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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!

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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

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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! 🍷🥕🍰

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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!

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In Episode 43 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates take center stage as they explore a selection of wines from distributor Monsieur Touton. The highlight of the tasting is the Band of Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, alongside other exceptional wines from various AVAs.

The duo engages in a lively debate over which wine stands out as the best—and whether it deserves a spot on the SoNapa Grille menu. With their expert insights and passion for wine, this episode is packed with tasting notes, industry perspectives, and a dash of friendly competition.

Wine enthusiasts and restaurateurs won’t want to miss this deep dive into premium wines and the decision-making process behind curating a restaurant wine list. Tune in to discover which wine wins the debate!

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In this exciting episode of Grapes & Debates, the founders of SoNapa Grille—Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates—are joined by guest host “Fish,” founder and owner of Yellow Dog Eats and a proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America.

Together, they reflect on two standout articles, “15 Wines to Bring to a Party That Will Impress the Wine Snobbiest of Hosts” by Ray Isle and “15 Delicious Reds to Drink in the Winter” by Lucia Caprietta. From these expert-curated lists, they uncover two gems already featured on SoNapa Grille’s wine menu: Chalk Hill Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) and Priest Ranch Cabernet (Napa Valley).

In this lively and educational episode, they sample and discuss these exceptional wines, sharing insights on what makes them ideal choices for parties and winter enjoyment. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just curious about top-tier food and wine pairings, this episode is packed with value.

Tune in to savor the flavors and discover what makes these wines a must-have for your next gathering!

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In this exciting episode of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founders Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates are joined by guest host Emily Dunbar, SoNapa Grille’s Marketing Director, for an unforgettable blind tasting experience. The team evaluates the #4 wine of the year as rated by Wine Spectator—Faust Cabernet Sauvignon—side by side with the acclaimed Buena Vista Cabernet from Napa Valley.

After a blind tasting session, the decision is split between these two remarkable wines. Beyond the tasting, the group dives into a debate about the future of the wine industry as it grapples with declining consumption trends.

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a restaurateur seeking insights into the industry, this episode delivers engaging commentary, expert tasting notes, and thought-provoking discussion. Tune in to savor the experience and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing wine today!

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In this milestone 40th episode of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founders Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates take on a blind tasting of two exquisite 2021 Napa Valley Cabernets, crafted by wineries located just 1.5 miles apart. Which wine will emerge as the standout?

The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as the hosts debate their favorite wines tasted throughout the 40-episode journey, reflecting on the most memorable sips and spirited discussions.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a restaurant professional, this episode offers an intriguing mix of expert insights, palate challenges, and reflections on Napa Valley’s finest. Celebrate 40 episodes of wine exploration and industry debates with us—don’t miss it!

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In Episode 37 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer—flying solo without his business partners Chris Botting and Joe Bates—hosts a lively discussion with special guests Travous Dever and Jim Rushing, the new owners of The Grill at Tianos, a city-owned restaurant located on a scenic golf course. Together, they dive into an exclusive wine tasting featuring Juggernaut Cabernet, Provenance Cabernet, and Caymus Cabernet.

Beyond the wine, the hosts debate the unique challenges of taking over and operating a leased restaurant on city property. This episode provides an engaging mix of wine expertise and real-world insights into the restaurant industry, perfect for those interested in the nuances of running a high-profile venue. Tune in to discover the story behind The Grill at Tianos and learn about the dedication it takes to overcome obstacles in the restaurant business.

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