Special Holiday Offerings from Marin County Farms and Ranches
By Matt Dolkas,
Senior Manager, Marketing
November 15, 2023
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 and you can order directly from their website. While you’re at it, connect with them to order your certified organic lamb, lambskins, and locally woven and naturally dyed blankets.
A gift package of certified organic and humanely raised aged 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
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 farm stand 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!
Whether you’re hosting or “guesting” this year, set the table generously with some seasonal bubbles. All varietals of meads and honey can be purchased in their tasting room on the Heidrun Meadery Farm in Point Reyes Station or online. They’re also offering gift certificates for Bee Experiences, tours, tasting flights on the farm, and corporate holiday gift packages.
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 compliment to a holiday feast which you can also order on their website.
Shopping for your favorite foodie? The Farmhouse Gift Box or Ranch Picnic Experience from the Marin Coast Ranch is just what you need. Enjoy a private picnic nestled between the coastal pastureland or fill your freezer with certified grassfed beef or lamb raised from birth to harvest on the ranch.
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 everyday 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 Wine Country Wildflower Honey from Sola Bee Farms is all the buzz this holiday season. The strongest of their three wildflower varietals, they’ve doubled down on the cinnamon spiciness—the perfect seasonal flavor. The farm is also offering 15% off all cases of honey (12, 12 oz jars) before December 15th. Get yours today!
This ranch’s holiday boxes and roasts are ready and waiting! You can also build your own box if you have a hankering for something specific from this fourth-generation outfit.
It’s eggnog season (yes!) at this family’s creamery and, for me, this is what the season is all about! Eeekkk! You’ll find it’s available at many retail locations in the area, but get it while you can as it’s only available through December!
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 lemon. Or pickup a whole wheel of Atika, aged goat and sheep cheese. Learn more and connect with them at: info(at)tolumafarm.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!