Grapes & Debates

What defines an American icon? Is it a legendary winery, a trailblazing brewery, or a game-changing distillery? In this special episode of The Great American Debate , Adam, Joe, Chris, and guest host Charley Barley pour, taste, and debate three of the country’s most recognizable beverage brands—each representing the pinnacle of American wine, beer, and spirits. From history and craftsmanship...

Summer is officially in the glass as Adam, Chris, Joe, and guest host Doug Long are joined by a mortgage specialist for an entertaining conversation that blends wine, business, and today’s economic realities. The crew kicks things off by tasting three standout rosé wines perfect for warm-weather sipping: Jax Y3 Rosé Ferrari-Carano Rosé A classic Rosé from Provence From there, the discussion...

In this episode of *Grapes & Debates*, Adam and Joe welcome Tony Azzollini, Sales Representative for Winebow Group, and Patrick Madden, Florida Sales Manager for Hall Wines, for an engaging tasting and discussion featuring some of Napa Valley’s most celebrated wines. The journey begins with the elegant wines of Walt Wines, showcasing the beauty of site-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, b...

What happens when you put three turkey and provolone subs, two iconic wines, and a couple of strong opinions at the same table? In this episode of Grapes & Debates , Adam and Joe put Publix, Jersey Mike’s, and Firehouse Subs head-to-head in a tasting battle to determine which turkey and provolone sandwich deserves the crown. But they didn’t stop there. After debating the best sub, they took th...

What happens when you combine a blind wine tasting with a conversation about global economics? In this episode of Grapes & Debates, the hosts put their palates to the test with two blind matchups. First, JACE Cellars Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma) squares off against ZD Sauvignon Blanc (Napa). Then the reds take center stage as JACE Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon faces The Debate Cabernet from Artalade...

After nearly 20 years of serving and consuming the wines of Sonoma County and Napa Valley through SoNapa Grille, Joe, Adam, Chris, and Eddie are finally pouring a wine of their own. In this special episode of Grapes & Debates, the four longtime friends and business partners share the story behind the launch of JACE Cellars—the culmination of two decades spent building relationships, discoverin...

Adam, Joe, and Chris are coming to you live from the front lawn of the historic Hennessey Estate Bed & Breakfast in Napa, reflecting on what’s already been an unforgettable SoNapa adventure. Between hosting the SoNapa Wine Club, working alongside the culinary team, and gearing up for upcoming tastings and winery tours with the General Managers, the trip has quickly turned into equal parts prod...

dam & Joe head deep into Napa Valley for a behind-the-scenes look at some of wine country’s most iconic destinations. Filming from the beautifully remodeled Hennessey Estate — a luxury Bed & Breakfast that has hosted Grapes & Debates wine club members — the episode blends wine, hospitality, travel, and the stories that make Napa unforgettable. Along the way, they visit legendary wineri...

Adam and Jade sit down with Anthony Tirello, Fine Wine Specialist at Breakthru Beverage, and Gavin Honig, fourth-generation vintner at Honig Vineyards. From the heart of Rutherford, they taste through the portfolio while unpacking what makes this historic Napa estate tick. The conversation blends legacy and logistics—diving into vineyard history, family stewardship, and how wines move from cellar...

Adam, Joe, and Jade are joined by Jacob Jata, Southeast Regional Sales Manager for Chappellet, for a deep dive into one of Napa Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries. From Pritchard Hill terroir to the evolution of mountain-grown Cabernet, the group explores what makes Chappellet wines distinctive—while tasting through the lineup and debating what truly defines Napa excellence.

Episode 109 brings something new to the table—literally. Adam and Joe are joined by Jade Sullivan, the team’s new Event and Marketing Coordinator.  To break Jade in properly, they throw her straight into a blind tasting featuring three very different wines: an Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a California Merlot, and a French Bordeaux blend. Without labels (or safety nets), assumptions get cha...

In Episode 108, Adam, Chris, and Jade sit down with Todd Kerlin, General Manager of THE DEBATE, for a conversation that feels almost inevitable. What started as a shared name turns into a deeper connection—exploring how THE DEBATE wine brand came to be, and how its philosophy aligns (and clashes) with the spirit of Grapes & Debates. The real discussion unfolds in the glass. Tasting two single-...

In Episode 107 of Grapes & Debates , Adam Barringer and Jade Sullivan sit down with Michael Cooperman, Senior Director of DTC & Private Clients at Taub Family Companies, for a conversation that blends legacy, strategy, and the making of a modern Napa standout. The episode explores two distinct wines in the Taub portfolio — a refined Chardonnay and the highly talked-about Sign of the Dove C...

In this episode of Grapes & Debates, Adam and Joe are joined by two new voices—Jade Sullivan, our Social Media & Events Coordinator, and Andy Flores, Joe’s brother-in-law—for a conversation that mixes fresh perspective with deep-rooted Napa context. The group tastes wines from some of Napa Valley’s legacy landowners and wineries, reflecting on what it means to build something that lasts ac...

Adam and Joe, owners of SoNapa Grille, revisit one of the most iconic moments in wine history — the Judgment of Paris — by sampling a lineup of Napa wines that helped define it. Joined by Jade Sullivan, the newest member of the SoNapa team, they taste through Château Montelena, Grgich Hills’ commemorative Chardonnay, Clos du Val Cabernet, Stag’s Leap SLV, and Heitz Cellars Cabernet. With a fresh p...

In Episode 104 of Grapes & Debates , the founder of SoNapa Grille sits down with Justin Botha , North Florida East Market Manager for Caymus Vineyards , for a conversation centered on Caymus, its wine portfolio, and a growing partnership with SoNapa. Together, they explore what makes Caymus such a recognized name in wine while tasting through two standout selections: Jenny Wagner’s Nurseryman...

In Episode 103 of Grapes & Debates , SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer and business partner Joe Bates sit down onsite at the SoNapa Grille Jacksonville Beach location with a very special guest — Steve Reynolds , founder of Reynolds Family Winery in Napa Valley and creator of Penta Tequila . This episode delivers an incredible tasting journey that moves from premium tequila to world- class N...

In Episode 102 of Grapes & Debates , SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer sits down onsite in Daytona Beach Shores at the future home of the newest SoNapa Grille location. Joining Adam is SoNapa partner Joe Bates and Nick Antalek , current General Manager of SoNapa Grille in Ormond Beach and the future General Manager and business partner at this exciting new restaurant. Recorded inside the ne...

In Episode 101 of Grapes & Debates , SoNapa Grille founders Adam Barringer and Joe Bates record onsite at their Jacksonville Beach location for an unforgettable Napa Valley masterclass featuring Renée Roscoe, National Sales Manager for Grgich Hills Estate, and Tony Terello of Aspect Fine Wines (Breakthru Beverage Distributors). This milestone episode uncorks a powerhouse lineup from Grgich Hil...

Reaching 100 episodes is a milestone fewer than 6% of all podcasts ever achieve — and in Episode 100 of Grapes & Debates , we celebrate the only way we know how: with legendary Napa Valley wine and a conversation rooted in history, legacy, and excellence. SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by business partner Joe Bates (with Chris Botting traveling in Park City) as they welcome spe...

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 Sau...

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, creativ...

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 Ni...

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...

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...