Located among the redwood trees as you turn into Korbel California Champagne Cellars on River Road, you’ll find one of the best kept secrets along the Russian River: the Korbel Delicatessen & Market. The setting alone—surrounded by those massive old redwoods—makes it feel like a genuine escape from the usual tourist corridor.

The deli side is where you’ll spend most of your time. The gourmet sandwiches are substantial and actually good, not the kind of thing where you’re paying for the name. Their handcrafted salads rotate seasonally, and the prepared items in the deli case change regularly so there’s reason to come back. They do box lunches if you’re planning a longer Russian River exploration, and they’ve got afternoon wine snacks if you want to graze without committing to a full meal.

The market portion stocks some genuinely nice finds—artisan cheeses you won’t see everywhere, quality baguettes from local bakeries, French chocolates and candies, house-made soft drinks, and Russian River Ale if you want something local. Obviously they carry Korbel’s own champagne and wines, plus a curated selection of others. If you’re the type who browses, the gourmet cookbooks and epicurean gift items are well-chosen enough that you might actually find something worth taking home.

The main draw for you and your dog is the designated dog-friendly picnic area. It’s a real spot where you can sit with your sandwich and a drink while your dog hangs out nearby under the redwoods. It’s not fancy or elaborate, but that’s kind of the point—it’s practical and genuinely pleasant in a way that feels less choreographed than some other dog-friendly spots. The whole place has that rare quality of being casual without trying too hard to be casual. Bring cash; they accept it and cards, but cash moves faster during lunch.