Grapes & Debates

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 across generations.

That sets the stage for the debate:

Could someone start a winery from the ground up in Napa today—and actually make money?

They dig into:

The...

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 perspective from a younger wine drinker and deep industry insight from the hosts, the group debates which Chardonnay and Cabernet stand out today.

The tasting also sets...

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 Cabernet and Caymus Special Select. The episode blends insight from the market side with real-time tasting, offering perspective on both the wines and how they connect with guests.

They also reflect on the ongoing SoNapa x...

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

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 newly leased building, the team opens an incredible lineup of wines from ZD Wines, one of Napa Valley’s most respected wineries. ZD Wines are currently being featured across all SoNapa Grille locations as the Wi...

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 Hills Estate — Sauvignon Blanc (Fumé Blanc), Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Reserve Cabernet — while diving deep into the legacy that helped shape modern Napa Valley.

Renée breaks down key wine terminology, vineyard philosophy, and the historic impact of Mike Gr...

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 special guest Olav Goelet, third-generation owner of Clos du Val.

Together, they taste and discuss:
🍷 Clos du Val Sauvignon Blanc
🍷 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
🍷 Yettalil — the flagship estate blend

The conver...

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 Sauvignon.

The episode features a side-by-side tasting of the 1994 Silver Oak Alexander Valley and the 2019 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — a powerful comparison of old-world elegance versus modern Napa structure.

Beyond the glass, the conversation expands into t...

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, creativity, and the enduring culture of wine.

The episode opens with a tasting of Amici Sauvignon Blanc—a fitting starting point, as Amici means “friends” in Italian, and friendship sits at the heart of this conversation. From there, Thomas shares his remarkable journey: from l...

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 Nick Antalek, offering insights into culinary direction, operational alignment, and leadership priorities for the year ahead. Midway through the discussion, the panel shifts to welcome Eddie Gallagher, General Manager of SoNapa Grille New Smyrna Beach and a 16-year veteran of the co...

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 respected names in modern winemaking: Curt Venge and Philippe Melka, the winemakers for Implicit and Parallel respectively.

Together, the group tastes through select wines from Implicit and Parallel, offering behind-the-scenes insight into winemaking philosophy, stylistic i...

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 name synonymous with consistency, brand strength, and commercial success in the American wine market. The conversation then shifts to the broader challenges facing today’s wine industry, including changing consumer preferences, generational shifts, market saturation, pricing pr...

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 that have shaped his remarkable career.

The episode features a guided tasting through Nick Goldschmidt’s acclaimed portfolio, beginning with his elegant Russian River Chardonnay and culminating with the powerful and expressive Ultimatum. Along the way, Nick dives into his winemaking journey, discussing how te...

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—each representing a different style, price point, and guest occasion. As the tasting unfolds, the discussion turns reflective, examining the realities of 2025 and the economic, labor, and consumer headwinds facing both the wine and restaurant industries.

Adam, Joe, and Ch...

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 the iconic Chappellet Mountain Cuvée. These “TS wines” anchor a broader conversation about how wine is experienced, evaluated, and shared with today’s consumers.

As the episode unfolds, Adam, Joe, and Chris look back on an ambitious 2025—52 episodes re...

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 sourced locally — including real-world footage of Adam and Joe shopping for the wines at ABC Liquor (and getting politely asked to stop filming). The conversation is honest, unscripted, and exactly how real consumers experience wine buying in the wild...

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 to the ultimate test — tasted blind, judged honestly, and debated openly. The conversation quickly moves beyond the glass as the hosts challenge the traditional 100-point wine rating system, questioning whether numerical scores still matter to modern consumers, restaurants, and wi...

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 explores the realities of launching a wine startup, the lessons learned along the path to growth, and what it truly takes to survive and thrive in today’s competitive wine industry.

Adam and Doug then step int...

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 wine, parenthood, and publishing.

Although no wine is consumed during this episode, the discussion is rich with perspective as Danielle shares the inspiration behind her book, her journey as an author, and how wine culture intersects wi...

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 Sonoma elegance.

With the celebrations underway, the debate heats up fast. First: What’s the superior glass for sparkling wine — the traditional flute or the classic coupe? Expect strong opinions, expert insight, and a few surp...

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 Sonoma elegance.

With the celebrations underway, the debate heats up fast. First: What’s the superior glass for sparkling wine — the traditional flute or the classic coupe? Expect strong opinions, expert insight, and a few surp...

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 known for craftsmanship and character. Between sips, they dive into “The No Plan Plan,” a raw and humorous conversation about spontaneity, leadership, and life in the hospitality industry.

But the real debate ignites when the table turns to K-P...

