One of my favorite tricks for finding wonderful spots to taste wine is to ask tasting room managers and workers where they would take guests if they could choose only one spot in the Napa Valley. Not only do the locals know the best spots off the beaten path, they also know where to stop without risk of being trampled by busloads of tourists charging toward the tasting bars, holding empty glasses in their outstretched hands, not even caring WHAT fills the glass, just hurry up and fill it with something!
I hate that scene at a winery, and I hate it at restaurants as well. Just as with wineries, there are particular places that are “The Place You Must Visit” when you’re touring the Napa Valley. You and a thousand other people, all with the same idea. Good luck getting a reservation. And when you do… can we be real for a moment… do you REALLY want to spend $35 on a single scallop sitting all alone on three arugula leaves, with big lines of Balsamic vinegar flung back and forth across it as if to hide the fact that this bite-sized morsel is sitting all alone in the middle of a huge, empty dinner plate? If you do… let’s not dine together. I expect a little more for my money, and frankly, lovely crusty Italian bread is much better dipped in virgin olive oil than snooty reputation, which always leaves a bitter aftertaste. And credit card bill.
If you’re looking for long, luxurious fine dining, great. But what if what you just want something yummy and filling midday, to break up your morning and afternoon tasting adventures? Do I have the spot for you: the Soda Canyon Store, conveniently located on one of my favorite wine tasting routes, the Silverado Trail. A Del Dotto tasting room employee turned me on to the Soda Canyon Store awhile back, and said this was where all the employees went when their stomachs were growling. Such fantastic advice, not only because the food is outstanding, but also because we were in the valley to taste wine — not to sit in a restaurant for half the day.
The Soda Canyon Store isn’t huge, and sometimes there’s a bit of a line as you go to the deli counter to make your selections. Just be patient, chat with your friends and wait for your turn. It’s worth it. The sandwiches are simply superb. My very favorite is roast beef and Brie on a ciabatta bun… it is heaven. It is one of those sandwiches you will suddenly crave, and may even decide to hop in the car and drive all the way over there just to have one of those sandwiches. (Guilty. Drove more than an hour just for that. Totally guilty. It was worth it and I make no apologies.)
Besides the sandwiches, there’s a cornucopia of side dishes — pasta and potato salad and anything else you might want — freshly made. Their menu is a chalkboard, so the menu items may change from time to time, but it’s all fresh. After your order is ready, you can then cruise through the store and select chips or cookies, beverages, and of course, wine. And wine-related gifts (even if they’re for yourself). Looking for some cute things to take home? Stock up on for birthday or Christmas presents? This is a great spot.
So, next time you need some non-alcohol fortification for your wine adventures, stop by the Soda Canyon Store. If you order the last roast beef and brie sandwich, I will punch you.
Enjoy!
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The Soda Canyon Store is located at 4006 Silverado Trail in Napa. The phone number is 707.252.0285. Email them at info@sodacanyonstore.com. Their hours are Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.