Although a few vintners call Marin home, this region lacks the vineyards and wineries of its northern neighbors, Napa and Sonoma. But what Marin does have is plenty of cows (and some sheep and goats) supplying the raw ingredients for artisanal cheeses. There are also several farms producing everything from olive oil to organic produce.
A tour and tasting of various cheese producers and other gourmet food retailers in the region is just as fun as sipping Chardonnays. Furthermore, there's no need for designated driving. Below is a list of places worth the calories.
Cuisine Perel specializes in condiments. Not ketchup and pickle relish, but infused oils, dipping sauces, pourable chocolate sauces....
You can find their products at upscale food stores nationwide, but if you visit the shop in San Rafael (3100 Kerner Blvd.), they have it all in one place. They are happy to give lectures on Grapeseed Oil, a tasty oil which makes Olive Oil look like Lard, heath-wise.
Marin French Cheese Company is located just on the Marin-Sonoma border. They've been in business over a century producing French style Brie and Camembert, under the "Rouge et Noir" label. Being in California, they've lost some of the Gallic stiffness and produce a few funky flavored varieties- Pesto, Peppercorn, Jalapeno, Garlic...
They offer periodic free factory tours and have a nice tasting room with their products on sale, as well as breads, salami, and other makings for a picnic. Take your purchases outside to their barbeque area and enjoy lunch under the trees.
(Directions: Hwy. 101 North to Novato. Take last exit, San Marin Drive. Turn left on San Marin Drive and drive about 2 miles to Novato Blvd. At stop sign, turn right on Novato Blvd. WEST. Drive approx. 7 miles to Petaluma - Pt. Reyes Rd. Turn left and drive about 1/4 mile: 7500 Red Hill Road. If you get lost you can always call them: (707) 762-6001)
Cowgirl Creamery, located in Point Reyes Station, acts as a distributor for many artisanal cheese producers. They have a mix of cow, sheep and goat cheese. For those who love the latter, try the Humboldt Fog, a semi-firm chevre with a layer of ash in the middle.
Also on sale there is the new local favorite - Point Reyes Original Blue, California's first Blue Cheese. Produced at the Giacomini Ranch just across the street from Tomales Bay, the cold, salty fog helps give the cheese its tang. The family has only recently started selling (this is their only product)to consumers, but if you have the foresight, you might be able to arrange a tour if you contact them at either or info@pointreyescheese.com
Contact info: Cowgirl Creamery 80 4th Street, just off Hwy 1. (415) 663-9335.
R. Giacomini Dairy, 14700 Hwy 1, Point Reyes Station, (800) 591-6878