11th Annual Edible Gift Guide
MIRACLE PLUM
Sometimes, popcorn for dinner is exactly what you want—so make it the best popcorn ever. That’s Napa-based Rancho Gordo’s Crimson Popping Corn, and Santa Rosa's Miracle Plum has it all wrapped up, with the fixings. And, of course, “dinner” would not be complete without a bottle of wine. Miracle Plum’s wine selection focuses on low intervention and natural wine, including Raft, made by our friend Jennifer Reichardt! The Popcorn for Dinner box is one of several gift boxes, curated for real life by the folks at Miracle Plum, that we would love to find under the tree at our house this season!
The holidays are here again… Cue the continual loop of Christmas songs, classic movie marathons and hours spent in the kitchen preparing family-favorite dishes. And—the search for the perfect gift for everyone on your list. We understand that holiday shopping fatigue is real, and we want you to have more time to actually enjoy the season, so we’ve made conscious, and delicious, gifting easier by scouting around Edible Marin & Wine Country for unique and exceptional products and experiences offered by local food and drink producers, artisans and hospitality providers, and are excited to gift this list of our favorites to our readers!
Cheers to you and yours this holiday season—may it be filled with good folks and great food and drink!
SUGAR & SPICE
Edibles and potables to please every palate, from apéro hour to sweet endings.
BALLETTO VINEYARDS
From gift sets to special magnums, estate-grown wines from Russian River Valley’s family-owned Balletto Vineyards are always in good taste.
BallettoVineyards.com
NUGGET MARKET
From pure organic honey and maple syrup to artisan chocolate and more, Nugget Market’s Fresh to Market products make great gourmet gift s for food-obsessed friends and family (though you may want to get extra for yourself!)
NuggetMarket.com
WINES THAT DELIVER
Marin Country history meets exceptional micro-lot wines from family-owned vineyards, all delivered to their door by Wines That Deliver, a bespoke wine delivery service owned by Patrick McNeil. This year, McNeil is offering a special wine named after his grandmother Ellen, born in Nicasio in 1899.
WinesThatDeliver.com
STEMPLE CREEK
A box full of grass-fed and grass-finished meats is sure to delight the dedicated carnivore on your list. Includes four award-winning ribeyes, pasture raised Smoked Maple Bacon and a Stemple Creek Ranch apron.
StempleCreek.com
MARTIN RAY WINERY
A membership to Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery’s wine club is the gift that keeps on giving—all year long.
MartinRayWinery.com/wine-club/join
FLOUR CRAFT
Flourcraft's Original Maple Pecan Granola has a cult-worthy, sweet-salty crunch that any snack-addict will go nuts over.
FlourCraftBakery.com
SPINDRIFT
Bubbly, fresh and made with real fruit, Spindrift is the perfect nonalcoholic, yet festive, offering at holiday parties!
SpindriftFresh.com
FABRIQUE DELICES
Local charcuterie producer Fabrique Delices makes a home-cooked meal during the holiday rush as easy as it is delicious with their pre-cooked Duck Confit, ready to crisp up at home. Find this and Fabrique Delices’ other artisan crafted French-style charcuterie at local grocers, the Marin Civic Center Farmers’ Market, and online through Good Eggs.
FabriqueDelices.com
COWGIRL CREAMERY
Looking for the perfect end to any gathering? Cowgirl Creamery has curated a trio of delicious cheese pairings to finish the feast in three brand new dessert box offerings. Order for shipment right to their (or your own!) door.
Shop.CowgirlCreamery.com/products/the-dessert-course
PATAGONIA PROVISIONS
Perfect for picnics, backcountry treks or even entertaining at home, Patagonia Provisions’ array of beautifully packaged gift boxes deliver sustainable goodness.
PatagoniaProvisions.com
CLIF FAMILY FARM
Clif Family Farm’s Winter Preserve Trip features seasonal fruit preserves made from fruit grown on Clif Family’s organic Napa Valley farm.
