Episode 59: Grapes & Debates | Roth Winery | Behind the Scenes with Winemaker Henry de Lambert | Foley Family Wines

In Episode 59 of Grapes & Debates, hosts Adam Barringer and Joe Bates are joined by Eddie Gallagher, General Manager of SoNapa Grille in New Smyrna Beach, for a special on-location recording at Roth Winery in Sonoma County. This immersive episode features an exclusive conversation with head winemaker Henry de Lambert and Nick Sijan, Southeast Regional Sales Manager for Foley Family Wines.

The team dives deep into Henry’s winemaking background, his philosophy on crafting bold, expressive wines, and what makes Roth’s portfolio a standout in Sonoma’s Alexander Valley. As they taste through a curated selection of Roth wines, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look into the passion, precision, and personality behind every bottle.

Perfect for wine lovers, hospitality professionals, and anyone who wants to learn more about Foley Family Wines, this episode blends rich storytelling with expert-level wine education.

Listen now to experience the flavors of Roth and the insights of industry leaders shaping the future of wine.

Episode 58: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Paul Hobbs Wines Spotlight

In Episode 58 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates are joined by their dynamic marketing director, Emily Dunbar, for a lively and insightful conversation. Together, they welcome special guest Harley Aveiro, Regional Southeast Manager for the prestigious Paul Hobbs Winery.

This engaging episode highlights an exclusive look into the Paul Hobbs portfolio, and discussions of Paul Hobbs.  Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, restaurant owner, or marketing professional, this episode delivers a look inside the icon brand of Paul Hobbs.

Episode 57: Grapes & Debates | Blind Tasting Big Bold Reds | Cab Franc from The Debate Stuns the Panel

In Episode 57 of Grapes & Debates, hosts Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates are joined by special guest host and acclaimed wine blogger Steve Berberich (winetime386) for an unforgettable blind tasting showdown. Recorded in the studio, this episode dives deep into three powerhouse reds from California’s most prestigious regions: Alexander Valley and Napa Valley.

Without knowing the labels, the panel blind tastes and analyzes each wine—discussing structure, aroma, finish, and overall impact. The big surprise? All four unanimously choose a single vineyard Cabernet Franc as their standout selection. The reveal? The wine is none other than The Debate—a showstopping bottle that lives up to its name, even if it sparked no actual debate.

If you’re a fan of bold California reds, blind tastings, or discovering hidden gems, this episode is a must-listen. Packed with expert insights, authentic reactions, and a bit of fun, Episode 57 offers a masterclass in flavor and finesse.

🎧 Tune in for tasting notes, wine wisdom, and a surprising unanimous favorite that proves sometimes… the wine is the Debate.

Episode 56: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | The Calling Wines Tasting with Voradet & Rainy | Wine Club Selections Unveiled

In Episode 56 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates are joined by special guest hosts Voradet and Rainy from The Calling Wines. Filmed on location, this episode showcases an unforgettable tasting of The Calling’s most celebrated selections: Dutton Ranch Chardonnay, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and The Tribute.

There’s no debate this week—these wines speak for themselves. Each bottle earns a well-deserved place in the exclusive SoNapa Wine Club and will be featured on the wine list at all three SoNapa Grille locations.

Tune in to discover what makes The Calling some of the most compelling wines produced in Sonoma County, and why these selections are must-haves for wine lovers and hospitality professionals alike. A perfect blend of palate education and restaurant insight—only on Grapes & Debates.

Episode 54: Grapes & Debates | Blind Tasting Pinot Grigio | California vs. Italy | National Joe Day & The Free Bread Debate

In Episode 54 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates are joined by guest host Emily Dunbar, SoNapa’s very own Marketing & Events Director, for a lively and flavorful showdown. The trio blind tastes four Pinot Grigios—two from California and two from Italy—in a battle of Old World vs. New World. Which region will win the crown for crisp, refreshing supremacy?

The conversation doesn’t stop with the wine. In celebration of National Joe Day, the group raises a glass to co-host Joe Bates and dives headfirst into one of the restaurant industry’s most debated topics: Should bread be free?