In Episode 84 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer and business partner Joe Bates raise their glasses in honor of Napa Valley’s legendary winemaking history. As they prepare to host “The History of Napa in 4 Glasses,” a private wine dinner for the Rotary Club District 6970 Wine Fellowship, the two explore four iconic wines that defined generations of craftsmanship and innovation.

Together, Adam and Joe taste through Napa’s legacy:
🍷 Charles Krug – Napa’s first commercial winery and a symbol of California’s pioneering spirit
🍷 Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) Private Reserve Cabernet – a benchmark in American Cabernet exce...

In Episode 83 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer and business partner Joe Bates are joined by two incredible guests — Pablo Alfaro from Pacific Southern Wine Company and Chuck Spelman, VP of Sales for Robert Craig Winery.

Together, the group explores the legendary wines of Robert Craig Winery, known for crafting bold, structured Cabernet Sauvignon sourced primarily from the high-elevation vineyards of Howell Mountain. As they taste through the lineup, the conversation flows from the technical artistry behind mountain-grown fruit to the contrasting elegance of valley floor wines.

The debate heats up as they ta...

In Episode 82 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by his business partner Joe Bates and Marketing & Events Director Emily Dunbar for a special tasting of exclusive SoNapa Wine Club selections.

These wines aren’t available on retail shelves — you can only find them direct-to-consumer (DTC) or directly at the winery. This episode features two iconic Foley Family wineries:

Chateau St. Jean “8555” Red Blend – named after the winery’s historic address, this bold blend is listed at $85.

Ferrari-Carano Viognier & Sangiovese – two stunning expressions of lesser-known varietals, priced at $45 and $55 respectively.

As th...

In Episode 81 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer, business partner Joe Bates, and Marketing & Events Director Emily Dunbar host a captivating conversation with Andrew Hoxsey, proprietor of Ghost Block Winery and a 4th generation Napa Valley grape grower.

Together, they explore the rich history of Bonded Winery #9, one of Napa Valley’s most iconic and historically significant wineries. Andrew shares personal stories about his family’s deep roots in grape growing, the heritage of Ghost Block, and how his family has helped shape Napa’s reputation as a world-class wine region.

The conversation then p...

In this high-energy episode of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by business partner Joe Bates as they host the 4th Annual SoNapa Happy Hour 5K Run in Ormond Beach, Florida! 🏃‍♂️🍷

This special race-day episode brings the excitement of community, hospitality, and wine together. The hosts sit down with a lineup of guests — including Jeep Beach representatives, the Mayor of New Smyrna Beach, and local partners — as they celebrate fitness, fun, and food culture.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Grapes & Debates without wine! 🍇 Adam and Joe sample a stellar lineup from world-class producers...

In Episode 78 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is once again joined by business partner Joe Bates for a head-to-head blind tasting of four bold red wines:

Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Roth Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley, Sonoma)

Chockablock Red Blend (Napa Valley)

The VineKeeper by Bonanza (California)

The duo puts their palates to the test, uncovers which bottle rises to the top, and delivers honest opinions on flavor, structure, and value. 🍇

But this episode doesn’t stop with wine — Adam and Joe dive into a...

In this special edition of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille founder Adam Barringer is joined by longtime friend and fellow triathlete Chad Michaelson in Augusta, Georgia, just ahead of competing in a Half Ironman.

Together, they discuss one of Adam’s favorite wines — Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon — and share stories about training, endurance racing, and the balance between discipline and enjoyment. The conversation naturally turns into a lighthearted debate: Can you be a serious competitive athlete and still enjoy wine?

From the rigors of triathalon preparation to the relaxation of savoring a bold Napa Cabernet, this episod...

In Episode 76 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates explore the art of wine tasting and holiday wine buying. The team kicks things off by sampling a selection of Amici Wines, getting ready for the upcoming Feast of San Gennaro Wine Dinner at SoNapa Grille.

Then, the conversation shifts to a debate every wine lover can relate to: Can you bring a $20 bottle of wine to a holiday party and still be proud of it? The hosts weigh in with real examples — Roth Cabernet Sauvignon, Decoy Merlot, and Chalk Hill Chardonnay — disc...

In Episode 75 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates are joined by Emily Dunbar, Director of Marketing for SoNapa, along with special guest Andrew Hoxsey, owner of Ghost Block Winery in Napa Valley.

Together, they uncork the rich history of the Pelissa family, who have been farming Napa Valley land for more than 120 years, and dive into the story behind Ghost Block’s celebrated wines. Andrew also shares the influential role his grandfather, Andrew Pelissa, played in the creation of the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve, which helped protect the region’s vine...

