By John Egan

All year ’round, Marin County serves up tasty experiences for foodies. An array of establishments in Marin County furnish tasty fare, from apples to mozzarella to olive oil to vino. We’ve rounded up five foodie experiences in Marin that are sure to please most any palate.

AppleGarden Farm

As the name suggests, AppleGarden Farm in Tomales specializes in growing apples — organic apples for hard cider, to be exact. Order your cider online and then schedule a pickup time at the farm from Friday through Sunday and pair the cider with the local cheese and oysters!!. For a romantic weekend or quick getaway, book a night or two in the cozy cottage and plan to explore close by Dillion Beach and Tomales Bay. Pickup times for the AppleGarden Farm are 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, and 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

McEvoy Ranch

Spread across 550 acres near downtown Petaluma, McEvoy Ranch boasts organic olive trees, flower and vegetable gardens, fruit orchards and grapevines.

Reservation-only table tastings and wine-bar tastings feature samples of extra virgin olive oil, award-winning wines (a collection of reds and whites) and seasonal vegetables; that food is paired with artisan cheese. Workshops and tours are also available by appointment. The tours include an opportunity to visit a unique Chinese pavilion.

Nicasio Valley Cheese Company

Have a hankering for farmstead cheese made from all-organic cow’s milk? Then head over to Nicasio Valley Cheese Company in Nicasio. The Lafranchi family’s dairy dates back to 1919; it started switching to organic processing in 2006. Today, the dairy produces eight types of organic cheese, including Foggy Morning with Basil & Garlic, which pairs well with salads, pastas, and Formagella, a variety similar to Camembert and Brie.

The dairy sits on the Lafranchi family ranch, which spans 1,150 picturesque acres. The ranch is home to more than 400 cows and more than 3,000 pasture-fed, free-range, egg-laying chickens. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tours are available by appointment.

The Fork at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company

Come hungry, leave cheesy. The Fork at Point Reyes Cheese Farmstead Cheese Company will feed both your stomach and your mind. The Fork is a culinary and education center at the Giacomini family dairy, three miles north of Point Reyes Station. There, you can learn about agriculture, sustainability, culinary arts and, of course, cheese. Aside from farmstead cheeses such as mozzarella and white Cheddar, you can savor seasonal, locally sourced foods.

Reservations are required for all tastings and tours. The Fork also hosts corporate events and private parties.

Food & Farm Tours

Food & Farm Tours enable you to be a mobile foodie. These guided tours stop at West Marin’s culinary hotspots, where you can sample wine, cheese, breads, pastries, fruits, vegetables, and oysters. In addition, you’ll take a behind-the-scenes peek at local food purveyors, soak up the scenery and get a history lesson.

Tours specialize in gourmet culinary adventures in the beautiful Point Reyes, Marin, and Sonoma areas. Come explore and find out why these areas are famous for its artisan food and organic farming. You will be fascinated by the local history and delighted with the delicious flavors of this unique region. Farm to table at its best!

For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.