Grapes & Debates

Adam Barringer
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We will drink wine and debate a varietal of issues facing the restaurant & wine industries

  1. 22 HR AGO

    Episode 106: Can You Still Build a Profitable Winery From Scratch in Napa Valley?

    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 real cost of entering the Napa wine business in 2025 The advantage (and pressure) of legacy brands Whether storytelling and direct-to-consumer can level the playing field The role of land, time, and capital in long-term success What “profitable” even means in modern wine It’s part reality check, part thought experiment—and a conversation that challenges both romantic and practical views of the industry.

    34 min

  2. 22 MAR

    Judgment of Paris Revisited: Napa Legends Put to the Test

    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 the stage for an upcoming pairing dinner inspired by Chez Panisse and Alice Waters, connecting classic wines with thoughtful, seasonal cuisine.

    25 min

  3. 22 MAR

    Episode 104: Inside Caymus with Market Manager Justin Botha

    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 Caymus partnership, including the year-long Member Monday feature every third Monday, highlighting how collaboration brings the brand directly to the table.

    19 min

  4. 16 MAR

    Episode 103: Grapes & Debates | Reynolds Family Winery & Penta Tequila with Founder Steve Reynolds | Napa Valley Wine & Premium Tequila Tasting

    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 Napa Valley wines. The conversation begins with a sampling of Penta Cristalino Tequila and Penta Reposado Tequila, where Steve shares the craftsmanship, philosophy, and innovation behind one of the most exciting tequila brands in the premium spirits market. From there, the conversation shifts to Napa Valley as Steve walks through the story behind Reynolds Family Winery, one of Napa’s respected boutique producers known for elegant, expressive wines that reflect the character of the valley’s terroir. Adam, Joe, and Steve explore the journey of building a wine brand in Napa, the challenges and opportunities in modern winemaking, and what it takes to craft wines that truly stand out. Steve Reynolds is not only a successful entrepreneur but also an incredible storyteller. Throughout the episode he shares fascinating insights about his career, the inspiration behind launching both a Napa Valley winery and a tequila brand, and what it takes to succeed in two highly competitive industries. If you love Napa Valley wines, premium tequila, winemaker stories, and behind-the-scenes conversations from the wine and restaurant world, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and great drinks. In this episode: • The story behind Penta Tequila Cristalino & Reposado • Inside Reynolds Family Winery in Napa Valley • How Steve Reynolds built two premium beverage brands • Tasting premium tequila and Napa Valley wines • Entrepreneurship in the wine and spirits industry • The art of storytelling in hospitality and winemaking About Grapes & Debates Grapes & Debates is the podcast presented by SoNapa Grille, where wine, hospitality, and bold conversations come together. Hosted by SoNapa founders Adam Barringer and Joe Bates, each episode features tastings with winemakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs while debating topics that shape the restaurant and wine industries. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, hospitality professional, entrepreneur, or tequila lover, this episode offers a rare look into the passion and craftsmanship behind great beverages. 🍷 Featured in this episode: Reynolds Family Winery | Napa Valley Wine | Penta Tequila | Cristalino Tequila | Reposado Tequila

    52 min

  5. 8 MAR ·  VIDEO

    Episode 102: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | ZD Wines Tasting + From Busser to Partner | Daytona Beach Shores New Location

    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 Wine Club Wines of the Month, were recently poured as the Member Monday complimentary tasting, and will host SoNapa wine club members during a special trip to Napa Valley later this year. As the glasses fill, the conversation shifts to a powerful full-circle story. Joe Bates shares how this very building once housed a Red Lobster where he worked as a busser, years before becoming a partner in SoNapa Grille. The discussion highlights the realities of the hospitality industry — how hard work, persistence, and dedication can transform a career from the ground floor to restaurant ownership. Listeners and viewers also get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a restaurant from scratch. After the episode wraps, Adam takes viewers on a walk-through of the property, revealing the massive demolition underway and the early stages of transforming the space into the next SoNapa Grille location. This episode blends Napa Valley wine tasting, restaurant entrepreneurship, hospitality leadership, and an inspiring industry success story — making it a must-listen for wine lovers, restaurant professionals, and anyone interested in the journey behind building a restaurant brand. 🍷 Featured Winery: ZD Wines (Napa Valley) 🏗 Location: Future SoNapa Grille – Daytona Beach Shores 🎙 Hosts: Adam Barringer & Joe Bates 👨‍🍳 Guest: Nick Antalek Topics in this episode include: • ZD Wines Napa Valley tasting • SoNapa Grille Wine Club wines of the month • Restaurant expansion and opening a new location • Joe Bates’ journey from busser to restaurant partner • Behind-the-scenes look at restaurant demolition and development • Hospitality leadership and career growth in the restaurant industry • Wine culture and restaurant wine programs About Grapes & Debates Grapes & Debates is the podcast from SoNapa Grille, where wine, hospitality, and real-world restaurant conversations collide. Hosted by SoNapa founders and industry leaders, each episode features wine tastings with winemakers and insiders alongside honest debates about the restaurant business, leadership, and wine culture.

