Stepladder Creamery

Cheesemaker
Tour Operator

(805) 395-3015

By Appointment Only

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Stepladder was originally founded in 1870 as a cattle ranch and part of the Harmony Valley Creamery Association. To this day, most of our 750 acre property is still free range grazing land. The property changed hands several times over the century, before Jack and Beverly Russell of the current operating family acquired it in the 1980s.

Jack and Beverly planted 40 acres of Hass avocados, which are visible from most places close to the creamery and goat pens. We have a unique subtropical microclimate in this valley, which allows us to grow a wide variety of crops. We grow over 200 varieties of citrus and subtropical fruits, including passion fruit, dragon fruit, guavas, bananas, and coffee. We also have one vacation rental which are available for rent.


Jack Russell passed away about 10+ years ago and the property was left to his three daughters and their families. His grandson, Jack Rudolph now operates the ranch with his wife Michelle.

About 6 years ago, Jack and Michelle turned their hobby interest in farmstead cheesemaking into a licensed creamery operation. Starting with a small herd of 10 goats, we began by making a couple types of goat cheese. With each passing season our herd has grown, as has the variety of goat and cow’s milk cheeses we now produce in our creamery.

Available Cheesemakers

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Hours

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We do our best to keep this info up-to-date, but hours are subject to change without notice. It's always a good idea to confirm availability by calling or checking their website before your next visit.

Certifications & Memberships

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Milk Types Offered

Cow

Cow

Goat

Goat

Classes Offered

Tours Offered

Stepladder Creamery offers private creamery tours by appointment that are a wonderful way to get to know their friendly herd of LaMancha goats and tour their creamery facility and milking parlor that were both built inside of the ranch's historic 100-year old barn. The private tours are 1-hour long and will give you a unique and personalized opportunity to see what’s happening inside of the creamery. Learn about and witness cheesemaking in action, and conclude your tour with a tasting of their seasonal goat or cow cheeses. If you visit in the Spring, you will get to meet the baby goats and help bottle feed the kids! Starting at $25 per person ($100 minimum). Visit the website for more information.

Available At Participating Retailers

Clement Street Farmer's Market (Sunday)
San Francisco
Oakland Grand Lake Farmers Market (Saturday)
Oakland
Stonestown Farmers Market
San Francisco
Marin Civic Center Farmers Market (Sunday)
San Rafael
Marin Civic Center Farmers Market (Thursday)
San Rafael

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