If you’re staying with us at The Bungalows at Calistoga, you’re already surrounded by some of Northern California’s most iconic wine country experiences. But for those who crave artisan flavors and handcrafted food, there’s another delicious path to follow—the California cheese trail that runs through our surrounding neighbors in Napa and Sonoma County.
From local markets to creameries, this self-guided adventure is perfect for a leisurely day trip or a weekend getaway built around flavor. Let’s begin right here in Calistoga.
First Stop:
Calistoga Farmers Market
1311 Washington Street, Calistoga, CA 94515
Saturdays | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Begin your morning with a stroll through the Calistoga Farmers Market, just steps from The Bungalows. The market offers a vibrant selection of local produce, small-batch cheeses, artisan breads, and gourmet snacks—ideal for assembling your charcuterie board.
Pick up cheeses, olives, and a freshly baked baguette to enjoy on your private patio or to pack for a picnic on your wine tasting adventures.
Next Stop:
Romeo Vineyards & Cellars
1224 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515
Open Daily 12 PM – 7 PM | Last Tasting at 5 PM
Mondays by reservation only
Just a short walk from the market, Romeo Vineyards offers a charming garden patio perfect for a mid-day tasting. Enhance your experience by pre-ordering one of their thoughtfully curated cheese boards ($30, serves 2–4).
Each board includes a selection of cheeses, salami, dried fruits, nuts, pickles, and crackers (gluten-free option available upon request). It’s a relaxing and elegant way to enjoy cheese and wine in the heart of downtown Calistoga.
Petaluma Area Stop:
Marin French Cheese Co.
7510 Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Road, Petaluma, CA 94952
Open daily: 10 am to 6 pm for summer hours and 9 am-5 pm for winter hours, except for major holidays.
Take a scenic drive west to visit Marin French Cheese Co., the oldest continuously operating cheese company in the United States. Since 1865, they’ve crafted soft ripened cheeses using locally sourced milk, honoring traditional techniques with a California twist.
Stop in for a tasting, pick up a picnic pack, and enjoy a quiet snack beside their on-site pond. This historic creamery is a must-visit for cheese lovers looking to taste heritage and craftsmanship in every bite.
Bonus Stop:
Petaluma Cheese Shop & Barber Cellars Winery
112 Washington Street, Petaluma, CA 94952
Monday–Wednesday: 11 AM – 3 PM
Thursday–Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
In downtown Petaluma, this shop offers an impressive array of local and international cheeses, charcuterie, and gourmet products. It’s also home to Barber Cellars Winery, where you can enjoy tastings of small-production, estate-grown wines.
Perfect for a light lunch or an afternoon snack, this stop offers plenty to taste—and to take home for your evening back at The Bungalows.
A British Twist:
WM Cofield Cheesemakers
6780 McKinley Street, Suite 110, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Open Monday, Thursday–Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
Located in The Barlow in Sebastopol, WM Cofield brings British-style cheesemaking to Sonoma County. Visitors can sample and purchase traditional British cheeses made on-site. The creamery also showcases a curated selection from neighboring cheesemakers, offering a broader journey through Sonoma’s artisan cheese scene.
Peek behind the scenes to see production in action—from milk vats to the aging room—and pick up a few wedges to continue your trail experience.
Final Stop:
Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery
14390 Valley Ford Road, Valley Ford, CA 94972
Wednesday–Friday: 8 AM – 3 PM
Saturday: 8 AM – 4 PM
Sunday: 8 AM – 3 PM
Closed Monday & Tuesday
Wrap up your journey along the Sonoma Coast at Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery. This family-run operation produces farmstead Italian-style cheeses made with milk from their own Jersey cows.
Start the day with coffee and a fresh Danish, or arrive mid-day for sandwiches, salads, and cheese boards. Their storefront also offers pre-packaged cheese assortments, snacks, and soft-serve ice cream—perfect for the drive home or one last indulgence before returning to Calistoga.
Pro Tip: Make It a Pairing
Back at The Bungalows at Calistoga, unwind with your favorite cheese finds and a bottle of local wine. Whether it’s a bold Napa Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, your suite or patio is the ideal place to savor the day’s discoveries.
No reservations required—just good cheese, great wine, and the comfort of your home away from home.
