers simply getting the respect they deserve?

Whether you’re a wine lover, a hospitality professional, or just someone who’s ever wondered if that iPad tip screen is a guilt trip—this episode is for you. Tune in for bold wines, bold opinions, and a conversation that’s shaping the future of dining.

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In Episode 53 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer, Joe Bates, and Chris Botting sit down with special guest host Nate Goldstein, a young entrepreneur and owner of the newly opened Rouge Wave Wine Bar in New Smyrna Beach.

Together, they explore the bold flavors of Austin wines from Paso Robles, then blind taste Papillon by Orin Swift and Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon. The conversation heats up as they debate how Paso Robles wines stack up against the world-renowned regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

This episode is a must-listen for wine lovers, industry professionals, and anyone curious about the rising reputation of Paso Robles wines. Tune in for tasting notes, entrepreneurial insight, and a lively debate on California’s premier wine regions.

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In Episode 51 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates sit down with Alan Crawford, National Sales Manager for the Luxury Division of Foley Family Wines, and Kim Braddock, North Florida Sales Manager for Foley Family Wines. Together, they explore an exceptional lineup of wines, including Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay, Knights Valley Cabernet, and Cinq Cépages—a Bordeaux-style blend that showcases Foley Family Wines’ commitment to excellence.

Beyond the tasting, the conversation delves into Alan Crawford’s impressive career in the wine industry, his journey with Foley Family Wines, and insights into the world of luxury wine sales. Whether you’re a restaurateur, sommelier, or wine enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways about fine wines, career growth in the industry, and the evolving landscape of premium wine distribution.

Tune in for a deep dive into the craftsmanship behind Foley Family Wines and expert insights on navigating the wine business! 🍷

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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!

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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! 🍷

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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.