The Debate

Todd Kerlin

Napa Valley, CA

Featured:

Wednesday, May 6, 2026: Congress Has Heart Reception & Collectors Dinner
Saturday, May 9, 2026: Grand Tasting Reception

THE DEBATE is more than wine, it is a spark, an invitation, and a reason to linger at the table a little longer. Created to provoke dialogue, stir curiosity, and bring people together, it is not about reaching agreement, but about understanding one another. 

Founded in 2010, THE DEBATE was never meant to follow trends or take the easy road. It was born from a desire to reclaim something timeless and essential: the art of meaningful conversation. Wine has always had a voice; THE DEBATE simply gives it a stage. 

At its core is a trio of single-vineyard wines, each crafted by the same winemaker to reveal the distinct personality of its place. Three vineyards. Three expressions. Three viewpoints shaped by the soil itself. Every bottle becomes an argument for terroir, offering a clear lens into how land, climate, and perspective shape what’s in the glass. 

Each wine invites a moment to pause, to wonder, and to engage. Opening a bottle of THE DEBATE means stepping into a space where curiosity leads, ideas are shared freely, and connection becomes the reward. 

Winemaker Jean Hoefliger has been crafting wines in Napa Valley since 2001 and partnered with his longtime friend Rob McKay to bring THE DEBATE to life. Jean’s uncompromising approach pushes every vineyard and every vintage to its fullest potential, resulting in wines that are authentic, expressive, and deeply compelling.