Tune in for expert opinions, blind tasting surprises, and a bit of restaurant industry controversy—all served with a splash of Pinot Grigio. Whether you’re a wine lover, hospitality pro, or just here for the debates, this episode delivers.

Episode 52: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Cakebread Chardonnay & Stags Leap Petite Syrah | The Best Drinking Holiday Debate

In Episode 52 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates dive into a spirited wine tasting featuring Cakebread Chardonnay and Stags Leap Petite Syrah—two iconic wines that showcase Napa Valley’s craftsmanship.

But the real debate? Which holiday is the ultimate drinking holiday? From New Year’s Eve to St. Patrick’s Day, Fourth of July to Thanksgiving, Adam and Joe go head-to-head, making their case for the best occasion to raise a glass.

Tune in for expert wine insights, entertaining banter, and the kind of debate only Grapes & Debates can deliver. Don’t miss this fun, wine-fueled showdown! 🍷🔥 #WineTasting #GrapesAndDebates #Cakebread #StagsLeap #BestDrinkingHoliday

Episode 47: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | White House Wines for Presidents Day | U.S. Presidents & Wine History

In this special Presidents Day episode of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates explore wines that have been served at the White House, tasting through Silverado Sauvignon Blanc, Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Pinot Noir, and Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot—a wine flight available at all three SoNapa locations on Presidents Day.

Beyond the tasting, Adam and Joe engage in a spirited debate: Which U.S. president drank the most wine? And who was the biggest advocate for California wines? From the Founding Fathers to modern leaders, they dive into presidential wine preferences, their impact on the American wine industry, and historical White House selections.

Tune in for a fascinating blend of wine, history, and debate, perfect for oenophiles and history buffs alike!

Episode 46: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Mer Soleil Silver & Decoy Merlot | Best Wine & Cheese Pairings

In Episode 46 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates put two exceptional wines to the test—Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay and Decoy by Duckhorn Merlot. As they sip and savor, they dive into a lively debate: Which wine pairs best with cheese?

From creamy Humbolt Fog to whipped burrata, Adam and Joe explore the nuances of pairing wine with different cheeses, breaking down the combinations for flavor balance, texture, and overall enjoyment. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just looking to elevate your next charcuterie board, this episode is packed with insights, tasting notes, and expert pairing tips.

Tune in to discover which wine reigns supreme in the ultimate cheese-pairing showdown! 🍷🧀 #GrapesAndDebates #WinePairing #SoNapaGrille

Episode 45: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Wente Riesling Tasting & National Carrot Cake Day Pairing

In this deliciously unique episode of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates explore a perfect pairing just in time for National Carrot Cake Day! They sample Wente Riesling from Livermore Valley, a bright, aromatic wine known for its balanced acidity and floral notes.

Together, they dive into the art of wine and dessert pairings, discussing how the sweetness and spice of Carrot Cake complements the crisp, fruit-forward profile of this celebrated Riesling. Whether you’re a wine lover, a restaurateur looking for creative pairings, or just a fan of indulgent treats, this episode is packed with insights and flavor inspiration.

Tune in and discover how to elevate your wine pairings just in time for this sweet occasion! 🍷🥕🍰

Episode 44: Grapes & Debates | ZD Winery | Napa Valley Wines & The Meaning Behind “Zero Defects”

In this exciting episode of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates explore the exceptional wines of ZD Winery, a celebrated producer in Napa Valley. While sampling ZD’s renowned wines, the hosts tackle the intriguing question: does ZD stand for the founders’ names or the winery’s commitment to “Zero Defects”?

Join the conversation as they sip, savor, and share their insights into ZD Winery’s history, winemaking philosophy, and its place in Napa Valley’s prestigious wine landscape. Perfect for wine lovers and restaurant professionals alike, this episode blends tasting notes with captivating stories behind the label.

Don’t miss out—tune in to uncover the secrets of ZD Winery and take your wine knowledge to the next level!