Top 20 Stops on the Sonoma Cheese Trail

You’re cruising through Sonoma County’s rolling hills, past vineyards and quaint farms, with the sun shining and the promise of an unforgettable vacation ahead. But there’s a problem: this isn’t your first foray into the valley of wine, and you’ve already exhausted the miles of vineyards and breweries that dot the landscape. 

If you’re here in sunny California and looking for something different, this list is for you. 

From creamy brie to tangy goat cheese and everything in between, the California Cheese Trail leads you through some of the finest cheesemakers in the country. Grab a friend, hop in the car, and follow our list of the top 20 places to visit during your stay.

1. Cowgirl Creamery – Point Reyes Station

Let’s kick off with a true legend. Cowgirl Creamery is basically cheese royalty, known for creating ridiculously good, organic cheeses. Ever heard of Mt. Tam? This dreamy, buttery triple-cream cheese is what cheese dreams are made of. Head to Point Reyes Station and try them both.

2. Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company – Point Reyes Station

This family-run farm has been turning out Original Blue cheese for years, and trust us, it’s a must-try. The tangy, creamy goodness of this blue cheese will change your life (or at least your salads). While you're there, check out their other hits like Toma and Bay Blue. You can even take a tour, meet the cows, and see where all the dairy magic happens.

3. Marin French Cheese Company – Petaluma

Welcome to the oldest cheese company in America! Since 1865, Marin French Cheese has been perfecting soft cheeses like brie and camembert. Their lush, green grounds are the perfect spot for a picnic, and you can grab some of their award-winning cheeses to snack on while you take in the scenery. Feel free to sit back and take your time with this one.

4. Bellwether Farms – Petaluma

If you’ve never had sheep’s milk cheese, Bellwether Farms will change that. Their Carmody (a semi-soft cheese) and Crescenza (a fresh, spreadable treat) are must-tries. The flavors are rich, unique, and come from sustainably raised sheep and cows, so you can feel good about indulging.

5. Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery – Valley Ford

If Italian-style cheese is your thing, Valley Ford Cheese is your stop. Their signature Estero Gold is nutty, rich, and perfect for slicing onto crackers or just eating by itself. This family-run creamery is warm and welcoming, making you feel like you’re hanging out in someone’s kitchen while you enjoy handcrafted cheeses.

6. Nicasio Valley Cheese Company – Nicasio

The Lafranchi family brought their Swiss cheesemaking traditions to Sonoma County, and we’re all better for it. Nicasio Valley Cheese is all about organic, farmstead cheeses. Try their fresh Foggy Morning cheese for a taste of creamy heaven, or their Nicasio Reserve, a luscious aged cheese with just the right amount of bite.

7. Bivalve Dairy & Cheese – Point Reyes Station

A farmstead dairy with a focus on sustainability, Bivalve Dairy turns out top-notch cow’s milk cheeses. The focus is on pasture-raised cows and environmentally friendly farming practices. Plus, the farm is a great spot to kick back and savor the cheese.

8. Toluma Farms & Tomales Farmstead Creamery – Tomales

The picturesque Toluma Farms is known for producing excellent goat and sheep artisan cheeses that will knock your socks off. Their Teleeka and Kenne cheeses, made from a blend of goat and sheep milk, are rich, smooth, and a little tangy.

9. Weirauch Farm & Creamery – Petaluma

If you love organic, farm-fresh cheeses, Weirauch Farm should be on your list. They make cheese from both cow and sheep’s milk, and everything they do is sustainable. Their Saint Rose, a soft, bloomy rind cheese, is one of our personal favorites. Make sure to snag some Tomme Fraîche while you’re at it for the perfect snack on the road.

10. Achadinha Cheese Company – Petaluma

Looking for something a little different? Achadinha Cheese Company is the place to go for unique varieties like Capricious, a firm, flavorful goat cheese, and Broncha, a Portuguese-style cow’s milk cheese. This family-run operation is cheery and welcoming, and you’ll definitely leave with more cheese than you planned.

11. William Cofield Cheesemakers – Sebastopol

This one is for fans of British-style cheeses. William Cofield Cheesemakers is bringing traditional English cheddar and Stilton to Sonoma. Their cheddar is sharp, savory, and totally snack-worthy. If you’re curious about the cheese-aging process, this is the place to learn all the cheesy details.

12. Bohemian Creamery – Sebastopol

Ever tried a cheese called Cowabunga? If not, now’s your chance. Bohemian Creamery makes all kinds of quirky, delicious cheeses from cow, goat, and sheep’s milk. Their creations are funny, fresh, and totally unique. Take a tour, taste some cheeses, and be prepared to find your new favorite.

13. Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery – Sebastopol

Another goat cheese favorite, Redwood Hill Farm has been perfecting their craft since the ‘60s, and their tangy, flavorful creations are award-winners for a reason. Don’t leave without trying their California Crottin or Terra, both of which pair perfectly with Sonoma’s local wines.

14. Pennyroyal Farm – Boonville

Looking for the ultimate wine-and-cheese pairing? Pennyroyal Farm has you covered. Not only do they make fantastic goat and sheep’s milk cheeses (try the Boont Corners Reserve Tomme), but they also make their own in-house wines. It’s a one-stop shop for all your tasting needs, nestled in the beautiful Anderson Valley.

15. Two Rock Valley Goat Cheese – Petaluma

Sometimes simplicity is key, and Two Rock Valley nails it with its fresh goat cheese. Smooth, tangy, and always fresh, this family-run creamery is all about quality over quantity. A visit here is like stopping by a friend’s farm for a taste of something special.

16. Laura Chenel’s Chevre – Sonoma

If you know anything about American goat cheese, you’ve probably heard of Laura Chenel’s Chevre. As one of the OGs of goat cheese in the U.S., their chevre is a classic. It’s smooth, tangy, and perfect for spreading on, well, everything. Visit their Sonoma facility for the full range of goat’s milk products and see where it all started.

17. McClelland Dairy – Petaluma

McClelland Dairy is all about fresh, organic dairy products, from milk to butter and, of course, cheese. Their farm tours are a hit with kids (and cheese-loving adults), and their cheeses are simple, pure, and delicious. Stop by and say hi to the cows—they’re the real stars here!

18. Spring Hill Jersey Cheese – Petaluma

Spring Hill Jersey Cheese specializes in rich, flavorful cheddar made from 100% Jersey cow milk, which has a higher butterfat content (read: creamier cheese). Their quark is also a standout for those who like something a little lighter and tangier. It’s all made on their gorgeous family farm, so don’t miss it.

19. Vella Cheese Company – Sonoma

For over 90 years, Vella Cheese Company has been crafting its famous dry Monterey Jack in the heart of Sonoma. This cheese has a nutty, crumbly texture and is perfect for grating over just about anything. Grab some to go and add a taste of history to your cheeseboard.

20. Joe Matos Cheese Factory – Santa Rosa

Rounding out our cheesy adventure is Joe Matos Cheese Factory, where you’ll find St. Jorge, a traditional Portuguese-style cheese made from raw cow’s milk. It’s semi-hard, a little tangy, and totally addictive. Joe Matos is a no-frills, old-school spot where cheese is the star of the show—just the way it should be.