Episode 83: Grapes & Debates | SoNapa Grille | Robert Craig Winery & the Ultimate Mountain vs. Valley Showdown

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 tackle one of the most iconic questions in California winemaking:👉 Does mountain fruit or valley floor produce the superior Cabernet Sauvignon? Expect expert insights, tasting notes, and a few laughs as this crew uncorks the truth about terroir, elevation, and winemaking philosophy. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, hospitality pro, or collector, this episode offers a masterclass in what makes Napa’s mountain fruit so distinct — and why the valley floor still holds its own. 🍷 Featured Wines:Selections from Robert Craig Winery, highlighting Howell Mountain and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. 📍 Recorded at SoNapa Grille, where the passion for Napa and Sonoma wines meets Florida hospitality. 🔔 Subscribe to Grapes & Debates for weekly episodes blending wine education, restaurant leadership, and unfiltered conversations that celebrate the art and business of hospitality.