While this year’s holiday get-togethers may not look the same as in years past, it doesn’t mean that they have to be any less joyful. In fact, spreading the joy may be even easier than you think when you go on an old-fashioned ingredient-gathering day trip and meet the farmers, bakers, producers and winemakers whose delicious products will be filling your holiday table. From West Marin to Petaluma (and maybe a few side stops along the way) — all you have to do is pack a cooler, your shopping list and a little holiday cheer.
POINT REYES STATION
Point Reyes Farmers Market
11250 Highway 1
The cornucopia of organic seasonal fruit and vegetables is just the beginning at this quaint farmers market — visitors will enjoy access to numerous and varied local farmers and producers. Think fresh flowers from Point Reyes Flowers, eggs from Chi’ken City by Kitty and gluten-free superfood snacks from Mami’s Crunch.
Bovine Bakery
11315 Highway 1
The key to a stress-free holiday meal is knowing what to cook yourself and what to buy. Pies are a great item to leave to the professionals, and Bovine’s are among the yummiest. Preorder your pies and pick up in-store. One bite and you’ll be a fan, guaranteed.
Brickmaiden Breads
40 Fourth Street
Whether you are picking up a loaf of artisan sourdough, a dozen mouthwatering cookies or a savory hand pie to keep you going during your shopping excursion, this is one stop you don’t want to miss. You can also place an order on the website and grab your goodies at the San Rafael Farmers Market (Thursdays and Sundays) or Mill Valley Farmers Market (Fridays).
Cowgirl Creamery
80 Fourth Street
Not only is the famed triple-cream Red
Hawk made in Point Reyes, this location
offers all the Cowgirl favorites and then some. Grab a few bottles of Applegarden Farm cider, local wines crafted in San Anselmo and Nicasio, black truffle honey from Oakland, and so much more. It’s also a perfect place to source some stocking stuffers for the foodies in your life.
TOMALES BAY
Hog Island Oyster Company
20215 Highway 1
New Year’s Eve celebrations practically beg for oysters, and it doesn’t get any better than driving straight to the source in Tomales Bay. You can also order online and have them delivered or stop by the Larkspur location if you need an oyster fix in a hurry.
PETALUMA
Marin French Cheese Company
7510 Point Reyes–Petaluma Road
The perfect stop for an artisan-cheese- buying frenzy. The creamery offers so many more options than are available at local supermarkets, and you can grab other staples on your list like Cline Cellars wines, locally made jams and jellies and last-minute Wine Country gifts from the can’t-miss marketplace.
5935 Red Hill Road
Only 15 minutes from downtown Petaluma, the ranch has products to meet all your holiday needs: wine, olive oil, jams, tapenades, honeys, vinegars and its own all-natural beauty and bath products for that someone special on your list.
Tara Firma Farms
3796 I Street
What would the holiday season be without a turkey? Order your organically fed bird ahead of time and pick up at the farm November 21 or 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The online store is a great place to sign up for weekly deliveries — get everything from pork to grass-fed beef to pasture-raised chicken.
Thistle Meats
160 Petaluma Road
If duck is your go-to holiday meal of choice, then Liberty Ducks (www.liberty
ducks.com) is a must. Order straight from the source for home delivery or stop into Thistle and grab duck sausages, liver mousse, breast or a whole bird, along with other meaty must-haves on your list.
In Vino Veritas
Marin winemakers give their expert advice for holiday meal pairings.
2018 Ellen Redding Pinot Noir, Stubbs Vineyard, $42
Pairing: “Any holiday dinner, especially Thanksgiving, will likely bring some bright cranberry-fruit- style wines to the table. This pinot noir not only is a wine with a deeply rooted local story,it has plenty of fresh raspberry and wild bramble to match the savory elements of Aunt Martha’s gravy-topped stuffing and mashed potatoes.” —Patrick McNeil, Wines That Deliver
Availability: Wines That Deliver (free local delivery), Ludwig’s in San Anselmo, Farmshop Bodega in Larkspur
2018 Brooks Note Marin County Pinot Noir, $38
Pairing: “Our Marin pinot is from the rolling, windswept hills of West Marin. We love it with an herb-crusted lamb chop or if you’re vegetarian, it’s delicious with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, thyme and rosemary. This is a beautiful wine that will pair with dinner or shine during cocktail hour.” —Garry Brooks, Brooks Note Winery
Availability: Brooks Note Winery
2018 Pey-Marin Dry Riesling, The Shell Mound, $22
Pairing: “This deliciously crisp riesling pairs perfectly with both roast turkey and baked ham and is versatile enough for the entire meal. Its delightful aromatics stand up to heavy appetizers, and its crisp finish is great with tangy cranberry sauce. And at only 11 percent alcohol you won’t have to worry that Uncle Henry gets too, um, sauced.” —Jonathan Pey, Pey-Marin Vineyards
Availability: Pey-Marin, Cowgirl Creamery, Point Reyes Station
