What Cowgirl Creamery Is

Cowgirl Creamery is a cheese maker and retailer based in Marin County, California, that produces and sells artisanal cheeses, along with other specialty foods like butter, yogurt, and prepared items. The company operates a physical retail location called the Cowgirl Creamery Cheese Shop in San Francisco's Ferry Building Marketplace, and also sells products online and through mail order. They are known for making washed-rind cheeses like Mt. Tam and Red Hawk, which have a distinctive smell and creamy texture.

The company started in the 1990s as a small operation and has grown into a recognized name in American artisanal cheese. If you are looking to order cheese from them, you can do so directly through their website, visit their retail location in person, or find their products at other specialty food shops and farmers markets.

Key Takeaways

  • Cowgirl Creamery sells both their own cheeses and other specialty products through their website, retail shop, and mail order.
  • Their signature products are washed-rind cheeses that have a strong aroma but creamy, mild flavor inside.
  • You can order online for delivery or mail order, or visit their Ferry Building location in San Francisco to buy in person.
  • Cheese orders shipped by mail are packed with ice packs to keep them cool during transit.
  • Prices vary by cheese type and quantity, and specialty or seasonal cheeses may cost more than year-round varieties.

How to Order Online or by Mail

Cowgirl Creamery's website lets you browse their current cheese selection, read descriptions of each cheese, and place an order for mail delivery. You create an account, add items to your cart, and proceed to checkout. Shipping is available to most U.S. states, though some states have restrictions on cheese shipment due to food regulations.

When you order, the company packs your cheese with ice packs in an insulated box to keep it cool during shipping. Delivery time depends on your location and the shipping method you choose at checkout. Cheese is perishable, so mail orders are typically shipped early in the week to avoid weekend delays at the carrier's facility.

Visiting the Ferry Building Location

Cowgirl Creamery has a retail shop inside the Ferry Building Marketplace at One Ferry Building in San Francisco. This is their main public location, and you can walk in to browse their full selection of cheeses, taste samples, and ask staff questions about the products. The Ferry Building is a public market with many other food vendors, so you can combine a cheese visit with other shopping.

The shop is open most days, though hours vary by season. You can check their website or call ahead to confirm hours before you visit. Staff at the retail location can recommend cheeses based on your taste preferences and tell you about current inventory.

Understanding Their Cheese Types and Pricing

Cowgirl Creamery makes several signature cheeses, each with its own flavor profile and price. Their washed-rind cheeses—like Mt. Tam, Red Hawk, and Inverness Blue—are their most well-known products. These cheeses have a pungent smell (which is normal for this style) but a mild, creamy taste. They also produce other styles, including fresh cheeses and aged varieties.

Prices depend on the cheese type, the size of the piece you order, and whether it is a seasonal or year-round product. Specialty or limited-production cheeses typically cost more than their core lineup. When you order online, the website shows the price per item before you check out, so you know the total cost before you commit.

Shipping and Storage After Delivery

Cheese arrives in an insulated box with ice packs. When your order arrives, open it right away and move the cheese to your refrigerator. Most of Cowgirl Creamery's cheeses should be stored in the coldest part of your fridge, usually the back of a shelf or a dedicated cheese drawer if you have one. Keep them in their original packaging or wrap them loosely in parchment paper to let them breathe.

Washed-rind cheeses are best eaten within a week or two of arrival, while harder aged cheeses last longer. The packaging or product description on the website will tell you the shelf life of each cheese. If a cheese arrives damaged or melted, contact Cowgirl Creamery's customer service with a photo, and they can discuss a replacement or refund.

Finding Cowgirl Creamery Products Elsewhere

In addition to ordering directly, you can find Cowgirl Creamery cheeses at specialty food shops, high-end grocery stores, and farmers markets in California and other regions. Whole Foods and similar retailers sometimes carry their products. If you want to buy in person but cannot visit San Francisco, searching for "Cowgirl Creamery" plus your city may show you local retailers that stock their cheeses.

Prices at third-party retailers may differ from the company's direct website, and selection varies by location. Buying directly from Cowgirl Creamery ensures you get the full range of their products and current inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Cowgirl Creamery cheese to be shipped outside the United States?

International shipping is not currently offered through their website. You would need to contact them directly to ask about special orders or international options. Some specialty food import services may carry their products, but this varies by country.

What should I do if my cheese arrives melted or damaged?

Contact Cowgirl Creamery's customer service as soon as you receive the order and include a photo of the damage. They will work with you on a replacement or refund. This is why opening the box right away and refrigerating the cheese promptly matters—it protects both the product and your recourse if something goes wrong.

Are Cowgirl Creamery cheeses made with raw milk?

Some of their cheeses are made with raw milk and some with pasteurized milk. The product description on their website or the label on the cheese will tell you which type was used. If you have a preference or dietary restriction, check before you order.

Can I visit the Ferry Building shop without buying anything?

Yes. The Ferry Building is a public marketplace and the Cowgirl Creamery shop is open to browsers. Staff are happy to let you taste samples and answer questions about the cheeses, even if you do not make a purchase that day.

How long does mail delivery usually take?

Delivery time depends on your location and the shipping method you choose. Most orders arrive within three to five business days of shipment. The website will give you an estimated delivery window at checkout based on your zip code.