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The SoNapa Grille Story

Why SoNapa Was Founded

SoNapa Grille was founded on a shared passion for wine and the belief that great wine has the power to bring people together. What began as conversations among friends about creating a wine-focused dining experience quickly evolved into something much more meaningful—a place where relationships are built, memories are created, and community is celebrated.

Inspired by two of the greatest growing regions in the world, Sonoma County and Napa Valley wineries, the founders envisioned a restaurant where guests could enjoy exceptional wines, chef-inspired cuisine, and genuine hospitality in a warm and inviting setting. Rather than simply serving food and wine, SoNapa was created to transport guests to Wine Country and provide an experience centered on connection, conversation, and discovery.

Today, SoNapa Grille has grown into a regional restaurant group, but its purpose remains unchanged: to delight our guests and create lasting memories. Every location reflects the spirit of Wine Country—a place where great wine, exceptional cuisine, and meaningful moments are meant to be shared.

Bottle of wine and appetizer

Our Mission & Core Values

Our Mission, Our Values, Our Promise

At SoNapa Grille, our mission is simple:

To delight our guests and create lasting memories.

Everything we do—from the wines we pour and the dishes we prepare to the way we welcome guests through our doors—is guided by this purpose. We believe great hospitality is about more than food and wine. It's about creating meaningful experiences that bring people together.

You'll often hear our slogan:

TASTE. TOAST. TOGETHER.

For our guests, it captures the essence of the SoNapa experience—sharing exceptional wines, chef-inspired cuisine, and memorable moments with family and friends.

For our team, however, TASTE means something even more important. It serves as the foundation of our culture and the values that guide our decisions every day.

T.A.S.T.E.

Trust
We build lasting relationships through honesty, integrity, and accountability.

Allegiance
We are loyal to our guests, our teammates, and our commitment to excellence.

Strength
We embrace challenges, support one another, and continually strive to improve.

Teamwork
We believe great hospitality is achieved when people work together toward a common goal.

Excellence
We pursue the highest standards in food, wine, service, and every guest interaction.

These values shape the way we hire, train, lead, and serve. They define the culture within our restaurants and help ensure every guest experiences the warmth, hospitality, and Wine Country spirit that make SoNapa Grille unique.

Whether you're joining us for a casual evening, celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a glass of wine with friends, or attending one of our events, our mission remains the same:

Taste. Toast. Together.
Delighting guests and creating lasting memories—one experience at a time.

Meet the Partners

What started with a passion for wine and hospitality has grown into one of Northeast Florida's most recognized independent restaurant groups.

SoNapa Grille was founded by Adam Barringer, whose love for the wines of Sonoma County and Napa Valley inspired a vision to bring the Wine Country experience to Florida. What began as a single restaurant has evolved into a growing family of locations built around exceptional wines, chef-inspired cuisine, and genuine hospitality.

Along the way, Adam was joined by lifelong friend Chris Botting, culinary school graduate, entrepreneur, and fellow wine enthusiast. Together, they shared a belief that great food, great wine, and meaningful conversation have the power to bring people together.

As SoNapa continued to grow, Eddie Gallagher, who has worked alongside Adam since the early years of his career, became an integral part of the company's success. After nearly two decades helping lead operations and culture as General Manager, Eddie became a partner, bringing his passion for hospitality and dedication to guests and team members alike.

In 2020, Joe Bates joined the partnership as Director of Operations. Known for his leadership, operational expertise, and commitment to service excellence, Joe helped strengthen the foundation for SoNapa's continued growth.

Together, Adam, Chris, Eddie, and Joe share a common passion for exceptional wine, genuine hospitality, community involvement, and living life to its fullest. Their collective vision continues to guide SoNapa Grille as it expands throughout Florida while remaining true to its mission:

To delight our guests and create lasting memories.

The Story Behind JACE Cellars

Their friendship and shared passion for wine eventually led to another venture: JACE Cellars, SoNapa's own wine brand.

The name JACE is an acronym created from the first names of the four partners:

Joe
Adam
Chris
Eddie

More than just a wine label, JACE Cellars represents the friendship, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit that helped build SoNapa Grille. It is a reflection of the same values that guide the restaurant group today—bringing people together through great wine, great food, and unforgettable experiences.

SoNapa Grille Instagram

Follow us @sonapagrille
🎉 Did you get the gift cards yet? 🎁 Buy $50, Get a $10 Bonus Card! 💳 This month only! Don’t miss out on this amazing deal! 
www.sonapa.comBring your favorite people together at SoNapa this Christmas! 🎄✨ Enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with delicious food, great drinks, and unforgettable memories. Gather your loved ones to celebrate the season in style. Don’t miss out on the holiday cheer—reserve your spot today! 
https://www.sonapa.com/private-dining
events@sonapa.com
#SoNapa #ChristmasCelebration #GatherTogether #HolidayFun #FestiveVibes🍷✨ #BeAWineHero - No Grape Left Behind! 🌍💚 Join us in our mission to ensure that every grape finds its purpose. Together, we can reduce waste and celebrate the beauty of winemaking. Share your favorite ways to enjoy wine responsibly and tag us! Let's toast to a greener future! 🥂🌿 #BeAWinehero #WineLovers🍝✨ This weekend at The Shores the art of making fresh pasta! 🍽️ 

#FreshPasta #TheShores #FoodieFun #PastaLovers #CulinaryExperience🎁 Give the Gift of SoNapa Grille this November! 🎉 

For a limited time only, when you buy a $50 gift card, you’ll receive a $10 bonus card to treat yourself or someone special. 🍽️❤️ 

www.sonapa.com

Don’t miss out on this perfect opportunity to share the delicious flavors of SoNapa with your loved ones!🎉 Special Offer Alert! 🎉 This November only, when you buy $50 worth of products, you'll get an extra $10 off your purchase! 🛍️ Don't miss out on this fantastic deal to save more while shopping for your favorites! Hurry, this offer won't last long! 💰✨ 
www.sonapa.comHappy Veteran's Day! 🎖️ Today, we honor and thank all the brave men and women who have served our country. Your sacrifices and dedication do not go unnoticed. From all of us at SoNapa Grille, we appreciate you! 🇺🇸 #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #SoNapaGrilleHappy Veteran's Day! 🎖️ Today, we honor and thank all the brave men and women who have served our country. Your sacrifices and dedication do not go unnoticed. From all of us at SoNapa Grille, we appreciate you! 🇺🇸 #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #SoNapaGrilleWe've Got Wine, who needs tomorrow? 🍷✨ Join us at SoNapa Grille for a delightful evening filled with great food and even better company. Why don’t you stay and make tonight unforgettable? Cheers! 🥂 #SoNapaGrille #WineLovers #GoodVibesOnly #CheersToTonight
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