Meet The Team

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

Proprietor

MATTHEW AMARAL

Debbie, a San Francisco native and Rhode Island transplant, is Grapes & Grain’s Wine Manager. Her love for food and travel led to her interest in wines, which she whole heartedly pursued after working six plus years in the marketing & advertising world. Debbie solidified her passion on the vine after working her first wine harvest in Sonoma County.

Previous to staining her hands with Pinot Noir, she was the lead sommelier at a wine shop in Barcelona where she became an expert (and #1 fan) in Spanish wines. She holds a WSET Level 2 distinction, actively working toward Level 3, aimed at maintaining a fresh outlook on the diverse world of wine for all palates. In her free time, Debbie enjoys traveling with friends and family, experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, chasing sunsets, and hunting for idyllic picnic spots along the coast. Don’t be shy, come in and ask her to pour you a new favorite!

Debbie can be reached at 

Wine Manager

DEBBIE LAWRENCE

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 Manager

NEIL KING

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

Event Planner / Artisan Buyer

JACQUELYN SCHNEIDER

Jon grew up in the East Bay and has always had a love of the arts, culture, and design.  While studying photography and history at the University of Vermont, Jon fell in love with the craft beer and cocktail scene of Burlington. Combing two of his passions, Jon handles all things digital and design at G&G, including the newsletter and blog.  Whether it's finding the perfect gin for your cocktail or promoting local innovators, Jon is here to help.  

Jon can be reached at jdeangelis@grapesandgrainsri.com

Brand Strategist / Marketing

JONATHAN DEANGELIS