ClifFamily.com
SALUTE SANTÉ
As seen in the December 2019 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, this gift set includes five infused grapeseed oils: roasted garlic, lemon, basil, chili and white truffle. For the cook who is obsessive about ingredients. Move over, canola oil!
GrapeseedOil.com
OAKVILLE GROCERY
Bring the heart of Napa Valley and a taste of California’s longest continually operating grocery store to loved ones this holiday season with Oakville Grocery’s proprietary fig balsamic vinegar, Napa Valley rub, fleur de sel, olive oil and basil olive oil in a premium gift box.
OakvilleGrocery.com
SATORI CHOCOLATES
Perfect for the beginner or aficionado, Satori’s microdosed cannabis chocolates deliver a light, controllable buzz—and are made in Sonoma County using real fruits and nuts.
SatoriChocolates.com
TAYLOR LANE COFFEE
A perfect way to share a warm cup of Sonoma County with the coffee lovers on your list, Taylor Lane Organic Coffee is now offering customizable gift boxes! Choose three cans, or create a mixed set with a diner mug or Hydro Flask. Available at Taylor Lane’s cozy cafés in Sebastopol and Petaluma.
TaylorLane.com
MONARCH BITTERS
Monarch Bitters offers artisanal, small batch, handcrafted bitters, syrups and infusion kits, perfect for holiday festivities and gift giving! Available online and at their new Monarch Apothecary in Petaluma.
MonarchApothecaryAndTrading.com
EQUATOR COFFEES
For the one who doesn’t skip their morning cup—and is extremely choosy about what goes in it—Equator Coffees has it wrapped!
EquatorCoffees.com
RUSTIC BAKERY
Handcrafted, organic gingerbread cookies and holiday treats from Marin’s Rustic Bakery are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth— even Santa’s.
RusticBakery.com
STRAUS
Straus Family Creamery’s Organic Eggnog is deliciously rich and creamy with the perfect touch of nutmeg. Only five simple organic ingredients make it a classic holiday favorite worth waiting all year for! We’ll let you decide whether or not to add the bourbon!
StrausFamilyCreamery.com
MAKE HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING EASIER
Because a party’s no fun if the hosts are too busy to enjoy themselves, too, here are a few tricks to have up your sleeve that will make the holidays practically stress-free—and definitely delicious.
SONOMA MARKET
Serve all your festive favorites without spending hours in the kitchen, thanks to the expert chefs at Sonoma Market.
SonomaMarket.net
HEIDRUN MEADERY
Heidrun Meadery’s exquisitely sparkling and refreshingly dry varietal honey wines are produced in Point Reyes using the traditional Methode Champenoise—and their exotic varietal honeys are the perfect cheese plate accompaniment. Heidrun is open for tours and shopping, or look for their mead at local grocers.
HeidrunMeadery.com
MILL VALLEY MARKET
Liven it up with authentic Mexican catering by Cocina Josefina, for an extra festive fiesta this year.
MillValleyMarket.com
HOG ISLAND
Hogs for the Holidays! No bar is more welcome at a holiday gathering than an in-home oyster bar. Mail order oysters available for Christmas (order by 12/20, 4pm) and New Year’s (order by 12/27, 4pm). Ships via FedEx direct from Hog Island’s oyster farm on Tomales Bay to their door, or yours.
HogIslandOysters.com
POINT REYES FARMSTEAD
Wow them with three unique-flavored versions of Point Reyes Farmstead Creamery’s award-winning Toma, consistently the star of the cheese platter. Introducing TomaProvence with rosemary, marjoram & thyme; TomaTruffle with earthy truffles, and TomaRashi with Shichimi Togarashi spice blend, alongside the classic Toma. Just add crackers and you’ve got a cheese plate going!
PointReyesCheese.com
FOODNIKS
The housemade biscuits at Foodniks have reached cult status, and rightfully so. Get ’em while they’re hot (errr, frozen by the dozen) at Foodniks in the Cove Shopping Center in Tiburon.
