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In Episode 99 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by partners Chris Botting and Joe Bates for a truly unforgettable tasting experience. Special guest Richard England — SoNapa Wine Club member, passionate collector, and former Executive Director of The Hub on Canal — brings a rare treasure to the table: a 32-year-old 1994 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

The episode features a side-by-side tasting of the 1994 Silver Oak Alexander Valley and the 2019 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — a powerful comparison of old-world elegance versus modern Napa structure.

Beyond the glass, the conversation expands into the cultural heartbeat of New Smyrna Beach. Richard shares insight into the arts community, the mission of The Hub on Canal, and the capital campaign he is leading to strengthen the city’s creative future. The discussion bridges wine, hospitality, leadership, philanthropy, and community impact — the very pillars of what Grapes & Debates represents.

This episode is essential listening for:

• Napa Valley & Sonoma County wine lovers
• Silver Oak collectors and Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts
• Restaurant owners and hospitality leaders
• Wine club members and aging-wine aficionados
• Supporters of the arts in New Smyrna Beach

If you’ve ever wondered how a 1994 Cabernet holds up against a modern 2019 vintage — or whether you should decant a mature bottle — this episode delivers real-time tasting insights, expert debate, and powerful storytelling.

Subscribe for weekly conversations exploring Napa Valley wines, Sonoma County wines, restaurant leadership, hospitality culture, and bold debates that go beyond the bottle.

#GrapesAndDebates #SilverOak #AlexanderValley #NapaValley #CabernetSauvignon #AgedWine #WineTasting #WinePodcast #SoNapaGrille #WineClub #DecantingWine #HospitalityLeadership #NewSmyrnaBeach #TheHubOnCanal #RestaurantPodcast #WineEducation

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Episode 98 of Grapes & Debates is a powerful, reflective, and deeply human conversation at the intersection of wine, storytelling, and lifelong passion. SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by business partner Chris Botting as they welcome legendary wine journalist Thomas Matthews and acclaimed wine photographer Sara Matthews for an unforgettable episode rooted in friendship, creativity, and the enduring culture of wine.

The episode opens with a tasting of Amici Sauvignon Blanc—a fitting starting point, as Amici means “friends” in Italian, and friendship sits at the heart of this conversation. From there, Thomas shares his remarkable journey: from leaving a graduate program at Yale, to picking grapes in Bordeaux, to becoming a foundational voice at Wine Spectator, where he spent 33 years shaping modern wine journalism and ultimately serving as Executive Editor.

Thomas reflects on the “long, strange trip” that defined his career—borrowing a phrase from the Grateful Dead, whose music mirrors the twists, detours, and serendipity that led him to wine. He speaks candidly about leadership, trust, blind tasting integrity, wine criticism, and how Wine Spectator helped build wine culture in America by connecting wines to the people and places behind them.

Sara Matthews brings an equally compelling perspective, sharing her decades-long career documenting vineyards, wineries, and wine communities across the globe. From Bordeaux to Argentina, Napa to Italy, Sara’s photography helped define the visual identity of the modern wine industry. She discusses her transition from film to digital, drone videography, horticultural studies, and her evolution into retirement after more than 30 years of creative work alongside Thomas.

Together, Adam, Chris, Thomas, and Sara explore themes of leadership, curiosity, reinvention, optimism, and gratitude—while celebrating wine as a lifelong teacher and connector of people across cultures.

This episode is a must-listen for wine lovers, hospitality professionals, creatives, journalists, and anyone who believes that success is rarely linear—but always meaningful.

Perfect for listeners interested in:

• Wine journalism and wine criticism

• Wine Spectator history and leadership

• Napa Valley, Bordeaux, and global wine culture

• Wine photography and visual storytelling

• Career reinvention and creative journeys

• Hospitality, publishing, and wine education

Grapes & Debates continues to explore wine beyond the glass—through stories, people, and the moments that define a life well lived.

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In Episode 96 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by business partner Joe Bates for a special leadership-focused episode recorded during the company’s 2026 planning session. This conversation brings together the people driving SoNapa Grille forward—past, present, and future.

The episode opens with SoNapa’s Executive Chef Sean and Ormond Beach General Manager Nick Antalek, offering insights into culinary direction, operational alignment, and leadership priorities for the year ahead. Midway through the discussion, the panel shifts to welcome Eddie Gallagher, General Manager of SoNapa Grille New Smyrna Beach and a 16-year veteran of the company, alongside Leila Foss, the newest General Manager at the Jacksonville Beach location. Together, they provide a unique  perspective on continuity, growth, and the evolution of leadership within a multi-unit restaurant brand.

