Soča Wine Shop & Bar is Open!
Soča Wine Shop & Bar may be our newest business in downtown White Salmon, but the owners are anything but new to creating memorable, tasty, and authentic experiences. Bethany Kimmel, the owner of The Color Collector, Jure Poberaj, and Nina Jimenez, owners of the White Salmon Baking Co, have joined forces to create Soča.
The Concept of Soča
Soča, pronounced So-Cha, is a concept that brings wine retail, hospitality, and dining under the same roof. It is a natural evolution for Jure, Nina, and Bethany, who as a team, have experience in all aspects of food and wine. “My first job in wine was at a small shop and bar in Jackson, WY,” says Bethany. “While my work and education since 2011 have focused on winemaking, I always dreamed about creating a place where a community could come together to share and enjoy inspiring wines.” When Jure and Nina of the White Salmon Baking Company approached her about collaborating on a wine bar and bottle shop, it was the perfect opportunity to make it a reality.
From Slovenia to the Columbia River Gorge
Soča is named for the Soča River in northeastern Italy and western Slovenia, near where Jure Poberaj was born. “Not only is it one of the most beautiful rivers in the world, but it was also where Jure’s dad coached the local “kajak klub” and where Jure learned the sport that would eventually bring him to the Columbia River Gorge,” explains Bethany. The Soča and White Salmon Rivers are sisters in the concept of Soča.
The Columbia River Gorge is an exciting place for wine right now. As a region, it feels defined by energy, growth, and a unique sense of place. Plus you can’t ski and kite on the same day in Burgundy. We all love the wine, community, and lifestyle of the Gorge, and we’re excited to be part of it in a new way with Soča. ~Bethany Kimmel
Wines from Around the World
Soča Wine Shop & Bar is where flavor and curiosity rule, and there is always something new to smell, taste, and discover. “It is part wine library, part community gathering place, drawing inspiration from enotecas [an Italian word to describe regional wine shops] and local wine shops in other winegrowing regions around the world,” explains Bethany. Whether shopping for a case of wine or having a glass, stepping inside Soča is to step outside your day and be welcomed to the world of surprise and delight that wine offers to all senses.
Soča has glass pours, flights, and an extensive retail selection of wines from around the world. Whether you are just beginning to learn about wines or are a wine collector, Soča has you covered. “In my experience, working in a small community like White Salmon gives you a unique opportunity to get to know people’s tastes and wine preferences. This, combined with Jure’s personal and extensive knowledge of the wines of Italy and my work with the broad selection at E&R Wine Shop in Portland, creates an environment where everyone is welcome, and whatever your interest in wine, we are here for you,” says Bethany.
All of us involved in Soča are winemakers ourselves, so farming philosophies, cellar practices, and the people behind the wines matter to us. We are interested in classic and traditionally well-regarded wines as well as innovative new styles, reemerging grape varieties and everything in between~Bethany Kimmel
Wine and Bites
We all know just how good EVERYTHING is at White Salmon Baking Company. Now be prepared for expertly designed bites by Jure and Nina to accompany your wine. When we stopped in, we tried the 3-year house-cured prosciutto plate with White Salmon Baking baguette and the celery & date salad with Parmigiano, Marcona almonds, and lemon vinaigrette. We paired the delicious bites with the 2020 Agnes Paquet Hautes Cotes de Beaune for an overall divine experience.
Downtown White Salmon is fast becoming a wine, food, and beer destination. Join us!
Soča Wine Shop & Bar
120 N. Main Ave., White Salmon, WA 98672
Thursday – Sunday 12-8
