Exploring Marin’s Artisan Cheese Legacy
By Monica Vanover on AUGUST 12, 2025
Marin County stands as a cornerstone of California’s artisan cheese scene, blending rich agricultural history with a passion for sustainable, handcrafted production. For travelers who appreciate local food culture, Marin offers an immersive experience into the world of premium cheesemaking.
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A short drive away, you’ll find Nicasio Valley Cheese Company, a family-run creamery rooted in Swiss tradition. The Lafranchi family began dairy farming in Marin in 1919 after immigrating from Maggia, Switzerland. In 2010, they founded the creamery to honor their heritage, producing organic, farmstead cheeses under the guidance of a Swiss master cheesemaker. Today, the company is celebrated for its authenticity, quality, and sustainability. Their retail shop, open daily, offers samples of award-winning varieties like their washed-rind San Geronimo and Alpine-style Foggy Morning.
Further along the trail, the Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company offers a deeper dive into the cheesemaking process and the local landscape. The Giacomini family transformed their longtime dairy operation into a renowned artisan creamery in 2000. Their commitment to sustainable practices, community involvement, and culinary education sets them apart. Guests can visit “The Fork,” their culinary education center, for guided tastings and tours. Seasonal events like the “Cheese & Greet” anniversary celebration and communal-style farm brunches highlight the rich connection between land, food, and family.
For those seeking a more curated experience, Food & Farm Tours offers guided behind-the-scenes adventures through Marin and Sonoma’s agricultural gems.
Their Cheese Lover’s Tour provides exclusive access to working dairies and creameries, complete with tastings, farm walks, and gourmet picnics featuring local charcuterie, cheeses, and honey wines. It’s a sensory journey that showcases the passion, people, and place behind Marin’s thriving cheese culture.
Begin your journey at Marin French Cheese Company, the oldest continually operating cheese manufacturer in the United States. Established in 1865, this historic creamery has perfected French-style soft cheeses for over 160 years. Nestled among West Marin’s picturesque hills, the creamery invites visitors to sample its award-winning cheeses, such as the decadent Triple Crème Brie and delicate Petites collection. Beyond the tasting room, guests can relax by a scenic pond, enjoy a picnic under shaded tables, or browse the on-site deli and shop for local goods.
To fully explore Marin’s cheese offerings, use the California Cheese Trail, an interactive map developed by local food advocates Vivien and Michael Straus. The trail connects visitors with creameries across the state and is an invaluable resource for planning farm visits, tastings, and cheese-focused excursions. Printed maps are available at many local cheese shops, and digital versions make trip planning seamless.
Whether you're an epicurean traveler, a locavore, or simply someone who loves a good wedge of brie, Marin County promises an unforgettable journey through the art and heart of artisan cheese. For the best places to stay when in Marin, visit the Marin CVB at visitmarin.org/hotels, and download our new visitor app
Marin County stands as a cornerstone of California’s artisan cheese scene, blending rich agricultural history with a passion for sustainable, handcrafted production. For travelers who appreciate local food culture, Marin offers an immersive experience into the world of premium cheesemaking.
Further along the trail, the Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company offers a deeper dive into the cheesemaking process and the local landscape. The Giacomini family transformed their longtime dairy operation into a renowned artisan creamery in 2000. Their commitment to sustainable practices, community involvement, and culinary education sets them apart. Guests can visit “The Fork,” their culinary education center, for guided tastings and tours. Seasonal events like the “Cheese & Greet” anniversary celebration and communal-style farm brunches highlight the rich connection between land, food, and family.
To fully explore Marin’s cheese offerings, use the California Cheese Trail, an interactive map developed by local food advocates Vivien and Michael Straus. The trail connects visitors with creameries across the state and is an invaluable resource for planning farm visits, tastings, and cheese-focused excursions. Printed maps are available at many local cheese shops, and digital versions make trip planning seamless.