Throughout the episode, the team samples Goldschmidt Vineyards Singing Tree Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley, using the wine as a backdrop for thoughtful discussion on goal setting, team development, culture, and strategic planning for 2026.

This episode delivers a behind-the-scenes look at how a successful hospitality group aligns leadership, operations, and goal setting—making it a must-listen for restaurant owners, managers, and industry professionals interested in long-term growth, team building, and intentional planning.

Ideal for listeners interested in:

• Restaurant leadership and management

• Multi-unit restaurant planning

• Hospitality culture and team development

• Napa and Sonoma wine education

• Behind-the-scenes insights from SoNapa Grille

• Goal setting and strategic planning for 2026

Grapes & Debates blends wine, leadership, and real-world hospitality conversations—bringing together the people, processes, and planning behind a high-performing restaurant group.

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Episode 97: 

In Episode 97 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by business partner Joe Bates for a powerhouse conversation at the intersection of winemaking, presentation, and perception.

The hosts welcome Tony Granata, proprietor of Implicit Wines, and Steve Gage, General Manager of Parallel Wines. Adding even more depth to the discussion are the two most respected names in modern winemaking: Curt Venge and Philippe Melka, the winemakers for Implicit and Parallel respectively.

Together, the group tastes through select wines from Implicit and Parallel, offering behind-the-scenes insight into winemaking philosophy, stylistic intent, and how decisions in the cellar translate to the guest experience. The episode then shifts into a spirited and highly opinionated debate on one of the most overlooked yet influential elements of wine service: glassware.

Does the right glass truly elevate the wine? And where should restaurants and consumers draw the line between experience and practicality?

This episode is a must-listen for wine professionals, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and serious wine enthusiasts looking to better understand how presentation, craftsmanship, and service choices influence what ends up in the glass.

Topics covered include:

• Napa Valley winemaking insights

• Implicit Wines & Parallel Wines philosophies

• Tasting and evaluating premium wines

• The role of glassware in wine enjoyment

• Practical vs. elevated wine service in restaurants

🎙️ Grapes & Debates blends expert wine tasting with honest, industry-driven debate—bringing you conversations that educate, challenge assumptions, and elevate how you experience wine.

In Episode 95 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer and business partner Joe Bates finish their marathon wine tasting with world-renowned winemaker and wine consultant Nick Goldschmidt for a highly anticipated sequel to Episode 94.

This episode dives deeper into Nick Goldschmidt’s celebrated portfolio as the trio tastes through the remainder of his lineup, culminating with The Ultimatum—a flagship wine listed at $500 and a bold statement in craftsmanship, intention, and terroir. Adam and Joe share candid reactions as they explore what truly defines a luxury wine and whether a bottle at this level delivers on its promise.

Beyond the tasting, Nick continues to unpack his remarkable global journey in winemaking, his philosophy on balance versus power, and how experience across continents has shaped his approach to creating wines with both soul and structure. The conversation blends storytelling, education, and honest debate—hallmarks of Grapes & Debates.

This episode is a must-listen for wine collectors, Napa and Sonoma enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, and anyone curious about what separates a great wine from a truly exceptional one.

Topics Covered:

• Nick Goldschmidt’s winemaking philosophy

• What makes a $500 wine worth the price

• Luxury wine, value perception, and craftsmanship

• Tasting and evaluating high-end wines

• Lessons from a global winemaking career

🎙 Grapes & Debates is presented by SoNapa Grille, where wine education meets real-world hospitality conversations.

Perfect for: wine lovers, restaurant owners, sommeliers, collectors, and fans of Napa Valley and Sonoma County wines.

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In Episode 93 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by his business partners Joe Bates and Chris Botting for an in-depth tasting and timely industry conversation centered on Wagner Family Wines, the iconic family behind the legendary Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon.

As the trio samples and discusses wines from the Wagner portfolio, they explore what has made the Wagner name synonymous with consistency, brand strength, and commercial success in the American wine market. The conversation then shifts to the broader challenges facing today’s wine industry, including changing consumer preferences, generational shifts, market saturation, pricing pressures, and evolving distribution dynamics.

This episode delivers thoughtful insights for wine professionals, restaurant owners, and serious wine enthusiasts who want to better understand where the industry is headed—and what brands like Wagner Family Wines can teach us about longevity, adaptation, and staying relevant in a changing market.

Whether you are passionate about Napa Valley wines, curious about the future of the wine business, or looking for informed discussion from experienced hospitality operators, this episode offers both perspective and practical insight.

