California is the largest milk producer in the country—and where there’s milk, there’s plenty of delicious cheese. The California Cheese Trail, an online map and guide to artisan cheesemakers and events, provides the perfect guide to dairy across the Golden State. Follow the map to explore innovative creameries, tour old-fashioned farms, learn how to craft your own cheese, and of course, taste plenty of the good stuff.
In 2010, self-professed “cow addict” Vivien Straus was looking for a way to promote local farmers in Marin County when she landed on the idea of a cheesemaker’s map and thus the concept of the Cheese Trail was born. The original trail focused on creameries just north of San Francisco, but nearly a decade later, the project has expanded across the state providing visitors with information on nearly every artisan making magic out of milk, acid, and time.
“I go visit cheesemakers as often as I can,” says Straus, whose family founded the first organic dairy west of the Mississippi. “It’s actually a great way to take a vacation. You get to learn directly from the farmer, and you end up seeing parts of California you might not otherwise.”
Before you embark on a cheese-filled adventure, Straus recommends downloading the latest Cheese Trail Map, updated annually. Your next step is to call ahead, as many farms require advance notice. Finally, come hungry and with an open mind. Zimmer says, “Don’t be afraid to try a stinky cheese, but don’t be too precious with [the tasting]. Have fun!”
Wherever you are in California, you’re likely to find an artisanal dairy within easy driving distance. If you’re looking for a few cheesemakers to put on your bucket list, here are a few good places to start, listed from north to south.
Gioia Cheese, South El Monte
This Los Angeles–area creamery was founded by a third-generation cheesemaker whose grandfather was one of Italy’s first burrata specialists. Ambience may not be the draw (cheese is sold in bulk out of the front office), but this is the place to find the freshest pasta filata cheese you’ve ever tasted. This delicious burrata has a shelf life of just five days, but trust us, that won’t be an issue.
Stepladder Ranch & Creamery, Cambria
Travel through time at family-owned Stepladder Ranch. The farm was founded in 1871 and not much has changed, including its long-standing commitment to sustainable practices. Book a Ranch & Creamery Tour to visit the beautiful orchards, sample seasonal fruit, interact with the LaMancha goats, and see how the cheese is made before tasting award-winning chèvres and triple crèmes.
Rocky Oaks Goat Creamery, Clovis
In Fresno County, you can visit this farm where a closed herd provides the milk for authentic farmstead cheese. Pet the sweet goats, all of which are named after princesses and country singers, before tasting cheeses like the wine-soaked Vino Queso and the ash-salted Webes.
Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co., Point Reyes
This women-owned and -operated creamery has gained a nationwide following thanks to its top-notch cheeses, which include favorites Bay Blue and Tomarashi, a spice- and umami-infused semi-hard table cheese. Besides stocking up on their famous products, visit to Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. can also include the a “Tastings at the Farm” event, or an in-person class. (Warning: Classes can fill up months in advance.)
Ramini Mozzarella, Tomales
In 2008, Silicon Valley power couple Audrey Hitchcock and Craig Ramini decided to trade innovation in tech to innovation in cheese. The result? A picturesque farm near Tomales Bay where a herd of water buffalo power the first successful mozzarella di bufala production in the United States. Ramini passed away several years ago, but Hitchcock continues to keep their cheesemaking legacy strong. Book a tour to try your hand at milking one of the surprisingly sweet-tempered buffalo.
Bohemian Creamery, Sebastopol
This tiny little creamery produces big-flavored cheeses often found on menus of top Bay Area restaurants like Chez Panisse, Ad Hoc, and Auberge du Soleil. Visit the shop for a one-hour tour that includes a tasting of seasonal cheeses. On your way out the door, grab a round for later and some goat’s milk frozen yogurt to fuel the drive ahead.
For more information, as well as cheese-centric road trip ideas, visit CheeseTrail.org.