Best Napa Delis
Do not underestimate the importance of hearty food in the middle of your wine tasting day.
It is easy to get caught up in the fun of the day, and in the "filling" feeling of drinking red wine, but do so at your own peril. Part of the benefit of hiring a driver is hiring someone to help keep you balanced, fed, and hydrated so you can enjoy the day (and evening!).
The good news is, the standards at Wine Country Delis are as high as at our restaurants, so it's a pleasure to refuel mid-day if you know where to look.
As wine tour hosts, we often run to a deli to pick up sandwiches for guests while they are wine tasting, so that guests don't have to wait in cumbersome lines and the day can flow smoothly.
Picnic permits are very limited in Napa, so always check with wineries, or assume off-site food is not allowed at wineries. Some delis have picnic areas available, and other guests choose to enjoy their sandwiches on the go or in a local park.
Best Delis in Napa Valley (from South to North)
Carneros
Stanley Lane Smokehouse
This is Old School Napa. They smoke their meat all day long. There is a picnic or simple indoor dining area to enjoy your sandwiches and chips. No frills, but good solid BBQ options.
Stanley Lane is owned by a long-time Napa family that also runs Napa's local pumpkin patch and Christmas tree lot on site, so you get a glimpse into a beloved Napa community spot.
Downtown Napa
The Oxbow Market
An Indoor Marketplace with many food purveyors, there are numerous options for great food. Gott’s Roadside (See St. Helena Delis) is a more time-consuming stop without pre-ordering, but C Casa for tacos, the wine/cheese/charcuterie shop, Hot Island Oysters, C Casa Tacos, Empanadas, Sushi, Steaks grilled to order, Wood-fired pizza, and of course Kara’s Cupcakes offer many worthy lunch options.
Yountville Area
Soda Canyon Store
A wine country deli for visitors and locals alike, Soda Canyon makes a heart sandwich. Order in advance and they'll package up box lunches to enjoy while wine tasting.
Addendum
Famed chef Thomas Keller (of the French Laundry, Bouchon, and Ad Hoc) offers the famous fried chicken from Ad Hoc as a take out lunch option or enjoy it in their garden location. It's a delicious option for fried chicken lovers.
Mid-Valley
Oakville Grocery
California's oldest continuously operated grocery store since 1881, Oakville Grocery is now filled with delicious things to eat and drink and shaded picnic tables to picnic on site. Deli sandwiches, baguette/cheese/charcuterie, salads, chips, and even wood-fired pizza are all satisfying options.
Oakville Grocery gets busy on Saturdays or during peak season, so consider ordering ahead or else plan a little extra time.
V Sattui
Picnic permits are hard to come by in Napa Valley. V Sattui, conveniently located on Highway 29 is one of the few wineries where you can picnic and enjoy a bottle of wine. No outside food or drink is allowed, but the winery has an extensive Italian-styled delicatessen with a great selection of cheeses and prosciutto as well as sandwiches made to order and desserts including treats from Bouchon Bakery.
On weekends there is a food truck and BBQ. It is a popular destination for families with kids.
Gary’s Deli
Not nearly as crowded as the Oakville Grocery, Gary's Deli is a solid stop for wonderful deli sandwiches, salads, and sides.
St. Helena
Gott’s Roadside
A walk-up classic roadside burger and fries stop with picnic tables out back, Gott’s has been a classic Napa food stop since 1957 (then called Taylor’s Refresher). Have a pint or some wine and relax with a casual picnic. The line can be long as it’s an iconic Napa “must visit” spot. Sometimes they allow online orders in advance, which is worth checking.
Sunshine Foods
A stone’s throw from Gott’s is St. Helena’s independent grocery store, Sunshine Foods. You can call in an order for a deli sandwich and pick it up, or choose to make a picnic from their gourmet salads and cheese selection to enjoy in the public park further North on Main Street.
North of St. Helena
Brasswood Deli
If you want a quick deli stop, Brasswood Deli is a great option for pre-made sandwiches, muffins, pizzas. If you have an hour, getting reservations at Brasswood Restaurant can be a great choice, too.
Calistoga
Palisades Eatery
Place your sandwich order in advance, and enjoy it indoors or on their outdoor patio. They do tableside service after ordering at the counter, but ordering ahead can keep things rolling.
Buster’s BBQ
Authentic Louisiana BBQ in California since 1965. Walk up and place your order or call in advance. Enjoy BBQ indoors or on picnic tables outside. It doesn’t get more authentic than Buster’s, and when they say spicy sausage, they mean it.
Cal-Mart
It’s not fancy, but Cal-Mart serves classic, hearty deli sandwiches worth enjoying at an astounding value for wine country. A favorite sandwich spot for locals, call ahead to place an order in the deli of this locally operated supermarket. If you prefer hearty to fancy and like classic fixins’, it may be the stop for you.