Visit Petaluma’s Marin French Cheese Company

Some people might look at the lovely lake and picnic area at the Marin French Cheese Company in Petaluma, California and think: “What an idyllic scene.” I look at it and remember when my older brother pushed me in that lake when I was six years old. The Marin French Cheese Company was the site of many family getaways when I was a child. Even back then, I tried (and loved) their Rouge et Noir cheeses, especially the brie and camembert. At the recent 2006 California State Fair Cheese Competition the Marin French Cheese Company won gold medals for its Chevre and Schlosskranz.

In existence in Petaluma for over 136 years, the Marin French Cheese Company makes the most of its Wine Country location on five lovely acres. Many people arrive for a picnic empty handed, walk into the store and purchase enough food (and wine) for a feast. Marin French also offers a cheese factory tour, which leads visitors through the cheese making process. Tours are offered seven days a week, between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., based upon staff availability.

They refer to their cheeses as “‘authentic French’ cheeses with a unique California style and flavor.” Except, of course, the milk is pasteurized. The Rouge et Noir cheeses I grew up with were only available in four types: Brie, Camembert, Schloss and Breakfast Cheese. But, with the surge in interest in gourmet products, Rouge et Noir cheeses can be found in many new varieties including Flavored Bries, Triple Creme Brie, La Petite Creme, Quark varieties and Creme Fraiche.

The Marin French Cheese Company also prides itself on the manner and means of production of its cheeses. According to its web site, the cheeses are “completely handmade and hand-packed.” They use milk that only comes from “100% BST free cows” that is delivered to the cheese factory daily from farms that are only a few miles away. They also pride themselves on the use of rainwater “from the pristine coastal hills is collected in holding ponds here on the ranch.” They purify the water in an onsite plant and produce their cheeses using that water exclusively.

Grocery stores in my area sell Rouge et Noir cheese in the specialty cheese case, but if you can’t make it out to the Wine Country, you can order Rouge et Noir cheeses online. If you do make a visit, stop by the Marin French Cheese Company, tour the factory, have a picnic and try some outstanding cheeses. Just don’t let your kids push each other into the lake. Please.