Episode 64: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Trefethen Cabernet & Coastal Conservation with Marine Discovery Center’s Chad Truxall

In Episode 64 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer and business partner Chris Botting are joined by special guest Chad Truxall, Executive Director of the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach. Together, they pour a glass of Trefethen Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District and dive into an inspiring conversation at the intersection of wine, sustainability, and conservation.

As they sip this expressive Cabernet, the trio explores the mission of the Marine Discovery Center — from coastal restoration to environmental education — and uncovers how its principles align with the deep-rooted values of Napa and Sonoma winegrowers, who champion land stewardship, sustainable farming, and long-term preservation of their terroir.

This episode is a must-listen for wine lovers, sustainability advocates, and restaurant industry professionals looking to build deeper meaning into their brands and operations. It’s a conversation about legacy, responsibility, and protecting what matters — whether it’s oceans or vineyards.

🍷 Wines Featured:

  • Trefethen Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley)

🌊 Topics Covered:

  • Environmental leadership & sustainability in hospitality

  • How Sonoma and Napa vintners preserve the land for future generations

  • The mission of the Marine Discovery Center

Episode 63: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Blind Tasting Pinot Noir with Jack Holcomb | Road Conditions in California + Aaron Rodgers Debate

In Episode 63 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer and business partners Chris Botting and Joe Bates welcome special guest Jack Holcomb, local business owner and passionate Pinot Noir enthusiast, for an unfiltered and highly entertaining episode.

The team kicks things off with a blind tasting of 2 Pinot Noir wines and a mystery wine, putting their palates to the test. As the glasses empty, the debates heat up…

From California’s controversial road conditions — a topic close to anyone who’s driven through Napa or Sonoma — to a spirited conversation about the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jack brings a personal twist to the table as his son plays for the team. That naturally opens the door to a debate on Aaron Rodgers, his recent signing, and what it means for the team.

This episode blends wine, wit, and real-world topics that connect the dots between passion, business, and football — all with a Sonoma-Napa backdrop.

Episode 61: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Behind the Scenes of Wine Country with Foley Family Wines

In Episode 61 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates sit down with special guest Emily Dunbar, Marketing Director for SoNapa Grille, to reflect on an unforgettable trip to California wine country hosted by Foley Family Wines.

Together, they share behind-the-scenes stories, favorite moments, and top takeaways from their vineyard visits, private tastings, and conversations with some of the leading winemakers in Napa and Sonoma. From scenic views to standout vintages, this episode offers an insider’s look at what makes Foley Family Wines a key player in the industry.

Whether you’re a wine lover, restaurant professional, or just curious about what happens on a hospitality-focused wine country trip, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a touch of vineyard magic.

Tune in to hear how this journey will influence upcoming wine dinners, marketing initiatives, and guest experiences at SoNapa Grille.

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!