Meet The Team

Proprietor

MATTHEW AMARAL

A lifelong resident of Barrington, Matt always dreamed of owning a business. Back in 2009 Matt began the public process to end the prohibition and bring a different kind of retail to Barrington. In November of 2011, Matt was awarded the first ever Class A Liquor retail license in the town, and March of 2012, Grapes & Grains opened its doors with the mission to clearly set itself apart from everyday liquor stores where price is parity.

Matt has been exposed to many levels of service within the industry ranging from Marriott, Walt Disney, Capital Grille, Sysco and The Providence Hospitality Group. He has a passion for food and wine and Grapes & Grains allows him to share this passion in his community.

Matt can be reached at mamaral@grapesandgrainsri.com

Operations Coordinator, Wine & Spirit Buyer

NEIL KING

Neil is a native to both Bristol and Providence, with a background in bartending that has helped influence his voracious appetite for knowledge of all things brewed and distilled. Particularly well-versed in craft beer and whiskies, he is expanding his repertoire into the wine world, with a special emphasis on France, Italy, and all varietals / places unique. Having a comfortable rapport with customers, Neil is confident in finding the best products and making unforgettable recommendations for others.

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Neil can be reached at

Beer Buyer & Inventory Manager

Joe Fernandes

Joe is a long time Massachusetts resident who moved to Rhode Island after his service in the Marine Corps. Looking for a career change, he joined the G&G team in late 2018 as a Bottle Shop Assistant. Discovering a new-found passion in an ever changing industry, Joe is took up the role as beer buyer to expand his knowledge base.​

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Joe can be reached at jfernandes@grapesandgrainsri.com

Event Planner / Artisan Buyer

JACQUELYN SCHNEIDER

A Massachusetts native, Jacquelyn is our event planner and artisan, non-alcohol buyer. With a background in managing several popular Boston restaurants, Jacquelyn is service oriented and especially interested in connecting the G&G customers with locally made products, grassroots programs, and local artisans and businesses. As such, Jacquelyn is passionate about biodynamic, natural, and organic wines, ciders, and beers - especially sours.  An avid gardener in her spare time, she also runs a small organic “vegetable garden-share” from her garden throughout the spring and summer months (and currently has plans for a full urban farm in the works).

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Jackie can be reached at

Graphic designer/Brand Strategist

KATHERINE GUNTHER

Katherine grew up in rural Farmington Maine, but after studying design at Roger Williams University, she fell in love with Rhode Island. With a zest for wine, photography, illustration, and graphic design, she is excited to be given the opportunity to think on her feet and also behind her camera.

Katherine can be reached at katguntherdesign@gmail.com

Marketing/Brand Strategist 

SAM CRAIG

Sam, although born in Massachusetts, has lived in Barrington for over ten years. He is a lover of wine with a thirst for knowledge, which he is determined to quench. He views every bottle as a mini-vacation. His charm is asking too many questions. He loves writing, videography and clear, crisp, white wines. Sam is looking forward to Joe teaching him about beer and to getting to know the Grapes & Grains customers better. He is excited for the e-commerce store, but misses talking to people.

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Sam can be reached at samuel.craig@richmond.edu