Looking for a tasty adventure in Marin County? The Nicasio Valley Cheese Company offers a fun and delicious experience for cheese lovers.
You can join a guided tour and cheese tasting every Friday at 10 am for $35 per person.
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During the tour, you’ll get to explore the beautiful 700-acre farm where this family-owned company crafts their award-winning organic cheeses.
Rick Lafranchi, one of the founding family members, often leads these tours. He’ll share stories about the ranch’s history and how they use traditional Swiss recipes to make their artisan cheeses.
The best part? You’ll get to sample some of their yummy organic, farmstead cheeses made right there on the farm.
It’s a great way to spend a morning learning about local food production and tasting some of Marin County’s finest dairy products. Don’t forget to stop by their store, which is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, to pick up some cheese to take home!
Exploring the Creamery
Nicasio Valley Cheese Company offers a fascinating look into artisanal cheese production. You’ll discover the rich history, witness the intricate cheese-making process, and meet the skilled head cheese maker.
Creamery History
The Nicasio Valley Cheese Company has deep roots in Marin County’s dairy industry. You’ll learn how the Lafranchi family transformed their dairy operation into a renowned creamery.
Their story began in 1919 when Swiss immigrant Fredolino Lafranchi started the family dairy.
Today, you can see how this tradition continues. The creamery, established in 2010, blends old-world techniques with modern practices. You’ll appreciate how they’ve maintained their commitment to quality over the years.
Their success is evident in the awards they’ve won. For example, their Nicasio Square cheese received a Good Food Award in 2011.
Cheese Making Process
During your visit, you’ll get an up-close look at how Nicasio Valley crafts its delicious cheeses.
The process starts early each morning when fresh milk arrives from the family’s cows.
You’ll see how they transform this milk into various cheese types. The creamery uses traditional methods, often inspired by Swiss cheese-making techniques.
Watch as the cheesemakers carefully monitor temperatures, add cultures, and form the curds. You might even get to observe the aging process in the cheese caves.
The company takes pride in its organic certification. You’ll learn about their commitment to sustainable practices and how this affects the cheese-making process.
Head Cheese Maker
Meeting the head cheese maker is a highlight of your tour. This expert artisan brings years of experience and passion to the craft.
You’ll hear about their training, often including time spent in Europe learning traditional techniques. The head cheese maker will explain how they blend these methods with innovative approaches.
Ask questions about their favorite cheeses or the challenges of creating new flavors. You might even get insider tips on the best ways to enjoy different cheese varieties.
The cheese maker’s enthusiasm is contagious. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for the skill and dedication that goes into every wheel of Nicasio Valley cheese.
Cheese Varieties and Tasting
Nicasio Valley Cheese Company offers a tasty lineup of organic cheeses. You’ll get to sample their best during your visit.
Award-Winning Cheeses
The company makes several award-winning cheeses that have earned recognition worldwide.
You’ll find classics like Nicasio Reserve, a firm alpine-style cheese with nutty flavors. Don’t miss Foggy Morning, a fresh fromage blanc that’s creamy and tangy.
For something unique, try their washed rind cheese. It has a pungent aroma but a mild, savory taste. The cheesemakers use traditional Swiss recipes passed down through generations.
All cheeses are made with organic milk from the family’s own cows. This gives them a fresh, local flavor you can’t get anywhere else.
Tasting Experience
During your visit, you can join a guided cheese tasting led by experts.
You’ll learn about the cheesemaking process from start to finish. The tasting includes generous samples of their different varieties.
As you taste, staff will explain the flavors and textures of each cheese. They’ll share pairing suggestions for wines and accompaniments. You can ask questions and get tips on how to serve the cheeses at home.
Tastings happen every Friday and Saturday at 10 AM. It’s a fun way to explore new cheeses and expand your palate. You might discover a new favorite to take home with you.
Plan Your Visit
Nicasio Valley Cheese Company offers a unique experience in the heart of Marin County. You’ll find a charming store and scenic ranch that showcase local cheese-making traditions.
Nicasio Square
The Nicasio Valley Cheese Company store is located in Nicasio Square, a quaint rural hub. You can taste and buy their award-winning organic cheeses here. The store is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Call ahead to check availability of specific cheeses. The friendly staff can guide you through their selection and offer pairing suggestions. Don’t forget to try their popular Foggy Morning and Locarno varieties.
Pick up some crackers and local wine to create your own picnic. The square has benches where you can sit and enjoy your treats.
Family Ranch
The Lafranchi family ranch is where the magic happens. While not open for regular tours, you can sometimes arrange a visit by contacting them directly.
Email or call to inquire about special events or group tours.
The ranch showcases traditional Swiss-Italian cheesemaking methods passed down through generations. You’ll see happy cows grazing on lush Marin pastures.
These pastures contribute to the unique flavors of their cheeses. The family’s commitment to sustainable farming is evident in their practices.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
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