Perfect for fans of:
Napa Valley wine, Caymus Cabernet, Wagner Family Wines, wine industry trends, restaurant leadership, hospitality business strategy, and behind-the-scenes wine conversations.

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Episode 94 Podcast Description (SEO-Optimized)

In Episode 94 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by business partner Joe Bates for an in-depth conversation with internationally renowned winemaker and wine consultant Nick Goldschmidt. Known for his global approach to winemaking and uncompromising philosophy, Nick shares the stories, experiences, and principles that have shaped his remarkable career.

The episode features a guided tasting through Nick Goldschmidt’s acclaimed portfolio, beginning with his elegant Russian River Chardonnay and culminating with the powerful and expressive Ultimatum. Along the way, Nick dives into his winemaking journey, discussing how terroir, balance, and restraint influence his decisions in the vineyard and cellar.

Adam, Joe, and Nick explore what it truly means to make world-class wine across regions, the evolution of modern winemaking, and how philosophy and technique intersect to create wines with identity and purpose. This episode offers rare insight into the mind of a winemaker who has helped shape wine programs around the world while remaining deeply connected to craftsmanship and authenticity.

Perfect for wine enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, sommeliers, and anyone curious about the art and discipline behind exceptional wine, this episode delivers education, inspiration, and thoughtful debate—hallmarks of Grapes & Debates.

Topics covered include:

• Nick Goldschmidt’s global winemaking philosophy

• Russian River Chardonnay and premium red wine expression

• Terroir, balance, and consistency in modern winemaking

• The mindset behind building iconic wine brands

Subscribe to Grapes & Debates for weekly conversations at the intersection of wine, business, and hospitality—presented by SoNapa Grille.

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In Episode 92 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by business partners Joe Bates and Chris Botting for a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation centered on wine, hospitality, and leadership.

The episode features a guided tasting of three wines currently on the SoNapa Grille menu: Ferrari-Carano Pinot Grigio, Banshee Red Blend, and Roth Cabernet Sauvignon—each representing a different style, price point, and guest occasion. As the tasting unfolds, the discussion turns reflective, examining the realities of 2025 and the economic, labor, and consumer headwinds facing both the wine and restaurant industries.

Adam, Joe, and Chris share candid insights on what worked, what challenged operators most, and how independent restaurants can stay relevant by focusing on value, consistency, and guest trust heading into 2026. Rather than chasing trends, the conversation emphasizes intentional decision-making, curated wine programs, and delivering experiences that feel worth the guest’s time and money.

This episode is ideal for wine enthusiasts, restaurant owners, hospitality leaders, and anyone interested in how thoughtful wine selection and disciplined operations intersect to create long-term success.

Featured Topics Include:

• Tasting and positioning wines guests already love

• Lessons learned from the 2025 restaurant landscape

• Wine and menu strategy during economic pressure

• Defining and delivering real guest value in 2026

Grapes & Debates is presented by SoNapa Grille and explores Napa Valley and Sonoma County wines alongside real conversations about the restaurant and wine industries—one glass and one debate at a time.

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In Episode 91 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by his business partners Joe Bates and Chris Botting for a milestone conversation that blends wine, reflection, and spirited debate.

The trio samples and discusses three wines selected for the SoNapa Wine Club – January 2026 release, including Priest Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, and the iconic Chappellet Mountain Cuvée. These “TS wines” anchor a broader conversation about how wine is experienced, evaluated, and shared with today’s consumers.

As the episode unfolds, Adam, Joe, and Chris look back on an ambitious 2025—52 episodes recorded and 190 wines sampled—and unpack what resonated most with listeners. The most engaging debate of the year? A hard look at whether the traditional wine rating system is outdated and still relevant to modern drinkers.

The conversation then shifts to one of the most polarizing topics in hospitality: BYOB etiquette. What’s acceptable, what’s outdated, and what crosses the line? The discussion culminates with Adam committing to create a new framework for guests and operators alike—“The Chivalrous Set of Rules” for BYOB.

This episode is equal parts wine tasting, industry insight, and candid debate—perfect for wine enthusiasts, restaurant owners, hospitality professionals, and anyone curious about where wine culture is headed next.

Key topics covered:

• SoNapa Wine Club January 2026 wine preview

• Chappellet Mountain Cuvée discussion

• 2025 Grapes & Debates year-in-review

• Are traditional wine ratings still relevant?

• BYOB etiquette and evolving guest expectations

🍷 Subscribe to Grapes & Debates for weekly conversations at the intersection of wine, restaurants, and real-world debate—presented by SoNapa Grille.

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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.