Navigating Marin's Artisan Cheese Trail

If you are a cheese lover then Marin County is calling you! Home to some of California’s most celebrated creameries, Marin offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and craft of artisan cheesemaking. From the historic Marin French Cheese Company to the family-run Nicasio Valley Cheese Company and the iconic Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company, each stop offers more than just cheese—it’s a story, a tradition, and a taste of Marin’s best.

Looking for a local’s touch? You can also book a guided adventure with Food and Farm Tours to make the most of this delicious journey.

Just say “Cheese Please” to begin your Marin County cheese experience!

Marin French Cheese Company: Where History Meets Flavor

If you’re looking to taste a piece of history, Marin French Cheese Company is the place to start. Established in 1865, it’s the oldest cheese company in the United States and has been perfecting French-style cheesemaking in Marin for over 160 years, with 2025 being their marker year. Visitors can sample award-winning cheeses like their famous Triple Crème Brie and Petites, all made with milk sourced from Marin’s rich, local dairy farms.

Set against the scenic backdrop of West Marin’s rolling hills, the creamery offers more than just cheese tastings. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy a picnic by the pond, explore the on-site shop, or sip on a hot drink from their deli. Whether you’re a cyclist passing through, a cheese enthusiast, or simply in search of a relaxing day out, the lush grounds and covered picnic areas make this a perfect stop year-round.

Open seven days a week during spring and summer, explore the onsite shop loaded with local accoutrements for the best cheeseboard, or enjoy a cone of Straus soft serve ice cream. Marin French Cheese Company welcomes visitors to explore their time-honored craft and experience the flavors that have made them a local legend.

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Handcrafted Swiss-Style Cheeses in the Heart of Marin at Nicasio Valley Cheese Company

At Nicasio Valley Cheese Company, cheese isn’t just food—it’s family history. This family-owned creamery has been rooted in Marin since 1919, when Fredolino Lafranchi immigrated from Maggia, Switzerland, and fulfilled his dream of starting a dairy in Nicasio. The passion for Swiss cheesemaking has been passed down through generations, and today, the Lafranchi family carries on this tradition with pride.

Swiss Craftsmanship in Marin

In 2010, the Lafranchi family launched Nicasio Valley Cheese Company to honor their Swiss roots. They partnered with Swiss master cheesemaker Maurizio Lorenzetti to master the art of producing cheeses from the Valle Maggia region. Thanks to this mentorship, their organic, farmstead cheeses truly capture the flavors of Switzerland—right here in Marin.

All of Nicasio Valley’s cheeses are made with 100% organic, pasture-raised cow’s milk from their family farm. Their commitment to sustainability and quality shines through in every bite.

Please stop by their retail shop, open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, to sample their selection of handcrafted cheeses. It’s a welcoming place where the story, the land, and the cheese all come together.

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Savor, Learn, Celebrate: The Point Reyes Farmstead Experience

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company has been a cornerstone of Marin’s cheesemaking scene since 2000, but its story goes back generations. The Giacomini family began ranching in the region in the early 1900s. Over time, they transformed their dairy into a thriving artisan creamery, driven by a deep commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship.

At the heart of this experience is The Fork, a custom-built space that offers cheese tastings, farm talks, farm brunches, and dinners, all by reservation only.  It’s a great way to enjoy a day on the farm with family and friends!

The Marketplace is open Monday through Saturday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, where visitors can pick up artisan cheese, curated snacks, and picnic essentials.

 

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Whether you’re visiting for a tour, a tasting, or a signature event, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. offers an unforgettable way to experience Marin’s cheese culture.

Map Your Cheese Adventure with the California Cheese Trail

The California Cheese Trail is an open invitation to explore the rich, flavorful world of California’s artisan cheesemakers. Originally launched as the Sonoma Marin Cheese Trail by Vivien Straus and her brother Michael Straus, this project began as part of the Marin Economic Forum’s effort to support local food culture.

Today, the California Cheese Trail has grown into a statewide network, making it easy for cheese lovers to connect with creameries, plan farm tours, attend cheese-focused events, and discover local cheese shops.

How to Navigate the Trail

The trail’s interactive map is a valuable planning tool that helps you connect directly with California’s cheesemakers. You can use it to find farm tours, schedule cheese tastings, or locate nearby shops that carry artisan cheese. It also highlights hidden creameries you might otherwise miss, making it easy to uncover new favorites along the way.

You can also pick up a printed Cheese Trail map at all the open-to-the-public cheese retail locations, including Marin French Cheese Company, Nicasio Valley Cheese Company, and Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company. If you’re planning a group trip or event, the Marin CVB can also provide multiple copies. Call ahead at 415-925-2060 to arrange a pickup.

If you're a cheese enthusiast new to Marin County, this is the perfect starting point for a cheese-filled adventure through Marin and beyond.

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Experience Farm Fresh Adventures in Marin

Food & Farm Tours offers an unforgettable way to experience Marin and Sonoma’s farm-to-table culture. Since 2012, these curated, behind-the-scenes adventures have welcomed both Bay Area locals and visitors to explore the region’s most celebrated farms, creameries, restaurants, and coastal producers.

With exclusive access to locations typically closed to the public, Food & Farm Tours offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the people and processes behind the region’s award-winning food scene.

Guests can enjoy unique experiences like:

• Sneak peek tastings of new cheeses, wines, and craft beverages
• Farm-to-table cooking classes, where you can shop for ingredients at local farms and then cook alongside a local chef
• Behind-the-scenes oyster tours with boat access, oyster-shucking lessons, and a beachside lunch
• Fully customized tours, perfect for corporate events or private group outings

The company’s commitment to sustainability and local storytelling has earned them consistent five-star reviews and a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

Cheese Lover’s Tour: Exclusive Cheese Tours in Marin’s Countryside

For those focused on cheese, the Cheese Lover’s Tour is a guided, in-depth experience where you’ll visit working dairies, meet the farmers, and sample farmstead cheeses straight from the source. Along the way, you can cuddle goats and sheep, tour milking barns, and sit down to a gourmet locavore picnic with locally sourced cheeses, charcuterie, and honey wine.

This five-and-a-half-hour tour, which runs Monday through Friday, includes all tastings and lunch, and is available for small groups of four guests or more. It’s a hands-on, delicious way to deepen your appreciation for Marin’s artisan cheese scene.

 

Craving a cheese-filled adventure? Plan your trip, visit creameries, and savor unforgettable flavors along the California Cheese Trail. For the best places to stay when in Marin, visit the Marin CVB at visitmarin.org/hotels, and download our new visitor app.