5 Must-Stops for Cheese Lovers in Sonoma County

You don't have to wait until Valentine's Day to get real cheesy - just make a stop at one of these local cheese shops!

The Marin French Cheese Company Petite Breakfast Cheese was the original for the 150 year-old cheese company. This year the cheese is packaged under the label 1865 to commemorate the anniversary. (Photo by John Burgess

By Shannon Brown

In Sonoma County, you don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day to get real cheesy – just make a stop at one of these local cheese shops!

The Marin French Cheese Company Petite Breakfast Cheese was the original for the 150 year-old cheese company. This year the cheese is packaged under the label 1865 to commemorate the anniversary. (Photo by John Burgess
The Marin French Cheese Company Petite Breakfast Cheese is the original cheese for the 150 year-old cheese company. (John Burgess)

Bohemian Creamery in Sebastopol is a small shop offering a quick, inexpensive treat for cheese aficionados. Bring a group of friends and enjoy your cheese samples and the view on the outside patio overlooking the Laguna de Santa Rosa. They are open Friday through Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 7380 Occidental Rd, Sebastopol 95473, bohemiancreamery.com

Lisa Gottreich, cheesemaker of Bohemian Creamery, who makes some very creative cheeses from goat, sheep and cow's milk in a former milking barn in Sebastopol.
Lisa Gottreich, cheesemaker of Bohemian Creamery, makes creative cheeses from goat, sheep and cow’s milk in a former milking barn in Sebastopol. (Chris Hardy)

Just off the beaten path in Santa Rosa is Matos Cheese Factory. With its farm-like charm, this cheese shop creates a fitting atmosphere to enjoy their freshly-made cheeses. The public is welcome to stop by for a sample  9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 3669 Llano Road, Santa Rosa 95407, 707-584-5283, visit on Facebook

Petaluma is no stranger to cheese. Petaluma Creamery, with a variety of Spring Hill Jersey Cheese, is a great to bring the family as it offers more than just cheese — handmade ice cream is also on the menu for anyone with a sweet tooth. They open bright and early at 6 a.m. Monday through Sunday and close at 7 p.m. 621 Western Ave, Petaluma 94952, 707-762-3446, petalumacreamerycheeseshop.com

After viewing the cheese-making process at Marin French Cheese Factory west of Petaluma,visitors can picnic with a view of scenic rolling hills next to the cheese factory's pond.(PRESS DEMOCRAT/MARK ARONOFF).
After viewing the cheese-making process at Marin French Cheese Factory west of Petaluma, visitors can picnic with a view of scenic rolling hills next to the cheese factory’s pond. (Mark Aronoff)

Another popular spot in Petaluma is Marin French Cheese. Founded in 1865, this retail shop is a go-to for those looking to grab a bite to eat, a bottle of wine and a take home cheese treat. A picnic by the cheese factory’s pond is highly recommended. They are open rain or shine Monday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. 7510 Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd, Petaluma 94952, 707-762-6001, marinfrenchcheese.com

Vella Cheese Co., located in a small, brick building in downtown Sonoma, sells their cheeses at affordable prices fit for anyone’s budget. Their famous variety of Monterey Jack cheeses are a hit among locals. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 – 6 p.m. 315 2nd St E, Sonoma 95476, 800-848-0505, visit on Facebook.