Foodniks.com
MOLLIE STONE’S
Mollie Stone’s complete catered holiday feasts deliver effortless entertaining.
MollieStones.com
INDULGE THEM
Luxury comes in many forms. Whether it’s a day at the spa, a beautiful new bauble or a puff of something to lift their spirits, we’ve rounded up a handful of ways to really “elevate” that special someone on your list. And this is a friendly reminder to add yourself to your holiday gifting list, too!
THE GIRL AND THE FIG
The Girl and the Fig’s signature body products have been reformulated with organic ingredients and a lighter feel to nourish any skin type, and come in three different ingredient combinations: Wild Fig, Fig & Orange, Fig & Olive. Shop online or in the restaurant and wine bar on the Sonoma Plaza.
GirlFigStore.com
PINE STREET INTERIORS
Deliver the gift of a better night’s sleep courtesy of an 100% organic pillow from Sausalito’s Pine Street Natural Interiors. The gift that keeps on giving 365 nights a year.
PineStreetInteriors.com
ALIX & CO
Need we say more? Alix & Co in downtown Mill Valley offers one-of-a-kind pieces designed by local master jewelers.
AlixAndCompany.com
YOGAWORKS
Know a yogi or yogini? Drop by the Mill Valley, Novato, Larkspur or SF locations of yoga mecca YogaWorks to pick up yoga apparel, special props or gift cards for classes and workshops.
YogaWorks.com
ROC PILATES
Give the gift of strength and balance through pilates. ROC Pilates offers a wide variety of class and private packages just in time to help them tackle those New Year’s resolutions.
ROC-Pilates.com
NOW POWER YOGA
Outfit your favorite yogi or yogini in the hottest new exercise wear at NOW Power Yoga in Corte Madera. Yoga bliss is the gift that keeps on giving.
NowPower.yoga
ONA LIFE
What could be more luxurious than couture cannabis, delivered right to their door? Let the experts at brother-and-sister-owned Ona Life guide you on your path to a more elevated holiday season.
Ona.Life/menu
RESONANCE SPA & WELLNESS
Let the health and wellness experts at Resonance Spa and Wellness in Corte Madera guide you through their unique and excellent selection of non-psychoactive and highly effective CBD remedies. We are BIG fans of their CBD, magnesium and goat milk bath treatments in a variety of bliss-inducing aromas. A massage, facial, acupuncture or sound bath treatment from Resonance would also make a wonderful gift.
ResonanceMarin.com
MARGARET O’LEARY
Search no further, designer Margaret O’Leary has the perfect gift for everyone on your list who appreciates the finer things. From ultra-luxe cashmere sweaters to these fingerless gloves, they have you covered. Complimentary gift wrapping at MOL boutiques in Mill Valley, SF, Berkeley, Burlingame and Palo Alto.
MargaretOleary.com
MATTHEW CARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY
For the art collector, there’s nothing like a fresh print. We love the work of local photographer Matthew Carden to brighten up a room with something beautiful and unexpected.
MatthewCarden.com
EVA CLAIBORNE
Pamper them with a treatment from master esthetician Eva Claiborne, trained in the Hungarian tradition of highly effective skincare therapy.
TiburonSkincare.com
HOTEL HEALDSBURG
A full weekend of relaxation awaits at Hotel Healdsburg, right on the Plaza. Spend the afternoon in high style at Holiday High Tea offered every Saturday & Sunday afternoon in December, or enjoy a rejuvenating Meyer Lemon Sage Massage or Wine and Honey Wrap featuring custom products crafted from local Sonoma County farms at The Spa.
HotelHealdsburg.com
LA VIE RUSTIC
Something from Edible Marin & Wine Country regular contributor Georgeanne Brennan’s online French culinary marketplace is sure to having them saying Merci beaucoup! These vintage stoneware escargot cups are très magnifique!
