Grapes & Debates

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...

Episode 94 Podcast Description (SEO-Optimized) In Episode 94 of Grapes & Debates , SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by business partner Joe Bates for an in-depth conversation with internationally renowned winemaker and wine consultant Nick Goldschmidt. Known for his global approach to winemaking and uncompromising philosophy, Nick shares the stories, experiences, and principles t...

In Episode 92 of Grapes & Debates , SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by business partners Joe Bates and Chris Botting for a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation centered on wine, hospitality, and leadership. The episode features a guided tasting of three wines currently on the SoNapa Grille menu: Ferrari-Carano Pinot Grigio , Banshee Red Blend , and Roth Cabernet Sauvignon —e...

In Episode 91 of Grapes & Debates , SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by his business partners Joe Bates and Chris Botting for a milestone conversation that blends wine, reflection, and spirited debate. The trio samples and discusses three wines selected for the SoNapa Wine Club – January 2026 release , including Priest Ranch Sauvignon Blanc , Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon , and...

In Episode 90 of Grapes & Debates , SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by business partners Joe Bates and Chris Botting, along with Joe’s brother-in-law visiting from Washington State, for a spirited blind wine tasting showdown featuring wines under $20 from California vs the Pacific Northwest . This episode puts everyday, affordable wines to the test as the group samples bottles s...

In Episode 89 of Grapes & Debates , SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by business partners Joe Bates and Chris Botting for a no-labels, no-bias blind tasting of three highly rated Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons : Double Diamond by Schrader , Faust Cabernet Sauvignon , and Salus by Staglin . With reputations built on 90+ point scores and cult-level followings, these wines are put...

In Episode 88 of Grapes & Debates , SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by Crystalyn and Doug Hackett, owners and winemakers of Spicy Vines Winery, for an inspiring deep dive into entrepreneurship, winemaking, and terroir. Crystalyn shares her remarkable journey from a naïve college graduate with a dream to building Spicy Vines into a respected boutique winery. The conversation expl...

In Episode 87 of Grapes & Debates , SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by business partner Chris Botting as they welcome special guest Danielle Frank, author of A Wine Lover’s Guide to Parenting: The Fine Art of Wine & Whine Management . With co-host Joe Bates away for Thanksgiving, this episode shifts into an insightful and entertaining conversation that blends the worlds of w...

In Episode 86 of Grapes & Debates , SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer reunites with business partners Chris Botting and Joe Bates for one of the most festive episodes of the year. The trio breaks out the bubbles as they taste through a lineup of sparkling wines featured on the SoNapa menu — Mumm, Chandon, Domaine Carneros, and Schramsberg — each bringing its own expression of Napa and Sonom...

In Episode 85 of Grapes & Debates , SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer reunites with business partner Joe Bates and local legend, conspiracy theorist, and die-hard FSU fanatic Charley Barley for one of the most entertaining episodes yet. The trio kicks things off with a tasting of SoNapa Wine Club selections from Foley Sonoma , Lincourt , and Silverado Vineyards —three California estates kno...