By Whitney Butler

 

The art of fine wine and dining in Marin County is all about slowing down to appreciate nature’s bounty around a table or in the field and from a bottle.

 

Marin’s cool coastal breezes, rich soil and various terrains are home to many family-owned wineries and vineyards that supply grapes to well-known vintners throughout Marin, Sonoma, Napa and beyond. These regional wines inspire chefs, restaurants and various artisans to create edible offerings just as delicious.

 

For everything from distinctive restaurants with curated wine lists to special tours and unique, family-owned wineries, check out these wine and dining destinations on your trip to Marin County.

 

Unique wineries

To get a clear picture of just how diverse the wines of Marin County are, visitors shouldn’t miss a chance to explore Heidrun Meadery in Point Reyes Station.

A meadery is a winery that produces honey wines or meads. At Heidrun Meadery, naturally sparkling varietals are produced using the traditional French méthode champenoise—a Champagne-style of mead that is light, dry, delicate and refreshing. The meadery’s location, just across the Golden Gate Bridge, is rich in biodiversity, providing superior botanicals for the bees to harvest and convert into honey. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the meadery, flight tastings or a picnic in the garden.

Blending wine and weekly live entertainment, Trek Winery in Novato offers tasting-room visitors a chance to sip and sample music and comedic performances by Bay Area favorites. Since 2007, this family-owned winery has been producing quality, affordable wines—receiving wide recognition throughout the community, including Best Local Winery (2014) awarded by Marin’s Pacific Sun.

 

Specialty tours

Learn about wine and food pairings on a professionally curated tasting tour of Marin’s local wines with West Marin Food and Farm Tours. There are several tours to choose from, including the Wine and Cheese Tour and Flavors of West Marin Tour.

Another way to explore Marin’s wine scene is on a specially curated tour of the farms, dairies, ranches and wineries hidden throughout the west countryside of Marin. Take a private car or limo and make your way through the back roads of Marin, through Sonoma and into Napa County. Make it a day trip or a weekend escape; each tour is customized to your preferences and interest.

 

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