Date Published: April 1, 2025
Author: Samnzar Smoke Shack Team
Category: Press & Features

A Quiet Masterpiece Along Bodega Highway

At Samnzar Smoke Shack, we’ve always believed that great food speaks for itself—but it’s an honor when others speak up too.

In a recent FoodCritics.io feature titled “3 Unexpected Perks and Opportunities Food Critics Experience,” writer and designer Abby Michelle described her discovery of our Sonoma County smoked salmon as one of the highlights of Wine Country.

“The first bite is revelation. A delicate crust gives way to impossibly tender flesh, layered with deep, smoky complexity. The balance of woodsmoke, ocean brine, and natural richness is seamless.”
— Abby Michelle, FoodCritics.io

More Than a Meal—It’s an Artform

Abby captured the essence of our work here at Samnzar—from the slow curing process to the final moment when each wild-caught fillet leaves the smoker. Owner and master curer Greg brings more than 50 years of tradition to every cut.

“This wasn’t just a meal; it was a glimpse into a disappearing world, where food is still crafted with patience and respect.”

That timeless method is what makes our Gold Sealed Smoked Salmon a true Wine Country treasure. It’s smoked in small batches, using alderwood and hand-trimmed Pacific salmon.

Best Paired with Sonoma’s Finest

Whether you’re planning a holiday gift box, setting up a picnic, or entertaining friends with a cheese board pairing pack, our smoked seafood is made to elevate the moment.

Abby recommends enjoying it with a crisp Sonoma Chardonnay or velvety Pinot Noir. When combined with our signature smoke, it creates a uniquely local tasting experience that honors both land and sea.