LaVieRustic.com
AN AFTERNOON IN THE LUMBER YARD
Mill Valley’s new hot spot for good eats and unique finds, the Mill Valley Lumber Yard is your one-stop “get it done” destination this holiday season. In the shadow of gorgeous Mt. Tamalpais, it’s the perfect place to meet friends for shopping and good cheer. The Lumber Yard’s shops and restaurants are open every day, but mark your calendars for December 14 when Makers Market will host 15 local makers and the Lumber Yard will be filled with live music, delicious treats and crafts for kids sponsored by Once Around craft store—to keep them occupied while you shop! MillValleyLumberYard.com
FARM HOUSE URBAN
A designer’s dream—this shop is bursting with hand-selected pieces and stylish decor updates. Our pick this year is a set of French flatware.
MAKESHOP
Makeshop is a place to do just that—make and shop. Here you will find creative, colorful and playful gifts from their favorite designers, or try your hand at making your own. Through December 31, drop in to shop the holiday theme, “’Tis the Season,” featuring holiday-oriented gifts and decor to make and take home.
BLOOMINGAYLES
Crystals, succulents, flowers, wreaths and vintage treasures sure to brighten up their home during the holidays and beyond.
AMBATALIA
Featured in this issue for owner Molly DeVries’ commitment to a “non-disposable lifestyle,” this gem of a shop is our go-to for all-natural nontoxic self-care products that do good for the body and the planet.
ONCE AROUND
Curated crafts for any age. From art materials to classes, Once Around has everyhing the craft lover in your life could possibly desire.
LULU DESIGNS
Meaningful gifts and beautiful jewelry that will add serious sparkle to the holidays.
FLOUR CRAFT
100% gluten-free treats, “fancy toasts,” seasonal salads and warming drinks including Equator coffee and turmeric lattes. A great place for holiday pies and custom-cakes, too.
BOL SUPERFOOD CAFÉ
Superfood bowls that nourish the soul and body.
WATERSHED
Serving lunch daily and dinner Wednesday–Sunday, Watershed MV offers locally sourced, seasonal fare by Chef Kyle Swain, profiled in this issue of Edible Marin & Wine Country.
THE EDIT
Outfit her in style, from cozy sweaters to chic handbags.
MAD DOGS & ENGLISHMEN
Incentive to bike to the Lumber Yard: Mad Dogs is offering complimentary tune-ups during the month of December! Outing idea for visiting family and friends— the shop offers guided tours and bike rentals.
A DAY AT THE BARLOW
While away the day away at Sebastopol’s 12-acre outdoor market district featuring local food, wine, beer, spirits and crafts made by local artisans. While all it takes is an aimless wander to enjoy this locavore haven, we’ve crafted the perfect Day at The Barlow that will ensure you find something perfect for everyone on your list along the way. TheBarlow.net
GALLERY 300
A contemporary art gallery representing painters and sculptors from across the Bay Area. With pieces for every price point, they make art ownership possible for everyone.
SPIRIT WORKS DISTILLERY
Put them in the holiday spirit with locally made libations from Spirit Works Distillery. Choose any of their handcrafted spirits for a custom cocktail gift set.
LORI AUSTEN GALLERY
Featuring works by Bay Area and national artists, as well as a premier collection of contemporary Shona sculpture from Zimbabwe. We’re especially loving the fair trade Zulu Wire Baskets from South Africa.
GOLDEN STATE CIDER
Give them a different kind of sparkle this year—Brut Cider from Golden State Cider is made with 100% fresh-pressed apples and Champagne yeast. Visit the tasting room in The Barlow to try before you buy.
CALIFORNIA SISTER
If you aren’t a plant parent already, get ready: You’re about to become one. Aside from beautiful blooms and spectacular succulents, this beautiful boutique features an array of locally crafted bath and body products, decor and holiday cards.
KOSHŌ RESTAURANT
Reward yourself for crossing so many gifts off your list with a delicious lunch or dinner at this modern Japanese spot serving the finest sushi and other dishes crafted using locally sourced ingredients.
