Grapes & Debates

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-vineyard expressions crafted from the same grape, by the same winemaker, using the same production methods, the group dives into what truly sets them apart: terroir. Soil, climate, and place become the deciding voice in a side-by-side comparison that challenges assumptions and sharpens perspective.
This episode is a reminder that sometimes the most compelling debates aren’t about opinion—they’re about nuance.

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 Cabernet Sauvignon. With a perfect 100-point score and crafted by renowned winemaker Jesse Katz, Sign of the Dove is quickly entering the conversation as one of Napa Valley’s newest cult wines.
But what actually makes a “cult wine” today? Is it scores, scarcity, storytelling, or something else entirely?
Michael shares insight into building direct-to-consumer relationships at the highest level, what it takes to position a wine in the luxury tier, and how brands like Sign of the Dove are capturing attention in an increasingly competitive Napa landscape.
Expect thoughtful perspective, a few strong opinions, and a closer look at what separates great wine from truly iconic wine.

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.

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.

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.

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