By Megan Eileen McDonough

 

The winter holidays are fast approaching! Don’t let the stresses of shopping get you down this year; gift your loved ones the one thing that makes everyone happy: food! From artisan cheeses and local wines to tart chocolates and sweet breads, there’s something for every taste and temperament in Marin County. Here are five gourmet gifts to treat your friends to this winter. 

 

Artisan Cheese

Give the gift of Marin County's home-grown Cheese!

You might not remember much French from high school, but you’ll never forget your first bite of these fabulous French cheeses. Focused on Old World techniques and European-style cheeses, the Marin French Cheese Company is the longest continually operating cheese company in the US. If that’s not impressive, stop by their store in Petaluma, where you’ll find the same location of the original creamery, established by Jefferson Thompson almost 150 years ago. The cheeses are a wonderful gift item.

 

A Bottle of Vino

When it comes to great-tasting wines, Marin County couldn’t be in a better spot. With Napa and Sonoma within a short drive from most hotels, you have no shortage of varietals. That said, Marin has wineries, too. Trek Winery in downtown Novato has become a local hangout thanks to live entertainment and affordable wines. This holiday season, gift your loved ones a bottle of their best. Trek specializes in both reds and whites, including a 2010 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2012 Carneros Chardonnay. 

Around the corner from Trek is Mantra Wines for that wine connoisseur on your shopping list. Visit the tasting room with over 11 wines by the glass or the bottle including sparkling, single varietal whites, reds and bold red blends. They are now open 5 days/week: Wednesday – Sunday from 2:00am – 8 pm for pick-ups and outdoor patio service (food options are available). They also ship  wines out of the area via GSL and UPS, normal shipping rates apply.

 

World Class Panettone 

Located in historic downtown Larkspur, Emporio Rulli Larkspur is a quaint caffè, wine bar & pasticceria featuring a menu including Italian style pastries, cakes, gelato, coffees, sandwiches, soups and wines. We also provide Italian style cakes for any occasions such as weddings, birthdays or other special events. Aside from delicious treats, we sell a variety of giftware including our own logo espresso & cappuccino cups, totes, local & imported Italian artisan ceramics and much more. Apprenticed to Pastry Chefs in Milan and Turin, Rulli returned to America determined to preserve their art. Since 1988 when Emporio Rulli was opened, Gary’s reputation as a Pastry Chef has spread across America. His Panettone, the traditional Milanese Christmas bread, is sent worldwide. This one is perfect for the foodie in your life. 

 

Artisanal Market

The Farmshop Artisian Market is newly opened and ready to serve you seven days a week from 7:00am to 8:00pm for on-line shopping and curbside pickup.  Our Artisanal Market features gourmet food and beverage that can be ordered online and then picked up at Farmshop. Looking for a special dessert? Order the Opera Cake with dark chocolate ganache, lamill espresso, hazelnut cream and double 8 dairy gelato and then pair with the Cookie Dough, Chocolate Chip cookies - yum!

 

Local Flavors

Can’t decide between cheese, chocolate and bread? Luckily, you won’t have to. Why not invite someone special to one of West Marin Food and Farms Tours’ five-hour Flavors of West Marin tours Thursdays through Sundays. You’ll learn about local history as you literally eat your way through Marin. Sample raw and BBQ oysters at Hog Island Oyster Company, sip on a chai latte at Bovine Bakery and master the art of breadmaking at Brickmaiden Breads. 

 

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