Grapes & Debates

In Episode 135 of Grapes & Debates, we’re taking the show on location to SoNapa Grille in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, where we recently celebrated our inaugural wine dinner featuring the iconic wines of Silver Oak. Adam Barringer and Joe Bates are joined by General Manager Nick Antalek and Assistant Manager Leslie Hall to taste Silver Oak wines, revisit our very first wine dinner at T...

Few winemakers have left a mark on Napa Valley quite like Robert Foley. Known throughout the wine industry as “The God of Cabernet,” Bob Foley joins Adam, Chris, and Joe for Episode 134 of Grapes & Debates to share stories from his extraordinary career in California winemaking. Our conversation takes us through his time at Markham Vineyards, his influential work at Pride Mountain V...

What happens when the wines are so good and the stories so interesting that there’s nothing left to debate? On this episode of Grapes & Debates , we welcome two special guests from Gary Farrell Winery : Doug Bensonberg, Director of National Sales, and Brent McCoy, Winemaker. Together, we take a journey into California’s Russian River Valley, exploring the history of one of Sonoma C...

In Episode 132, we taste our way through Rodney Strong’s Sonoma Collection (Red Label), Sonoma County (White Label), Knights Valley (Blue Label), and Alexander Valley (Black Label) Cabernet Sauvignons. We explore what makes these wines different and how Sonoma County’s growing regions influence the final product. Then we tackle a question that’s been bothering us: Are professiona...

This one comes with some serious Napa Valley history. In 1976, Spring Mountain Vineyard’s 1973 Chardonnay was poured at the legendary Judgment of Paris , finishing fourth among the white wines in the blind tasting that forever changed the world’s perception of California wine. Now, 50 years later, we’re opening Spring Mountain Vineyard again. Adam, Chris, and Joe sit down for a vertical tasting of...

Is the wine industry really facing tough times—or is the mainstream media making the story bigger than it is? On Episode 130 of Grapes & Debates , Adam steps away from his usual crew and sits down with Michael Sherman of 21 Wine & Spirits Distributors and Charlie Plummer, Global Director of Sales for The Vineyard House, the family-owned Napa Valley estate of Jeremy Nickel. Together, they t...

Adam & Joe are joined by Nick Antelek, Managing Partner of SoNapa’s The Shores location , for a big-bottle edition of Grapes & Debates. Their good friend Kim Braddock, Central Florida Market Manager for Foley Family Wines & Spirits , came through with something special—a magnum of Lancaster Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley . After sampling this incredible wine, the conversation...

Adam and Joe are officially onsite at the newly opened SoNapa Grille in Daytona Beach Shores —and there’s only one appropriate way to celebrate: popping some Domaine Carneros Sparkling and raising a glass to opening night. From there, they dive into the September Wine Club selections from Stags’ Leap Winery , tasting and talking through the Viognier, Merlot, and Petite Sirah. Then the debate gets...

Adam & Joe pour a glass of Roth Cabernet from winemaker Henry de Lambert—a fitting choice considering Henry also provided 14 wine barrels that have found a second life as décor in the new restaurant. From there, the conversation turns to Napa and new revelations surrounding the Pickett Fire, which devastated nearly 7,000 acres in wine country. Adam & Joe unpack what’s coming to light and w...

In Episode 126, Adam and Joe are joined by Nick Antalek, managing partner of SoNapa’s new Daytona Beach Shores location, for an onsite conversation at “The Shores.” With the restaurant buildout underway, the guys get into the realities—and headaches—of opening a new restaurant in today’s business environment. From construction and costs to the unexpected challenges that come with bringing a new lo...

Can you find a great bottle of wine for under $30? Adam, Chris, and Joe put that question to the test with six bottles from Kenny’s Liquors: three Sauvignon Blancs and three Cabernet Sauvignons, all priced under $30. They taste, compare, debate, and tell you exactly which bottles are worth your money—and which ones they’d leave on the shelf. No wine snobbery. No paid-sounding praise. Just three gu...

Adam and Chris welcome Chandler and Aly, the new owners of 95 & Vine , Port Orange’s neighborhood wine shop, to share what it’s really like to take the leap into small business ownership. As the conversation unfolds, Adam and Chris enjoy a JACE Cabernet , while Chandler and Aly pour an Aperture wine alongside a bold Argentinian Cabernet . Between tasting notes and great conversatio...

Some conversations are so engaging you never want them to end—and this was definitely one of them. In Episode 123 of Grapes & Debates , Adam and Joe are joined by David Pearson, President of the legendary Joseph Phelps Vineyards, one of the most iconic and respected winery brands in the world, and Doug SWGS market manager. It was an honor to welcome these distinguished guests as they shared th...

What does it take to lead one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties—and what does that growth mean for local businesses? In Episode 122 of Grapes & Debates , Adam and Joe sit down with Volusia County Councilman Danny Robbins for a candid conversation about his journey into public service, the challenges and opportunities facing Volusia County, and the issues that will shape its future. W...

In this episode of Grapes & Debates , Joe and Adam welcome two key members of the SoNapa leadership team—Nick Antalek and Leslie Hall—for a conversation centered around growth, leadership, and the exciting future of The Shores SoNapa. The episode kicks off with everyone’s favorite wines before shifting to some spirited debate surrounding the opening of the newest SoNapa location. Nick re...

In this flavorful episode of Grapes & Debates, Adam, Joe, and Chris put their palates to the test with a double blind tasting challenge. First, the guys sample three California Zinfandels without knowing what's in the glass: Sin Zin by Alexander Valley Vineyards Home Base by BACA (the sister winery to Hall Wines) Rubicon Estate Edizione Pennino Red Zinfandel Then they raise the stakes by pairing t...

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...