EXPERIENCES
Our area is world-renowned for its natural beauty and delicious “pit stops” along the road less traveled. Here’s a selection of our favorite ways to get out there, from full-on weekend getaways to easy day trips.
INN AT THE TIDES
Wake up with the sounds of seals and watch the tide roll away at this rustic yet elegant inn in Bodega Bay.
InnAtTheTides.com
PATISSERIE ANGELICA
Celebrate the holidays in European elegance with a West County High Tea experience offered at Sebastopol’s Patisserie Angelica. Reservations required. Gift certificates also available.
PatisserieAngelica.com
DILLON BEACH RESORT
Escape to the coast to eat, stay and play the weekend away at our new favorite staycation destination in Dillon Beach. Enjoy a delicious meal at DBR’s Coastal Kitchen, a stay in one of the impeccably designed and luxuriously outfitted cottages or “tiny homes,” and enjoy the surf and sand on the mile of private beach at your doorstep.
DillonBeachResort.com
CIA AT GREYSTONE & COPIA
Give the gift of travel and delicious eats without ever leaving Napa Valley! Discover the story of the world’s smallest chef through a six-course dinner as he travels around the globe creating dishes inspired by Marco Polo’s journey along the Silk Road, as 3D technology projects on the table.
CiaAtCopia.com/le-petit-chef
FOOD & FARM TOURS
A culinary adventure with Food & Farm Tours is the perfect gift for the foodie in your life. Choose from their most popular Flavors of West Marin Tour, Cheese or Oyster Lover’s tours, or create your own custom adventure. Includes behind-the-scenes tours and exclusive tastings at the region’s best artisan food producers.
FoodAndFarmTours.com
DUE WEST AT OLEMA HOUSE
Treat them to a staycation at the newly and gorgeously renovated Olema House in West Marin. Before you slip under the luxurious covers, savor a locally sourced and expertly prepared meal at the inn’s full-service restaurant, Due West. Wake up the next morning refreshed and ready to pick up provisions at Due West Market, Olema House’s reimagined roadside market that serves as a one-stop-shop for locals and adventurers alike, featuring a full service coffee bar, chef-crafted on-the-go bites, eclectic gifts and everybody’s favorite picnic essentials.
OlemaHouse.com / DueWestPointReyes.com
NICK’S COVE
A must-stop spot on Highway 1, this coastal getaway is perfect for a weekend staycation. In-room massages, kayaking, paddleboarding, bocce ball, oyster demos and the not-to-be-missed drink in the boat shack await.
NicksCove.com
HEALDSBURG TASTEMAKER WEEKEND
Treat them to the first-ever Healdsburg Tastemaker Weekend, January 24–26, 2020. Everything from authentic Italian wine cave dinners to wine blending classes, guided trail runs and pastry making… the ultimate gift for the foodie, wine and outdoor enthusiast on your holiday list.
StayHealdsburg.com
TAKE THEM OUT
Dining-out gift certificates make the perfect gift for bosses, teachers, coaches and anyone else on your list who deserves a night out on the town. We highly recommend these #loyaltolocal dining hot spots!
