Tucked away in Marin County, Martinelli Ranch gives you a peaceful escape just 38 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. This 259-acre cattle ranch blends agricultural heritage with wild beauty—think rolling grasslands, winding creeks, and tidelands stretching out toward Point Reyes and the Pacific.
You barely have to break a sweat to get those panoramic Tomales Bay views—a quick half-mile hike leads to a lookout that’s honestly a showstopper. You’re just five minutes by car from Downtown Point Reyes Station, but it feels like you’ve landed in another world.
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Visiting Martinelli Ranch, you’ll get a real taste of Marin County’s agricultural roots while soaking up a landscape that’s pure Northern California. The place pulls together farming history and outdoor adventure in a way that feels both genuine and kind of magical.
Discovering Martinelli Ranch in Marin County
Martinelli Ranch sprawls across 259 acres, offering big views of Tomales Bay, Point Reyes, and the Pacific. It’s a low-key spot—easy trails, a patchwork of habitats, and a deep connection to the region’s farming past, all within reach of the city.
Location and Regional Significance
You’ll find Martinelli Ranch in western Marin County, just 38 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge. Even though San Francisco isn’t far, the ranch feels like a different universe compared to the city’s urban sprawl. Five minutes from downtown Point Reyes Station, it’s a pretty effortless day trip.
Its spot on the map gives you easy access to both Marin and Sonoma Counties, and it’s sort of a gateway to the wider Point Reyes area. The Pacific so close by means the ranch sits in its own little microclimate—great news for all kinds of plants and critters.
From the ranch, you can catch those classic Northern California vistas—from Tomales Bay out to Point Reyes and the open ocean. It’s a key link for both recreation and the region’s wild coastal ecosystems.
History and Heritage of Martinelli Ranch
The Martinelli family has long been tied to Northern California agriculture, and they’ve made a name for themselves with organic farming. This ranch isn’t the same as the Russian River apple orchards and vineyards up in Sebastopol, but it shares that focus on taking care of the land.
Over the years, the ranch has seen Marin County’s farming scene shift and change. Generations of local farmers have worked these fields, mixing old-school traditions with what the land needs today.
Now, the ranch strikes a balance between its working roots and public access. Like nearby Fresh Run Farm, it shows how you can have both open space for people and healthy habitats for wildlife.
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Landscape and Architectures
Martinelli Ranch is a patchwork of grasslands, creeks, and tidal flats. There’s a short, easy half-mile hike up to a promontory with knockout views, and trails suit most fitness levels—some are gentle, others a bit more rugged. Native plants and wildflowers pop up with the seasons.
The ranch buildings keep things rustic. They mix traditional barn style with just enough modern updates to make them work. Materials weather in the salty air, which gives everything some extra character.
Folks appreciate little touches like benches at the best viewpoints and signs about the local ecology. The layout encourages wandering but keeps the most sensitive areas protected.
Planning Your Visit to Martinelli Ranch
If you love wine, Martinelli Ranch is a sweet spot to sip exceptional local vintages surrounded by Marin’s beauty. You get the views, the wine, and a few culinary surprises too.
Wine Tasting Experience
The tasting room at Martinelli Ranch opens daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. It’s smart to book ahead on weekends. Standard tastings run $25 for five wines, and they’ll waive the fee if you buy two bottles.
Here’s what’s on offer:
- Classic Tasting: $25 (five wines)
- Premium Experience: $45 (includes limited releases)
- Estate Tour & Tasting: $75 (90-minute tour, barrel samples)
Wine club members get tastings on the house and invites to seasonal open houses—those usually feature new wines and food pairings.
Staff here know their stuff and love to chat about the winemaking process or the ranch’s backstory. Out on the patio, you get those Tomales Bay views that really make the wine taste better—at least, that’s how it feels.
Featured Wines and Varietals
Martinelli Ranch leans into cool-climate grapes that thrive near the coast. Top picks:
Pinot Noir: Their 2009 vintage snagged some awards—think black cherry, soft tannins, and a touch of baking spice from French oak.
Chardonnay: Grown on the east slopes, these are crisp, with just enough oak to keep things interesting.
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Sauvignon Blanc: Super fresh, citrusy, and aromatic.
Zinfandel: Kind of unexpected here, but it works—old vines on the west side deliver some nice surprises.
The winemaking team keeps things sustainable and hands-off, letting the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley terroir do the talking.
They don’t make huge volumes, so the best stuff tends to sell out. If you’re up for a splurge, the reserve wines are worth it.
Culinary Delights and Local Flavors
Martinelli Ranch teams up with local producers for some pretty great food pairings. The Italian marketplace on site sells artisanal cheeses, house-made sausages, and organic veggies from Marin Organic farms.
On weekends, you might find:
- Cheese and charcuterie boards ($18–25)
- Seasonal flatbreads from the outdoor oven ($14–16)
- Fresh Tomales Bay oysters (market price)
Don’t skip Wild Flour Bakery’s bread—they serve it with local olive oil, and it’s kind of addictive.
If you want a full meal, the ranch restaurant does lunch Thursday through Monday. You’ll need a reservation. The menu changes with the seasons, focusing on ingredients sourced close to home.
Look out for special events like harvest dinners or cooking classes—they’re popular and often sell out way ahead. Wine club folks get first dibs.
Practical Tips and Nearby Attractions
Getting There: Martinelli Ranch is about 1.75 miles northwest of Point Reyes Station on Highway 1. If you’re coming from San Rafael, expect a 40-minute drive—give or take, depending on traffic.
Best Times to Visit:
- Weekdays tend to be less crowded, so you’ll probably get more attention.
- September and October are great if you’re into harvest events.
- Spring’s all about wildflowers and those ridiculously green hills.
Budget Considerations: Figure on spending $50-100 per person if you want the whole tasting-and-food experience. Bottles usually run from $28 up to $75.
If you’re already out there, why not check out some nearby spots?
- Point Reyes National Seashore is just 15 minutes away.
- Bolinas beaches are about a half-hour drive.
- Occidental’s antique shops are a 45-minute trip.
- There are other Marin County wineries around, like Viansa, which is only 20 minutes away.
For places to stay, look at Tomales Bay Resort or one of the B&Bs in Point Reyes Station. If you’re planning a summer or fall trip, it’s smart to book at least a month ahead—these places fill up fast.
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