Marin French Cheese Company

What You Can Do

Marin French Cheese calls itself the oldest cheese company in the country, making cheese on this ranch in the hills between Petaluma and Point Reyes since 1865. The shop sells its bries and camemberts, including the triple crème, the Golden Gate and the small Petite rounds, with local jams, charcuterie and crackers. There are free samples every day, and the shop puts out tastings from other local producers too.

Outside there is a pond with lawns and tables, and a picnic here is the classic visit. You can bring your own lunch from the shop, or reserve a picnic basket for 2 to 8 people. The basket comes filled with cheese, accompaniments, serveware and cutlery; you collect it in the shop and drop it back when you are done.

Food

The cafe is open from 11am to 5pm daily, with a seasonal menu of breakfast dishes, hot sandwiches and personal pizzas made with the company's cheeses. Cold sandwiches and salads are sold to take away, and there is Straus soft serve for dessert.

Getting There

The ranch is west of Petaluma on the Point Reyes-Petaluma Road, roughly an hour's drive from San Francisco. There is no practical bus, so come by car. It makes a natural first stop on the drive out to Point Reyes; Point Reyes Farmstead is about 20 minutes further west.

Groups

Groups who want to hold a party on the property can ask through the company's event inquiry form.