In honor of National Cheese Lovers Day on January 20, we take a moment to celebrate all things cheese right here in the Golden State. While we love our locally produced wines and olive oils, we think it’s time California cheese got the attention it deserves. And it’s made everywhere, from San Diego all the way to the Oregon border. Cow, goat, soft, stinky, smoked, raw, pasteurized, kosher and vegan…there’s something for everyone.
The Cheese Trail offers a comprehensive resource for California cheese enthusiast. With an interactive map, information on both educational and entertaining events and a detailed directory, you can uncover your perfect product, whether it be brie, blue or something in between.
While there are dozens for you to explore, let’s zoom in on three destinations we can’t wait to visit again:
Stepladder Ranch & Creamery
This gem tucked in the hills off Highway 1 just north of Cambia makes small-batch cheeses with milk from their herd of LaMancha goats. Stepladder was originally founded in 1870 as a cattle ranch and part of the Harmony Valley Creamery Association. To this day, most of the 750-acre property is still free-range grazing land. The family-owned business, currently under the stewardship of Jack and Michelle Rudolph, turned their hobby interest in farmstead cheesemaking into a licensed creamery operation. Starting with a small herd of 10 goats, they began by making a couple types of goat cheese, and now produce multiple kinds of cow and goat milk cheeses in their creamery. You can reserve a tour at the ranch and sample some their farm-to-table cheeses. Bonus: goat petting allowed and encouraged!
Pennyroyal Farm
Each cheese at this Boonville farm has a name from a unique language that originated in surrounding hills during the 19th century. Cheesemaker and herd manager Erika McKenzie-Chapter produces seasonal, handmade cheeses in small batches made from a unique mix of both goat and sheep milk. Visitors can view cheesemaking from inoculation in their 50-gallon vats, to cutting and molding of curds, through the aging stage, and finally packaging. And, of course, there’s plenty of sampling.
Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens
Did someone say wine AND cheese? They may be known for their popular Chardonnay and other varietals, but winemakers Kendall-Jackson also offers a wonderful gourmet experience at their Santa Rosa estate. Guests can pair their wine with a variety of food options, including a cheese and charcuterie board, small plates, a five-course menu, a garden tour and tasting and even a private custom picnic. You’ll sample wonderful cheeses that perfectly complement their latest bottle, all in a pastoral Sonoma County setting.
