When I submitted this issue’s story about a local company that offers guests the opportunity to participate in an old-fashioned grape stomp to our longtime copy editor, for fun I attached the image of me stomping grapes that is on the cover. Along with his edits, he sent back a note calling me “the George Plimpton of Edibility.” Of course I had heard of the acclaimed journalist and author but I had to do a bit of research to understand the specific reference. Apparently Plimpton was known for, among other things, his “participatory journalism.”
The association tickled me, and prompted me to reflect back on the last now 10+ years of publishing Edible Marin & Wine Country with an eye toward the many culinary-related experiences I have been blessed to actually participate in while planning our editorial.
From multiple outings to forage for wild mushrooms on the Marin and Sonoma coasts, to cruising Tomales Bay with the shellfish farmers of Hog Island Oyster Company, judging pies at the Marin Country Mart farmers’ market each fall, eating dried crickets on Mexico’s Riviera Maya (after imbibing mucho mezcal…), diving for abalone in the frigid Pacific, cooking duck egg omelets in my kitchen with Sammy “the Red Rocker” Hagar, to stomping grapes in Napa, it has been an extraordinary gift to have the opportunity to actively immerse myself in the stories of the good food and drink that are produced and enjoyed in our area and beyond.
The great news for you, our readers, is that many of the farmers, ranchers, cheesemakers, distillers, chefs, winemakers, brewers and other food artisans in our area offer visitors—not just magazine editors— the opportunity for hands-on experiences. To me, this is one of the best things about living in a region so dedicated to the local production of good food and drink. Check out the Edible Events Calendar in this and every issue for an extensive list of tours, classes, 
workshops and communal meals that provide an opportunity for your own “participatory journalism,” then share your experience with us—we might even publish your story!
