By Whitney Butler

 

From artisanal cheeses and handpicked produce to aquaculture and fermented foods, Marin County is a shining example of traditional methods yielding quality results.

Since the early 1990s, Marin has emphasized locally sourced programs that have set precedence throughout the country, inspiring a new generation of farmers to think past today’s food systems toward a future of sustainability. The result of these farmers’ efforts has led to a culinary explosion in the Bay Area, known the world over for its creativity, seasonal flavors and farm-to-table ideology.

Meet the makers of your food with a visit to Marin, and explore the simple pleasures that make it all possible.

 

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Aside from serving the county, Marin County produce is sold throughout the Bay Area at weekly farmers' markets and small produce stands and supplied to many of the area’s well-known restaurants.

For three generations, the Draper family has been operating its farm in Marin, sprouting up heirloom vegetables: tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers. More recently, the cattle land of the Cerini estate took on new life and became a beautiful apple orchard in 2007. The family-owned AppleGarden Farm produces hard cider, which can be found all throughout Marin County. Visitors can even get a taste of life on the farm by enjoying the farm’s bed and breakfast cottage. The Indian Valley Organic Farm and Garden is an educational farm site for students, set beside the College of Marin’s Indian Valley Campus. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the farm Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

These are just a sampling of the stories that decorate the farmland of Marin. Many farms are open to the public and some offer special tours so visitors can learn more about growing a food community.

 

Artisanal Cheeses

Marin County is also known for its artisans — people who specialize in traditional craftsmanship, products often prepared slowly or by hand. Nicasio Valley Cheese Company specializes in artisanal cheese with unique, bold flavors that highlight the fresh dairy milk it receives from nearby farms. They are committed to sustainable agriculture. Being organic and pasture-based confirms this. The family dairy started in 1919 and in 2006 the organic conversion process began. Today, all of the cheeses are made from 100% organic farmstead cow's milk. The Lafranchi family is extremely proud to bring their versions of the cheeses of their ancestors to the states. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Since 1865, Marin French Cheese has been producing some of the finest European-style cheeses on this side of the Atlantic. Known by Marin locals as “The Cheese Factory,” Marin French Cheese is the longest-continuing operating cheese company in America. Not only do they still use local dairy farms to produce their fine products, they also continue to practice the traditional methods that give their cheeses the distinct and bold flavors that are loved throughout the world. Visit the Hicks Valley Ranch in nearby Petaluma and explore more of this favorite local treasure.

 

Locally Sourced Shellfish

Even the ocean’s bounty plays a role in the food community of Marin. A bounty of oysters, mussels, and clams are cultivated from the shoreline of Marin each year.

The Hog Island Oyster Company is known for raising its oysters by hand and serving them at its farm in Marshall, and at the Marin Country Mart in Larksupr. For heaven on a half shell, reserve a table at their Larkspur location. Since 1989, Point Reyes Oyster Company has been providing shellfish to Bay Area wholesalers as well as the public at many local farmers' markets. Tomales Bay Oyster Company in Marshall specializes in fresh oysters, clams, and mussels and offers picnic areas by reservation for large groups as well. With a small beach for walking, family and friends can spend the day shucking oysters in a gorgeous setting right on the bay.

Many of these farmers and artisans express their dedication to this cause by supporting each other and one another’s products. It’s a network that has a ripple effect in the community at large — encouraging others to support local producers. The result is a sustainable food community — something that can also be described as authentically Marin County.

For a unique sampling of Marin’s food community, check out the Food & Farm Tours, a professionally curated tasting tour of Marin’s local treasures. There are several tours to choose from including, Cheese Lover’s Tour and Quattro Formaggio Tour.

Learn how to grow your own food community and take a trip out to Marin County today.

 

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