Special Holiday Offerings from Marin County Farms and Ranches
By Matt Dolkas,
Senior Manager, Marketing
November 14, 2024
With the holiday season upon us (can you believe it?) it’s that time of year again to come together and celebrate with friends and family. And what better way to celebrate than with food and fiber from right here in Marin County? ‘Tis the season!
We recently reached out to local farmers and ranchers, including many on MALT-protected farmland, and a few of them have shared some of the special holiday offerings they have planned (see more below). You can also find a complete list of local producers we’ve partnered with on our Buy Local page—your one stop shop for local goodies grown or raised here in Marin.
Ensuring this abundance of locally produced food is one of the many reasons we work to protect farmland here in the county. Safeguarding this iconic landscape from the threat of development, preserving family farms and keeping local food on your table is what it’s all about.
From all of us at MALT, happy holidays and cheers!
Spice up the holiday season with some dried herbs, herbal salts and sugars from the folks at Allstar Organics. You can order these organic, locally grown products directly from their website, just in time for the holiday giving season.
Looking for some local yarn to knit that holiday scarf or hat? The folks at the Barinaga Ranch have you covered this season with a range of naturally colored or hand-dyed yarns you can order directly from their website, where you will also find luxurious lambskin rugs, and locally woven blankets. While you’re at it, contact them to order a locally-raised lamb for your freezer.
A gift package of certified organic and humanely raised cheese, milk fed veal, and deluxe charcuterie will make the perfect present this giving season. Pick them up at the farm or have them shipped within the contiguous 48 states. The farm also offers gift certificates for private tours and tastings, get yours today by emailing: bivalvedairy(at)gmail.com
Stock up your freezer for the new year with sustainably raised, grass-fed beef from this historic Marin ranch. They’re offering quarters, halves, and whole beeves – perfect for families looking to source their meat locally. Get in touch to reserve your order, as quantities are limited.
Share the gift of homegrown, artisan goodies this giving season and support this one woman owned and operated local business. Pick up a pack of angus beef snack sticks in jalapeno-cheddar or black pepper, their artisan garden soaps and rosemary sea salt, or book your next farm stay! Connect with them at cowtrackranch(at)gmail.com
Joy Dolcini offers pasture-raised duck and chicken eggs, quail eggs along with 100% grass-fed beef and pork from her family’s sixth-generation farm in Marin County’s Chileno Valley. You can find her products on Saturdays at the San Francisco Ferry Plaza Farmers Market as well as the Marin Country Mart Farmers Market, or message her directly at farmerjoyseggs(at)gmail.com
Stop at this roadside farmstand to pick up a dozen fresh eggs for your holiday baking and breakfasts—a chance to see where your local food is produced. The farm’s honey also makes a great gift accompanied with fresh tea. Plan your next visit today!
Their Point Reyes Station tasting room is stocked for the season with unique gifts including honey, mead, candles, flower vases, and Bee Experience tour certificates. Whether hosting or attending holiday gatherings, their selection of seasonal bubbles and varietal meads can be shipped directly to your door. Open daily from 11-5 pm for tastings, tours, and gift shopping.
Our friends at Hog Island have lots of salty goodies available this season, curated in their holiday gift guide. And of course, a bag of fresh oysters is always a nice complement to a holiday feast which you can also order on their website.
Shopping for your favorite foodie? This ranch’s special Holiday Feast Bundle features two premium grass-fed ribeye steaks, two NY strip steaks, and two pounds of ground beef — all raised from birth to harvest on their Tomales ranch. For a unique experience, book a private picnic nestled between the scenic pastureland, or fill your freezer with their certified grassfed beef or lamb to enjoy throughout the season.
Plan a visit to the Cheese Shop where there are all sorts of gifts and holiday baskets available this time of year. Note that the shop is open seven days a week, but plan a weekend visit to enjoy a cheese sample (11am-3pm). You can also find their cheese and gifts online.
Handcrafted at the MALT-protected Lafranchi Ranch in Nicasio, these award-winning organic cheeses can be shipped, at no additional cost, anywhere in the U.S. The creamery store in Nicasio is also open every day from 10am to 5pm—spread the holiday love with these unique Marin County flavors.
The Giacomini sisters carry on a family heritage, producing a variety of artisan cheese using milk from their farm and energy produced at their ranch. Try one of their many gift packs this holiday season, your friends and family will be sure to come back for more.
From ground veal, to Cornish game hens, to the delicious sausages, there are so many perfect gifts to choose from and they’re all available on the Rossotti’s website. Celebrate the season by supporting this fourth-generation ranching family.
The holiday season brings an abundance of options from this fourth-generation ranch. Their signature holiday boxes come packed with premium cuts perfect for festive gatherings – from tender ribeye roasts to succulent prime rib and classic pot roasts. Looking for something specific? Their custom box option lets you handpick your favorite cuts.
Their signature organic eggnog returns this holiday season, crafted with premium organic milk, cream, sugar, and egg yolks, finished with a touch of nutmeg. This old-fashioned favorite maintains its pure, simple recipe without any gums, thickeners, stabilizers, or artificial ingredients. Available in November and December at local retailers.
For the first time ever, this vineyard is offering a sparkling wine, just what you need to bring in the new year. Aged since 2018, its optimum level of balance, structure, and taste boast a sublime crisp and refreshing flavor. To learn more, contact: mary(at)stubbsvineyard.com
Try the special holiday Bossy cheese, made with Silva Family Dairy milk and topped with rosemary. Or pickup a whole wheel of Atika, aged goat and cow cheese or Koto’la, goat feta-style. Learn more and connect with them at: info(at)tolumafarms.org
Plan a visit to the old Cowgirl Creamery building in Point Reyes Station to shop for local fiber from the Wool Shed, flowers from the Flower Bed Florals, as well as some award-winning fermented veggies from Wild West Ferments. There’s a little something for everyone.
Eat Local, Stay Connected
Every time you shop, you can choose to support your local food economy and the farmers and ranchers who help steward this vital landscape. Start today!