In Episode 74 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates taste through three incredible wines — Jax Winery Cabernet Franc, Inglenook 1882 Cabernet Sauvignon, and Elizabeth Rose Pinot Noir.

The conversation kicks off with a look at SoNapa’s new menu, featuring exciting changes and an expanded wine list that highlights wines from a variety of Napa Valley AVAs. Using the 5 S’s of wine tasting — See, Swirl, Smell, Sip, and Savor — the hosts break down the flavors, structure, and style of each wine, giving listeners a true behind-the-glass experience.

Then, the debate tur...

In Episode 73 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates are joined by Marketing Director Emily Dunbar for another lively conversation blending wine tasting and bold debates.

The team samples two Napa Valley classics — Sequoia Grove Chardonnay and Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon — while exploring the winemaker’s philosophy behind these beautifully crafted wines. Expect insights into Napa winemaking traditions, tasting notes, and how Sequoia Grove continues to set itself apart in the California wine scene.

Then, the discussion takes a fun twist as the hosts debate the ever-growing list of quirky...

In Episode 72 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates welcome special guest Ray Shaefer, founder of Gravity Architecture + Design and the creative mind behind the design of both SoNapa Grille locations in Ormond Beach and Jacksonville Beach.

Over glasses of Faust Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, the group dives into Ray’s fascinating background as an architect, his transition into hospitality design, and the vision behind creating warm, inviting restaurant spaces that capture the spirit of Napa and Sonoma wine country.

Ray also shares behind-the-scenes stories about some of hi...

In Episode 71 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates are joined by Marketing Director Emily Dunbar for a mix of wine tasting and rapid-fire business talk.

The team samples some of their all-time favorite wines, including:

Joe’s go-to favorite: EOS Pinot Grigio

Adam’s pick: Priest Ranch

Plus an all-star lineup: Roth Cabernet Alexander Valley, Silver Oak Cabernet Alexander Valley, Foley Johnson Napa Valley, Paradigm Oakville, Ghost Block Oakville, Trefethen Oak Knoll, and Frog’s Leap Rutherford.

After the tasting, Emily puts Adam and Joe on...

In Episode 70 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates welcome two industry guests: Andrew Dutell, Northeast Manager for Constellation Brands, and Alyssa Lasky, Regional Sales Representative for Icon Brands within the Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits portfolio.

The conversation kicks off with a tasting of the Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, exploring its hallmark style and connection to the history of Napa winemaking. From there, the group tackles a hot-button industry topic — the recent sale of Woodbridge and Robert Mondavi Private Selection to The Wine Group — and whether these entry-tier wines have dilute...

In this must-listen bonus episode of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Joe Bates are joined by Marketing Director Emily Dunbar and the legendary Tim Hanni — the first American to earn the prestigious title of Master of Wine.

Recorded over Zoom, this dynamic conversation dives into Tim’s incredible journey through the wine and hospitality industry — from his early career to becoming one of the most respected and unconventional voices in the world of wine. Known for challenging long-held industry myths, Tim pulls no punches as he explains why most of what we’ve been taught a...

In Episode 69 of Grapes & Debates, the band is back together! SoNapa Grille founders Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates reunite to sip, swirl, and debate some of the most iconic names in Napa Valley history.

🎙️ Featured Wines:

Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc – A crisp nod to Napa’s pioneering spirit

Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon – A bold classic from Napa’s first commercial winery

Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc – The wine that redefined California Sauvignon Blanc

🍷 As they taste these historic wines, the hosts dive into a passionate debate:

Who had the biggest...

In Episode 69 of Grapes & Debates, the band is back together! SoNapa Grille founders Adam Barringer, Chris Botting, and Joe Bates reunite to sip, swirl, and debate some of the most iconic names in Napa Valley history.

🎙️ Featured Wines:

Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc – A crisp nod to Napa’s pioneering spirit

Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon – A bold classic from Napa’s first commercial winery

Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc – The wine that redefined California Sauvignon Blanc

🍷 As they taste these historic wines, the hosts dive into a passionate debate:

Who had the biggest...

In Episode 68 of Grapes & Debates, SoNapa Grille owners Adam Barringer and Chris Botting welcome a special guest: Justin Botha, Northeast Florida Sales Manager for Caymus Vineyards. This episode features an exclusive tasting of two exciting new releases from the Caymus portfolio — Bonanza Chardonnay and Bonanza “The Vinekeeper” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

These bold new wines deliver the quality and approachability Caymus is known for, and the team gives honest feedback for each. But the conversation doesn’t stop with wine.

After the tasting, the debate heats up: Can you drink wine and still live a fit, hea...