HANDLINE
Handline.com
FERN BAR
FernBar.com
WILLOW WOOD
WillowWoodGraton.com
UNDERWOOD
UnderwoodGraton.com
COCHON VOLANT
CochonVolantBBQ.com
CA’MOMI
CaMomiOsteria.com
GUESTHOUSE
GuesthouseMarin.com
BOOTJACK
BootjackWoodFired.com
PIAZZA D’ANGELO
PiazzaDangelo.com
SHORELINE COFFEE SHOP
ShorelineCoffeeShop.com
PIATTI
MillValley.Piatti.com
MEET US AT THE MART
Marin County’s unique outdoor shopping village is home to a bevy of independent shops, eateries and boutique fitness and relaxation options that all offer the perfect opportunity to pick up a present for everyone on your list. But the true secret to making the most of the holidays at the Mart is their full schedule of community events that will provide you and yours with memories for years to come. Save the dates this year for:
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY & OPEN HOUSE
December 5
SPIRITED MARIN COMMUNITY DINNER WITH A FORK FULL OF EARTH
December 5
SPIRITED MARIN HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE
December 7 & 8
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION WITH WHOVILLE SINGERS, SPECIAL GUEST & SURPRISES
December 14
COMPLIMENTARY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS WITH SANTA
December 7, 14, 21
HANUKKAH CELEBRATION WITH CENTER FOR JEWISH PEOPLEHOOD
December 23
PERMANENT COLLECTION POP-UP
through December 24
THE GARDENER STORE POP-UP
through December 24
MarinCountryMart.com/events & on Instagram: @marincountrymart
GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK
While it is always our mission to champion local good food and drink producers, and other individuals and businesses who support them, this year it feels even more crucial to be #loyaltolocal. Yet another devastating fire season reinforced the critical need for us to come together to fight climate change, and to be there for each other. This section of the Edible Gift Guide offers a handful of ways to give back this season.
AMIGOS DE LAS AMERICAS & EQUATOR COFFEES
Since 1971, the local chapter of Amigos de las Américas has been providing Marin County teens with unique summer opportunities to live with a host family and work side by side with locals in a Latin American community. Over 40% of the trip costs are funded through the nonprofit’s annual Ruby Red Grapefruit sale, and this year Equator Coffees is offering a special Marin Amigos blend to benefit the group. Order online at AmigosMarinFundraising.org
PETALUMA HOME & GARDEN
These great looking Sonoma-proud and 100% recyclable jute fiber bags with waterproof lining and reinforced leather handles are made to carry more than their weight— designer Apolis provides fair-trade wages to the Bangladeshi women who make them.
PetalumaHomeAndGarden.com
SHOP AT LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKETS
Supporting local farmers, ranchers and other food and drink producers is the mission of this magazine—365 days a year. You will find these fine folks at the year-round farmers’ markets in our area, rain or shine, this winter, so don’t forget about them for all of your holiday shopping needs. From flowers for table settings, to seafood, meats, cheeses, prepared foods, baked goods and gorgeous winter produce, you’ll find abundant offerings in the markets, along with lots of good cheer. For a list of year-round markets, see the Featured Farmers’ Market Directory in this and every issue of Edible Marin & Wine Country.
HALTER PROJECT
Touch the heart of the animal lover in your life by making a donation in their name to the HALTER Project. The Sonoma-based organization provides training and information for first responders and community members for animal emergencies, from natural disasters to traffic incidents—keeping our animals and agricultural community safe and prepared.
HalterProject.com
SPIRITED MARIN
For the person who loves to shop locally, consciously and charitably, Spirited Marin gift boxes are packed with local goodness generously donated to raise money for 2019 Spirited Marin beneficiaries: Integrated Community Services, Turning Green and Youth In Arts. Boxes for Home, Host, Baby, Beauty, Morning and four different DYI Organic Cookie Kits are available at the Spirited Marin Holiday Marketplace at the Marin Country Mart December 7 & 8.
SpiritedMarin.org
VISIT HEALDSBURG
One of the towns most affected by this year’s fire season evacuations and power outages, Healdsburg is still beautiful as ever—and worth a visit (or three) this season! Sip a locally produced wine, beer, cider or spirit in one of the area’s many tasting rooms, enjoy a delicious meal in a world-class restaurant and stay awhile in one of Healdsburg’s uniquely luxurious (and environmentally conscious) hotel properties. A weekend getaway to this Wine Country gem is the perfect gift for someone you truly love—including yourself!
VisitHealdsburg.com
And last, but certainly not least, we think a gift subscription to Edible Marin & Wine Country always makes the perfect gift! It’s easy to order online and we’ll include your gift note with their first issue. EdibleMarinAndWineCountry.com