    29 min

  6. 1 MAR ·  VIDEO

    Episode 101: Grapes & Debates | Grgich Hills Estate Deep Dive | Judgment of Paris Legacy & Napa Valley Icons

    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 Grgich — the legendary winemaker behind Château Montelena’s Chardonnay that stunned the world at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Listeners will gain insight into: The difference between Sauvignon Blanc and Fumé Blanc Napa Valley terroir and winemaking philosophy The legacy of Grgich Hills Estate The historical significance of the Judgment of Paris (1976) How Reserve wines are crafted and what makes them exceptional Distribution, brand positioning, and working with Breakthru Beverage Then, true to the spirit of Grapes & Debates, the discussion turns strategic — examining how iconic Napa brands maintain relevance, how wine storytelling drives restaurant sales, and what hospitality leaders can learn from legacy wineries. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, sommelier, restaurant owner, or hospitality professional, Episode 101 delivers education, history, tasting notes, and business insight — all in one compelling conversation. If you love Napa Valley wine, Grgich Hills Estate, Château Montelena history, the Judgment of Paris, or behind-the-scenes industry conversations — this is a must-listen episode. Subscribe to Grapes & Debates for weekly wine tastings, restaurant leadership conversations, and unfiltered debates from the hospitality front lines. #GrapesAndDebates #SoNapaGrille #GrgichHills #NapaValleyWine #JudgmentOfParis #MikeGrgich #Chardonnay #CabernetSauvignon #WinePodcast #WineEducation #RestaurantLeadership #HospitalityPodcast #BreakthruBeverage #WineIndustry

    42 min

  7. 23 FEB ·  VIDEO

    Episode 100: Grapes & Debates | Clos du Val Legacy | 100 Episodes Strong | Napa’s Judgment of Paris Icon

    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 conversation goes deep into the rich history of Clos du Val, a winery forever etched into Napa Valley’s legacy as one of only six red wines selected to represent Napa in the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris — the blind tasting that shocked the wine world and helped cement Napa Valley’s place among the great wine regions of the globe. In this milestone episode, Adam and Joe explore: What it means to steward a multi-generational Napa winery The responsibility of preserving heritage while innovating for the future How Clos du Val balances structure, elegance, and longevity in its winemaking Why legacy wineries still matter in today’s evolving wine industry Episode 100 is more than a celebration — it’s a reminder that greatness in wine, like greatness in business, is built over time through discipline, vision, and commitment to craft. Whether you’re a Napa Cabernet lover, a Sauvignon Blanc enthusiast, a hospitality professional, or someone who appreciates the intersection of wine and entrepreneurship, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and a taste of history in every pour. 🎉 Thank you for helping us reach 100 episodes. The debate continues.

    42 min

  8. 15 FEB ·  VIDEO

    Episode 99: Grapes & Debates | 1994 Silver Oak vs 2019 Silver Oak | Wine, Art & Legacy

    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 the cultural heartbeat of New Smyrna Beach. Richard shares insight into the arts community, the mission of The Hub on Canal, and the capital campaign he is leading to strengthen the city’s creative future. The discussion bridges wine, hospitality, leadership, philanthropy, and community impact — the very pillars of what Grapes & Debates represents. This episode is essential listening for: • Napa Valley & Sonoma County wine lovers • Silver Oak collectors and Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts • Restaurant owners and hospitality leaders • Wine club members and aging-wine aficionados • Supporters of the arts in New Smyrna Beach If you’ve ever wondered how a 1994 Cabernet holds up against a modern 2019 vintage — or whether you should decant a mature bottle — this episode delivers real-time tasting insights, expert debate, and powerful storytelling. Subscribe for weekly conversations exploring Napa Valley wines, Sonoma County wines, restaurant leadership, hospitality culture, and bold debates that go beyond the bottle. #GrapesAndDebates #SilverOak #AlexanderValley #NapaValley #CabernetSauvignon #AgedWine #WineTasting #WinePodcast #SoNapaGrille #WineClub #DecantingWine #HospitalityLeadership #NewSmyrnaBeach #TheHubOnCanal #RestaurantPodcast #WineEducation

    39 min
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About

We will drink wine and debate a varietal of issues facing the restaurant & wine industries

Information

  • Creator
    Adam Barringer
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Grapes & Debates

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